Scientist III Stem cell-derived chronic kidney disease models

Merck & Co.; Ridgefield (CT); On-site; USD 85,000 - 125,000; Full time

Job summary

Merck & Co. in Ridgefield, CT is seeking an experienced scientist to conduct routine and non-routine in vitro studies with minimal supervision. The role involves literature-driven assay design, collaboration, and training of junior staff, while maintaining comprehensive lab notes and adhering to regulatory standards.

The candidate will interpret results, propose follow-up experiments, and contribute to drug discovery efforts through written reports and active participation in team discussions.

Qualifications

• Master's degree with 3+ years' experience in related scientific discipline; non-PhD preferred.
• Bachelor's degree with 7+ years' experience in related field; pharmaceutical/biotech/CRO experience desirable.
• Ability to operate laboratory equipment independently and draft technical reports.
• Proven problem-solving ability and effective written/verbal communication.

Responsibilities

• Initiates and completes routine in vitro studies independently and interprets outcomes.
• Designs and executes non-routine cell-based and biochemical assays based on literature analyses.
• Keeps abreast of literature and extracts relevant information for protocols.
• Operates and maintains lab equipment; troubleshoots as needed.
• Proposes new experiments and technologies; contributes to training technicians and junior scientists.
• Communicates results effectively in protocols, reports, and meetings.
• Maintains high integrity of data and electronic lab notebooks; adheres to SOPs and safety policies.
• Supports business operations with weekend time commitment (2–4 hours).

Skills

Cell culture

Molecular biology

Data analysis

Scientific writing

Collaborative work

Education

Master's Degree in related field

Bachelor's Degree in related field

Job description

Duties:

• Initiates and completes routine in vitro studies in an independent, efficient, and timely manner, without supervision. Interprets the outcome of those experiments and proposes appropriate follow-up independently; troubleshoots effectively.
• Designs and executes non-routine cell-based in vitro and biochemical assays based on literature analyses; conducts exploratory experiments with minimal supervision.
• Independently applies basic scientific principles, performs literature searches and extracts relevant information from literature and published protocols, attends scientific meetings, and keeps abreast of literature in own field.
• Independently operates and is responsible for lab equipment and maintenance; troubleshoots effectively.
• Proposes new experiments/technologies based on science as well as overall understanding of drug discovery/development process; Demonstrates expertise in field and contributes to training technicians and junior level scientists
• Communicates and defends their own work in the context of team and department goals effectively both orally and in writing; writes protocols, procedures, and technical reports; provides input for scientific reports.
• Reports and treats data with a high level of integrity and ethics. Maintains accurate and up-to-date electronic lab notebooks.
• Complies with applicable regulations, performing all work in a safe and compliant manner; maintaining proper records in accordance with Standard Operating Procedures and policies.

This role includes a recurring commitment of approximately 2-4 hours each weekend to support business operations. Scheduling is flexible and can typically be completed at a time that works best for the employee.

Skills:

• Experience in aseptic mammalian tissue culture techniques and basic molecular biology techniques including nucleic acid extraction, RT-PCR, Western Blot, ELISA, transfection is required. Experimental design, execution, and interpretation in these areas will be required.
• Experience in human pluripotent stem cell culture is desired.
• Proven problem-solving ability and eagerness to learn. Ability to evaluate new technologies and assist in incorporating them into our research.
• Written and verbal communication skills: concise and accurate reporting of technical data and information
• Proficiency with computers and data analysis software such as Microsoft Excel and GraphPad Prism.
• Ability and willingness to work effectively in a highly collaborative environment.

Education:

• Master's Degree with 3+ years' experience in related scientific discipline or Bachelor's Degree with 7+ years' experience in related scientific discipline or equivalent experience in related field; pharmaceutical, biotechnology or CRO experience is highly desirable; non-PhD applicant required.
• Supplemental technical courses in area of expertise
• Ability to operate laboratory equipment with independence
• Ability to draft technical reports
• Demonstrate written and verbal communication skills
• Concise and accurate reporting of technical data and interpretation thereof
• Proven problem-solving ability
• Able to act for supervisor in his/her absence
• Appropriate level of understanding of applicable regulations