Senior Immunology Scientist: Target Discovery & Translation

Merck & Co.; Cambridge (MA); On-site; USD 119,000 - 188,000; Full time

Job summary

Merck & Co. in Cambridge, MA is seeking a senior immunology scientist to advance inflammatory and autoimmune disease programs. You will design and execute experiments, interpret complex data, and collaborate across departments to translate discoveries into therapies.

The role emphasizes primary human immune cell work, advanced cellular assays, and cross-functional teamwork, with opportunities to influence program direction and contribute to a diverse, inclusive culture.

Qualifications

• B.Sc. in Biological Sciences, Immunology, Pathology, Biochemistry, Biotechnology, Biomedical Engineering, -or related STEM discipline with 7+ years of research experience, M.Sc. with 4+ years of research experience, or PhD and 0+ years of experience.
• Deep knowledge of inflammatory, autoimmune, and/or fibrotic disease mechanisms
• Hands‑on experience in developing, optimizing, and troubleshooting cellular immunology assays, ideally using primary human immune and/or stromal cell systems
• Practical experience in designing and executing complex cellular systems and/or co‑culture models
• Strong ability to interpret data from biological, biochemical, and immunological assays and to design appropriate follow‑up experiments

Responsibilities

• Design and execute experiments, analyze and interpret complex datasets to identify and validate novel targets in immunology, inflammation, autoimmunity, and fibrosis
• Apply knowledge of key signal transduction pathways to design appropriate experiments
• Be a key contributor in lab and in meetings to progress multiple programs
• Conceptualize and enact innovative approaches (including novel technologies) to address and solve program objectives and issues
• Design, execute, and troubleshoot cell-based functional assays, including routine tissue culture, cytokine profiling, extracellular matrix immunofluorescence staining, and cellular potency readouts
• Isolate and characterize primary immune cells and perform translational assay systems, including PBMC and whole-blood assays
• Manage project-specific milestones and timelines
• Communicate science and strategy to stakeholders and management
• Collaborate effectively both internally and externally, within and across functional areas
• Demonstrate a "one-team" mindset by proactively engaging in and leading lab and department initiatives
• Actively participate in cultural initiatives, embrace DE&I principles, promote psychological safety, and support a work environment that positively influences others and enables all to bring their true selves to work

Skills

Assay Development

Autoimmune Diseases

Cell Culture Techniques

Cellular Immunology

Cytokines

Drug Target Identification

Fibroblasts

Fibrosis

Flow Cytometry

High Content Screening

Immunoassays

Immunology

Immunomodulation

Immunophenotyping

Inflammatory Diseases

Innate Immunity

Molecular Biology

Education

B.Sc./M.Sc./PhD in Biological Sciences or related STEM

Job description

Merck & Co. in Cambridge, MA is seeking a senior immunology scientist to advance inflammatory and autoimmune disease programs. You will design and execute experiments, interpret complex data, and collaborate across departments to translate discoveries into therapies.

The role emphasizes primary human immune cell work, advanced cellular assays, and cross-functional teamwork, with opportunities to influence program direction and contribute to a diverse, inclusive culture.