Senior Scientist, Biology-Discovery

Merck & Co.

Boston (MA)

On-site

USD 119,000 - 188,000

Full time

2 days ago

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Job summary

Merck & Co. in Boston is seeking a Senior Scientist to join the Discovery Oncology team. You will lead and support cancer drug discovery projects, develop and optimize assays, and generate high‑quality data to advance programs.

The role requires strong wet lab expertise in molecular biology, flow cytometry, and biomarker analyses. You will communicate results clearly, collaborate across teams, and contribute to multiple projects simultaneously.

Qualifications

Experience supporting oncology drug discovery with data‑driven decisions.
Hands‑on wet lab in molecular and cellular biology techniques.
Experience with multi‑color flow cytometry, Incucyte, cell viability assays.
Experience with protein and biomarker analysis (Western blot, JESS, ELISA/MSD).
Ability to collaborate with in vivo pharmacology teams for endpoint samples.
Strong data analysis and statistics using GraphPad Prism and FlowJo.
Ability to design experiments, troubleshoot, interpret results.
Strong written and presentation skills.

Responsibilities

Develop and optimize assays for cancer drug discovery.
Design and execute well‑controlled experiments.
Analyze data, interpret results and troubleshoot issues.
Generate actionable insights to inform project decisions.
Present progress at internal team and department meetings.
Contribute to multiple projects simultaneously.

Skills

Molecular biology

Cell biology

Flow cytometry

Incucyte

Biomarker analysis

CRISPR

shRNA

Lentiviral transduction

Data analysis

GraphPad Prism

FlowJo

DOE

Experiment design

Communication skills

Presentation skills

Education

PhD in related field

MS with industry experience

BS with industry experience

Tools

Incucyte

JESS

ELISA

Meso Scale Discovery

Job description

Job Description

We are seeking a highly qualified and motivated Senior Scientist to join the Discovery Oncology team in Boston. The ideal candidate must possess a strong scientific foundation, excellent technical skills, and a track record of contributing to cancer drug discovery research.

This role will support and lead research projects focused on developing cancer therapeutics. The successful candidate will work both independently and collaboratively within multidisciplinary teams to generate high-quality data and advance project goals. Key responsibilities include developing and optimizing assays, designing and executing well-controlled experiments, analyzing data, interpreting results, troubleshooting arising issues, and generating actionable insights to inform project decisions. The Senior Scientist will present progress updates at internal team and departmental meetings and will contribute to multiple projects simultaneously.

Education

Ph.D. degree with 0-2 years of postdoctoral or industry experience, preferably in cancer biology, pharmacology, immunology, molecular biology, biochemistry, or related field
M.S. degree with 4+ years of industry experience
B.S. degree with 7+ years of industry experience

Required experience and skills

Demonstrated experience supporting and advancing oncology drug discovery programs through data-driven decision making and contributions recognized through publications, presentations, or conference abstracts.
Strong, hands-on wet lab experience in molecular and cellular biology techniques
Experience with multi-color flow cytometry, Incucyte, cell viability assays, engineering cell line models (e.g., CRISPR, shRNA, lentiviral transduction, etc.)
Experience with protein and biomarker analysis, including Western blotting, JESS, ELISA/ Meso Scale Discovery
Ability to collaborate with in vivo pharmacology teams to support endpoint sample analysis, including processing and characterization of tumor and primary tissue samples
Proficiency in data analysis and interpretation, with a sound understanding of statistical concepts and software, such as GraphPad Prism and FlowJo
Demonstrated ability to work independently to design experiments, troubleshoot technical challenges, interpret results, and recommend next steps
Strong written, verbal, and presentation skills with the ability to communicate scientific findings effectively to audiences

Preferred experience and skills

Previous experience working with different therapeutic modalities in an industry setting, such as small molecules and biologics
Demonstrated ability to thrive in a highly collaborative, cross-functional research environment

Required Skills

Assay Development, Assay Development, Biochemical Assays, Biologics, Biomarkers, Biopharmaceuticals, Cancer Immunotherapy, Cancer Research, Cancer Therapy, Cell Culture Techniques, Data Generation, Design of Experiments (DOE), Detail-Oriented, Drug Discovery Research, Drug Target Identification, Experimental Methods, Flow Cytometry, High Content Screening, Immunoassays, Immunology, In Vivo Models, Molecular Biology, Pharmaceutical Research, Pharmacology, Researching {+ 5 more}

US and Puerto Rico Residents Only

Our company is committed to inclusion, ensuring that candidates can engage in a hiring process that exhibits their true capabilities. Please click here if you need an accommodation during the application or hiring process.

As an Equal Employment Opportunity Employer, we provide equal opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibit discrimination on the basis of race, color, age, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, protected veteran status, disability status, or other applicable legally protected characteristics. As a federal contractor, we comply with all affirmative action requirements for protected veterans and individuals with disabilities. For more information about personal rights under the U.S. Equal Opportunity Employment laws, visit: EEOC Know Your Rights EEOC GINA Supplement

We are proud to be a company that embraces the value of bringing together, talented, and committed people with diverse experiences, perspectives, skills and backgrounds. The fastest way to breakthrough innovation is when people with diverse ideas, broad experiences, backgrounds, and skills come together in an inclusive environment. We encourage our colleagues to respectfully challenge one another's thinking and approach problems collectively.

The salary range for this role is $119,100.00 - $187,500.00 The successful candidate will be eligible for annual bonus and long‑term incentive, if applicable.

We offer a comprehensive package of benefits. Available benefits include medical, dental, vision healthcare and other insurance benefits (for employee and family), retirement benefits, including 401(k), paid holidays, vacation, and compassionate and sick days. More information about benefits is available at https://jobs.merck.com/us/en/compensation-and-benefits.

San Francisco Residents Only

We will consider qualified applicants with arrest and conviction records for employment in compliance with the San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance.

Los Angeles Residents Only

We will consider for employment all qualified applicants, including those with criminal histories, in a manner consistent with the requirements of applicable state and local laws, including the City of Los Angeles' Fair Chance Initiative for Hiring Ordinance.

Employee Status

Regular

Relocation

Domestic

VISA Sponsorship

Yes

Travel Requirements

10%

Flexible Work Arrangements

Not Applicable

Shift

Not Indicated