Senior Scientist, Biology-Discovery

Merck; Boston (MA); On-site; USD 119,000 - 188,000; Full time

Job summary

Merck is seeking a Senior Scientist in Discovery Oncology in Boston to lead and support cancer drug discovery projects. The candidate will develop assays, design experiments, and generate high-quality data to advance multiple programs within a multidisciplinary team.

The role requires strong wet-lab skills in molecular/cellular biology, flow cytometry, biomarker analysis, and data interpretation. Collaboration with in vivo pharmacology and cross-functional teams is essential.

Qualifications

• PhD with 0–2 years postdoc or industry experience in cancer biology/related field.
• MS with 4+ years industry experience.
• BS with 7+ years industry experience.
• Experience advancing oncology drug discovery with data-driven decisions.
• Hands-on wet lab in molecular/cellular biology.
• Experience with multi-color flow cytometry and cell models.
• Protein/biomarker analysis including ELISA/JESS.
• Collaboration with in vivo pharmacology teams.

Responsibilities

• Develop and optimize assays for oncology projects.
• Design and execute well-controlled experiments and analyze data.
• Interpret results and troubleshoot technical issues.
• Present progress at team and department meetings.
• Manage multiple projects and communicate actionable insights.

Skills

Flow Cytometry

Molecular Biology

Cell Culture

Data Analysis

Statistical Software

Experiment Design

Presentation Skills

Problem Solving

CRISPR

CRISPR/Cas9

Education

Ph.D. in Cancer Biology or related

M.S. in related field

B.S. in related field

Tools

Incucyte

Western Blot

ELISA

JESS

FlowJo

GraphPad Prism

MSD

CRISPR

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
• Or M.S. degree with 4+ years of industry experience
• OR 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. if you need an accommodation during the application or hiring process.

Requirements

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:

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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.

Learn more about your rights, including under California, Colorado and other US State Acts

The salary range for this role is

$119,100.00 - $187,500.00

This is the lowest to highest salary we in good faith believe we would pay for this role at the time of this posting. An employee’s position within the salary range will be based on several factors including, but not limited to relevant education, qualifications, certifications, experience, skills, geographic location, government requirements, and business or organizational needs.

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

Search Firm Representatives Please Read Carefully

Merck & Co., Inc., Rahway, NJ, USA, also known as Merck Sharp & Dohme LLC, Rahway, NJ, USA, does not accept unsolicited assistance from search firms for employment opportunities. All CVs / resumes submitted by search firms to any employee at our company without a valid written search agreement in place for this position will be deemed the sole property of our company. No fee will be paid in the event a candidate is hired by our company as a result of an agency referral where no pre‑existing agreement is in place. Where agency agreements are in place, introductions are position specific. Please, no phone calls or emails.

Employee Status

Regular

Relocation

Domestic

VISA Sponsorship

Yes

Travel Requirements

10%

Flexible Work Arrangements

Not Applicable

Shift

Not Indicated

Valid Driving License

No

Hazardous Material(s)

n/a

Job Posting End Date

• A job posting is effective until 11:59:59PM on the day BEFORE the listed job posting end date. Please ensure you apply to a job posting no later than the day BEFORE the job posting end date.

Requisition ID

R417952