Senior Scientist, Biomarker Assay & High-Plex NGS

Merck & Co.; Boston (MA); On-site; USD 106,000 - 167,000; Full time

Job summary

Merck & Co. in Boston, MA is seeking a Senior Scientist to design, develop, and automate high-throughput biomarker assays.

You will generate robust datasets from human and preclinical samples to support pipeline governance and patient stratification in Neurodegeneration and Pain programs. You will lead ultra-sensitive immunoassay development (e.g., O-link) and explore high-plex NGS-based proteomics, collaborating with data scientists to ensure data quality and integration for multi-omics

Qualifications

• Master's or PhD with hands-on industry experience in relevant fields.
• Demonstrated expertise in biomarker assay development in large human cohorts.
• Experience with ultra-sensitive multiplexed immunoassays (e.g., O-link) and NGS workflows.
• Proven ability to implement lab automation tools for high-throughput data generation.
• Excellent oral and written communication; strong cross-functional collaboration.
• Experience with FDA/ICH regulatory guidelines for biomarker qualification.

Responsibilities

• Plan, design, and deliver biomarker datasets from human and preclinical samples.
• Lead design and qualification of biomarker methods, including ultra-sensitive immunoassays.
• Collaborate with data scientists to ensure automated workflows yield high-fidelity data.
• Work on-site in the lab and summarize data for internal/external partners.
• Contribute to data packages enabling governance decisions for pipelines.
• Lead adoption of high-throughput methodologies and automation.

Skills

biomarker assay development

NGS workflows

laboratory automation tools

communication skills

clinical assay validation

Education

Master's degree in molecular biology or related STEM with 6+ years of experience

PhD in molecular biology/biochemistry/neuroscience/immunology/neurology or related STEM field

Tools

O-link immunoassays

robotic liquid handling

flow cytometry

single-cell sequencing

Job description

Merck & Co. in Boston, MA is seeking a Senior Scientist to design, develop, and automate high-throughput biomarker assays.

You will generate robust datasets from human and preclinical samples to support pipeline governance and patient stratification in Neurodegeneration and Pain programs. You will lead ultra-sensitive immunoassay development (e.g., O-link) and explore high-plex NGS-based proteomics, collaborating with data scientists to ensure data quality and integration for multi-omics