Senior Scientist – In Vitro Neuroimmunology- Boston, MA

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

Job summary

MSD in Boston seeks an independent and motivated Senior Scientist with a background in cell biology, immunology, or neuroscience to validate and advance neuroimmune targets for CNS diseases. You will design and execute in vitro experiments, establish iPSC-based model systems, and lead translational research efforts.

The candidate will work 90% in the lab, collaborate across disciplines, and contribute to publications and internal program decisions within a dynamic, mission-driven team.

Qualifications

• PhD in molecular/cell biology or neuroscience with post‑doc or industry experience.
• Strong independent and collaborative work style.
• Experience with CNS iPSC culture and complex in vitro models.

Responsibilities

• Develop and troubleshoot new cell-based assays and analyses.
• Lead complex experimental programs and interpret multidimensional data.
• Isolate/characterize tissues, blood, PBMCs and iPSC-derived cells using immunocytochemistry, DNA/RNA isolation, PCR and RNA-seq.
• Provide scientific oversight of external collaborations and study designs.
• Communicate data clearly to teams and stakeholders.
• Stay updated with literature and emerging tech to shape research direction.
• Contribute to model system development and publications.

Skills

Independent thinker

CNS iPSC culture

Immunocytochemistry

DNA/RNA prep

qPCR

Western blot

ELISA

Data analysis

AI data QA

Scientific leadership

Scientific communication

Education

PhD in Molecular Cell Biology/Neuroscience/Pharmacology/Biology

Tools

NanoString

PCR

RNA-seq

Immunocytochemistry

qPCR

Western blot

Lentiviral vectors

Job description

Job Description

Our Company's Neuroimmunology team in Boston, MA is seeking an independent and motivated scientist with a background in cell biology, immunology, and/or neuroscience to join us in validating and advancing novel neuroimmune targets for CNS diseases. As a Senior Scientist, you will apply your knowledge and skillsets to establish assay systems, shape experimental strategies, and deliver datasets and analyses that will impact pipeline programs. Working in this lab-based position, your primary role will be design and execute in vitro experiments including establishing and characterizing cell-based model systems with a focus on induced pluripotent stem cell (IPSC) models. This role will serve as a scientific leader supporting both established and emerging therapeutic discovery programs through the application of advanced in vitro disease modeling and translational research approaches. Successful candidates will be able to work independently and will be expected to proactively collaborate with colleagues across disciplines. The candidate will be an active participant in the positive and critical scientific dialogue that supports our mission of discovering novel immune-based therapies for CNS diseases.

Responsibilities

• Developing, executing, and troubleshooting new cell-based assays, protocols, and analysis methods.
• Design and lead complex experimental programs, interpret multidimensional datasets, and communicate scientific recommendations that influence project strategy and key research decisions.
• Perform the isolation/characterization of tissues, whole blood, PBMCs and iPSC-derived cell populations using immunocytochemistry, DNA/RNA isolation, PCR, NanoString, RNA-seq and other molecular biology techniques.
• Provides scientific oversight of external research activities and collaborations, including study design, protocol review, data interpretation, and integration of externally generated findings into program decision‑making.
• Excellent oral and written communication of data in a clear and concise manner to the appropriate teams and stakeholders.
• Serve as a scientific subject matter expert by integrating emerging scientific literature, competitive intelligence, and technological advances to shape internal research direction and strategy.
• Contribute to scientific innovation through development of novel model systems, evaluation of emerging technologies, publication of research findings, and presentation of results to internal and external scientific audiences.

Qualifications

Education Ph.D. in Molecular Cell Biology, Neuroscience, Pharmacology, Biology or related field with post‑doctoral or industry experience.

Required Skills

• Demonstrated ability to thrive independently and in a team environment.
• Extensive experience with CNS iPSC cell culture including constructing complex in vitro Tri‑culture models.
• Experience culturing immune cell lines, primary murine microglia and iPSC‑derived microglia.
• Provides recognized scientific expertise in the design, execution, and interpretation of complex in vitro and translational studies, generating mechanistic insights that advance target validation, therapeutic strategy, and drug discovery decision‑making.
• Strong data analysis skills including a strong willingness to leverage AI tools for conducting data quality controls on both small and large datasets.
• Application of standard laboratory cell culture procedures including DNA transfection, viral delivery and immunocytochemistry.
• Independently able to perform tissue and cellular protein/RNA preps, quantitative PCR, western blots, and ELISAs.
• Excellent oral and written communication skills, including preparation of study reports, presentations and being able to contribute manuscripts for publication in peer reviewed journals.
• Demonstrated record of scientific innovation, thought leadership, and problem solving as evidenced by impactful publications, scientific presentations, patents, technology development, or contributions to drug discovery programs.
• This position requires 90% of time in the lab.

Preferred Skills

• Preferred Primary neuronal/astrocyte culture experience.
• Application of high‑content imaging to cell‑based assays.
• Experience with multiple therapeutic modalities (small molecule, antibody, peptide, siRNA).
• Experience in neuroscience and pharmaceutical research; Alzheimer’s, Parkinson’s and ALS disease experience preferred.
• Alzheimer’s Disease, Alzheimer’s Disease, Antibody Discovery, Biochemistry, Cell‑Based Assays, Cell Biology, Cell Lines, Detail‑Oriented, High‑Throughput Screening, Immunocytochemistry (ICC), Independent Research, Induced Pluripotent Stem Cell (IPSC), In Vitro Experiment, In Vitro Research, Leadership, Lentiviral Vectors, Liquid Chromatography‑Mass Spectrometry (LC‑MS), Molecular Biology, Molecular Biology Techniques, Neuroimmunology, Neuroscience, Pharmaceutical Research, Professional Networking, Protein Analysis, Protein Engineering.

Inclusion and Equal Opportunity

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.

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

Location and Compensation

The primary location for this posting is: USA - Massachusetts - Boston (MA Parcel B Laboratory)

Where required by law, the compensation range for this role is provided below. The salary range for the primary location of this role is: $119,100.00 - $187,500.00. This range reflects the Company’s reasonable expectation of the base salary applicable to this role at the time of 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.

Additional Locations

Additional location(s): Please note the salary range above applies to the Primary Location of the position. Where a role has other listed locations, different compensation guidelines may apply. You may find the salary ranges for additional locations below. If the salary range is not listed for the location you are applying to, our Talent Acquisition team will provide further information to you relevant to your location.

Additional location(s) Compensation Information: 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: No Travel Requirements: No Travel Required Flexible Work Arrangements: Not Applicable Shift: Not Indicated Valid Driving License: No Hazardous Material(s): OEB4, BSL2, Bloodborne pathogens

Our company is a global health care leader with a diversified portfolio of prescription medicines, vaccines and animal health products. The difference between potential and achievement lies in the spark that fuels innovation and inventiveness; this is the space where we have codified our legacy for over a century. Our success is backed by ethical integrity, forward momentum, and an inspiring mission to achieve new milestones in global healthcare.