Sr. Scientist, Immunology

msd; Cambridge (MA); On-site; USD 119,000 - 188,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Annual bonus

Long-term incentive

Health insurance

401(k)

Job summary

Merck & Co in Cambridge, MA is seeking an experienced immunology scientist to join our team focused on inflammatory and autoimmune diseases. You will design experiments, analyze data, and collaborate across departments to advance new therapies.

The role offers a competitive salary, annual bonus, long-term incentives, comprehensive benefits, and relocation support. Travel up to 10% and visa sponsorship are available.

Qualifications

• PhD or MSc/BS with substantial experience in immunology and translational research.
• Deep knowledge of inflammatory, autoimmune, and/or fibrotic disease mechanisms.
• Hands-on experience in designing and executing complex cellular systems and assays.

Responsibilities

• Design and execute experiments, analyze datasets, and validate targets in immunology and fibrosis.
• Apply knowledge of signaling pathways to design experiments and interpret results.
• Lead lab initiatives and collaborate across departments to drive programs.
• Develop innovative approaches and adopt novel technologies to meet program objectives.
• Perform cell-based assays, including tissue culture, cytokine profiling, immunofluorescence, and potency readouts.
• Isolate primary immune cells and perform translational assay systems.
• Manage project milestones, timelines, and stakeholder communications.
• Represent science and strategy to leadership and collaborators.
• Foster a culture of teamwork, inclusion, and psychological safety.

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

Transcriptomics

Education

Bachelor's degree in Biological Sciences or related field

Job description

Job Description

Job Summary:

Join our Immunology team in Cambridge, Massachusetts, and help shape the future of treatments for inflammatory and autoimmune diseases. At our company, we are at the forefront of immunology research, translating scientific advances into meaningful clinical impact. This is an opportunity to work in a dynamic environment where you will evaluate and apply novel experimental approaches, partnering across departments to implement cutting-edge laboratory technologies. Your contributions will directly impact the development of new therapies and medicines that improve patient lives.

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

Qualifications:

Required:

• 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

Preferred:

• Experience with primary stromal cell cultures and developing in vitro models of fibrosis
• Familiarity with immunofluorescence microscopy/high‑content imaging

Required 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

Preferred Skills: Transcriptomics

#EligibleforERP

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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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

Employee Status: Regular

Relocation: Domestic/International

VISA Sponsorship: Yes

Travel Requirements: 10%

Flexible Work Arrangements: Not Applicable

Shift: Not Indicated

Valid Driving License: No

Hazardous Material(s): OEB4, BSL2, Bloodborne pathogens

Job Posting End Date: 10/14/2026

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