Cell-Based Assay Senior Scientist, Discovery Biologics

Job Description

We are on a quest for cures and are committed to be the world’s premier, most research-intensive biopharmaceutical company. Our teams combine leading drug discovery capabilities and world-class R&D with the purpose of turning breakthrough science into life-changing medicines.

We are seeking an exceptional Senior Scientist in the Boston Discovery Biologics group, with the primary responsibility to execute plate- and cell-based binding and functional characterization assays during early-stage drug discovery. The qualified candidate will be a Senior scientist with core capabilities in cell science, cell-based assay execution and statistical data analysis in the quest to discover innovative large-molecule therapeutics with complex scaffolds. They will also serve as the assay development and screening representative on project teams, driving protein therapeutics programs from concept through hit identification, optimization and nomination.  

They will work to support the department’s efforts to recruit diverse and highly skilled key talent to the organization and be a champion for diversity and inclusion.  We recognize that the diversity in our team is our strength, and we are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees.  Successful candidates must demonstrate inclusive behaviors in working with a diverse group of researchers to drive our core mission.

What you will do:

• Develop, optimize and execute target-specific assays for early-stage Biologics discovery. 

• Contribute to the binding and functional characterization of therapeutic molecules via cellular and/or biochemical assays.

• Implement assay automation to screen drug candidates in early discovery pipelines.     

• Plan, design, execute and troubleshoot in vitro pharmacological experiments to support and advance drug discovery programs.

• Maintain timely, accurate laboratory records of activities & comply with good documentation practices.

• Collaborate effectively with integrated teams in a matrix organization, providing data-driven recommendations as an SME to facilitate the conduct of studies and the success of discovery programs.

What you will need to be successful in this role:

Qualifications & Experience

• PhD in Biology, Biochemistry, Immunology, Biophysics, Chemistry, Engineering, Biotechnology, or a related STEM discipline with 0-3 years of relevant industry experience or an MS with more than 5 years of industry experience

• Broad experience in cell-based assays

Required skills:

• Deep expertise with primary human T-cell isolation, banking and culture, assay development, optimization, execution of T cell-dependent cellular cytotoxicity assays and immunoprofiling. 

• Hands-on experience with mammalian cell culture, flow cytometry and related data analysis.

• ELISA and/or MesoScaleDiscovery for measuring cytokine secretion.

• Working knowledge using standard data analysis tools such as FlowJo, Graph Pad Prism and Microsoft programs.

• Familiarity with automated liquid handling systems, robotics, and high-throughput cell-based assays screening formats.

• Ability to multitask with highly analytical mind, attention to details, and organizational skills are critical.

• Excellent written and interpersonal communication skills and the ability to collate the results and make a presentation to the stakeholders.

• The ability to work independently, as well as collaboratively with peers within and across departments is expected.

• Excellent communication and collaboration skills.

• Champion for diverse and inclusive culture

Preferred skills:

• Working knowledge and experience related to T cell engager and/or other complex Biologics formats.

• Experience in assay development in a wide range of cellular and biochemical assays such as reporter gene assays, Ab internalization assay, enzymatic activity assays, etc.

• Experience in cell line engineering with lentivirus, CRISPR and cell sorting.

• Experience with developing high throughput methods into workflows (e.g. Hamilton and/or Agilent Bravo automated liquid handling platform, Thermo Scientific Momentum workflow scheduling software, etc.)

#EligibleforERP

Required Skills:

Antibody Discovery, Assay Development, Biochemistry, Biologics, Biopharmaceutical Industry, Cell-Based Assays, Cell Cultures, Cytokine Assay, Enzyme Linked Immunosorbent Assay (ELISA), Flow Cytometry, High-Throughput Screening, Lentiviral Vectors, Liquid Handling, Mammalian Cell, Mammalian Cell Culture, Meso Scale Discovery, Molecular Biology Techniques, Protein Analysis, T Cell Immunology

Preferred Skills:

Current Employees apply HERE

Current Contingent Workers apply HERE

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.

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.

You can apply for this role through https://jobs.merck.com/us/en (or via the Workday Jobs Hub if you are a current employee). The application deadline for this position is stated on this posting.

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:

No relocation

VISA Sponsorship:

Yes

Travel Requirements:

No Travel Required

Flexible Work Arrangements:

Not Applicable

Shift:

Not Indicated

Valid Driving License:

No

Hazardous Material(s):

BSL2, OEB4, Bloodborne pathogens

Job Posting End Date:

06/27/2026

*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.