Lab Bench Scientist - Ligand-binding assays

Merck•Billerica, MA

17d

About The Position

EMD Serono is hiring a Senior Scientist for its New Biological Entities Drug Metabolism and Pharmacokinetics (NBE DMPK) team in Billerica, Massachusetts. This scientific and operational role in Research and Development supports the development of novel biotherapeutics in a matrixed environment. The scientist develops and fit-for-purpose validates bioanalytical methods for molecules in discovery and development, supporting characterization from molecule design through preclinical and clinical phases and meeting internal and regulatory requirements. Molecules and modalities include multi-specific NBEs, antibody-drug conjugates (ADCs), antibody oligonucleotide conjugates (AOCs), and other biologics. Techniques may include ELISA, MSD-ECLA, Gyrolab, and other immunochemical and ligand-binding methods. The role includes designing complex experiments, interpreting analytical data, applying knowledge of immunogenicity, and writing technical reports to company and industry standards. The scientist ensures timely, high-quality ligand-binding assay (LBA) deliverables, including method development, qualification, and application to in-vivo animal studies. When needed, the role also includes conducting or supervising critical reagent characterization. The scientist recommends data decisions to the lab manager, researches literature to resolve complex technical issues and assess new strategies and technologies, and monitors bioanalytical studies at contract research organizations (CROs).

Requirements

PhD in Biochemistry, Biology, Chemistry, or another science field.
At least 2 years of post-PhD experience developing quantitative ligand-binding assays to support PK analysis.
At least 2 years of experience with biological molecules, including NBEs, ADCs, AOCs, or other novel modalities.

Nice To Haves

Excellent experimental design and troubleshooting skills.
Excellent data analysis and data mining skills.
Experience and comfort using, optimizing, and troubleshooting laboratory instruments.
Ability to prepare bioanalytical method documentation.
Knowledge of Watson LIMS, GraphPad Prism, Veeva Vault, or similar software.
Knowledge of disease areas such as immunology or oncology, and understanding of biology and pharmacology.
Excellent organizational, verbal communication, and written communication skills.
Excellent intercultural understanding.

Responsibilities

Develop and fit-for-purpose validate bioanalytical methods for sample analysis of molecules in discovery and development.
Support characterization of multiple molecules and modalities, including multi-specific NBEs, ADCs, AOCs, and other biologics, from molecule design through preclinical and clinical phases.
Design complex experiments, interpret analytical data, apply knowledge of immunogenicity, and prepare technical reports according to company and industry standards.
Deliver timely, quality ligand-binding assay bioanalytical work, including method development, qualification, and application to in-vivo animal studies.
Conduct or supervise critical reagent characterization when needed.
Recommend data decisions to the lab manager by providing results, findings, and technical solutions to project issues.
Research scientific literature to address complex technical issues and evaluate and implement potential analytical strategies and technologies.
Monitor bioanalytical studies at contract research organizations (CROs).