Principal Scientist – Biomarker Discovery & Translational Neuroscience

MSD•Boston, MA

6d•Hybrid

About The Position

Our Company's Neuroscience is recruiting a Principal Scientist in Boston/Cambridge, MA to develop and oversee implementation of biomarker discovery and translational strategies. We are seeking a highly motivated and experienced scientist to join our Neuroscience team in a role that will drive biomarker discovery and enable clinical translation by integrating cutting-edge data analytics, novel assay development, and cross-functional collaboration. The successful candidate will be an experienced Neuroscientist with expertise in drug discovery, novel biomarker discovery, and assay development across diverse platforms. You will collaborate across multiple drug discovery teams and functional areas including Discovery, Translational Experimental Medicine, Translational Genome Analytics and Quantitative Pharmacometrics teams. You will develop experimental strategies that leverage in vitro and in vivo model systems as well as large scale, multi-modal human clinical datasets. Through collaborations with data analytics colleagues you will integrate findings with patient clinical phenotypes, genetics, proteomics, imaging and fluid biomarkers to support early and advanced programs in the Neuroscience portfolio. You will also assume a hands-on role, working with assay developers and data analytics colleagues on best practices and aligning resources based on scientific priorities. You will operate in a highly collaborative environment, partnering with peers across multiple locations and in the broader scientific community. Strong communication skills and a collaborative mindset are critical for success. In this exciting role, you will:

Requirements

Ph.D . in Neuroscience, Neurology, Neurobiology, Biology, Pharmacology, Bioengineering/Biomedical Engineering, Genetics/Genomics, Computational Biology, or a related life sciences field and a minimum of 7 years industry and/or highly relevant applied academic postgrad experience or MS in above fields and 10+ years of experience.
A solid track record of leading biomarker discovery efforts and working with discovery and early clinical teams
Experience using translationally-relevant preclinical models of neurodegenerative diseases
Demonstrated experience collaborating across bioinformatics, data analytics and quantitative pharmacometrics team to decode disease biology through analysis of multi-modal (transcriptomic, genomic, proteomics) patient-derived data
Direct experience developing and validating biomarker assays with emphasis on applying diverse measurement platforms.
Strong ability to work and influence in complex matrixed organizations
Excellent oral and written communication skills
Ability to establish and maintain productive cross-site and external collaborations

Nice To Haves

Experience with drug discovery across multiple modalities (e.g., small molecule, biologics, etc.)
Experience as a liaison to academic and large precompetitive consortia focused on the natural history of neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s.
Deep understanding of complex neurodegenerative diseases and/or neurological disorders with knowledge of the latest research and trends in the field.
Expertise in general immune and inflammation.
Familiarity with data analytics strategies in the context of traditional and OMICs based data sufficient to effectively liaise with data science colleagues applying state-of-art AI approaches in neurodegenerative diseases

Responsibilities

Collaborate with internal and external collaborators to develop and execute comprehensive workplans that interrogate large clinical cohort datasets by apply cutting-edge and scalable biomarker platforms with significant emphasis on OMICs technologies
Develop and execute biomarker assays within our Company and through external CROs that utilize single or multi-analyte detection and apply to large clinical cohort serum and CSF sample sets. Bridge outcomes to tractable application clinical biomarker plans.
Coordinate access to multi-resolution genetic, transcriptomic, proteomic, and imaging data derived from patient cohorts and tissues, cerebrospinal fluid, serum to decode disease biology that informs on novel targets and discover patient stratification biomarkers in complex diseases of the nervous system.
Co-lead a cross-functional team of scientists applying spatial and single-cell multi-omics data derived from human, animal model and organoid tissue samples aiming to decode disease-relevant cellular interactions and cell-type specific molecular networks with emphasis on neuroimmune mechanisms with the goal of novel biomarker discovery in neurodegenerative diseases (e.g. AD, PD and pain).
Serve as a core member on early clinical development teams and have opportunity to lead project teams.
Clearly communicate results to project teams, our company's scientific community, and the external scientific community through internal documents, presentations, and publications in leading journals

Benefits

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

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