Scientist Functional Genomics

Merck•Billerica, MA

1d•Onsite

About The Position

EMD Serono is hiring a Scientist of Functional Genomics for the Discovery Biology group within the Research Unit Neuroscience & Immunology (RU-N&I) at its research facility in Billerica, Massachusetts. The role contributes to drug discovery for neurodegenerative, neuroinflammatory, and autoimmune diseases as part of an international, cross-functional team. The functional genomics group collaborates with disease biology experts, using gene-editing methods to identify and validate targets, generate cell models, explore novel biology, and provide genetic evidence to advance the Neuroscience & Immunology pipeline. The position plans and executes in vitro studies using complex cell systems and functional genomics approaches, including pooled, arrayed, and single-cell methods. It uses NGS, imaging, and FACS-based readouts to investigate candidate genes in neurologic and immunologic disease. The scientist develops cellular models and assays with disease biology experts, documents work in an Electronic Laboratory Notebook, reports and presents data, provides technical support, and collaborates across RU-N&I. The role does not offer work-authorization sponsorship. External applicants must be eligible to work in the United States. The stated base pay range is $90,400–$135,700; actual compensation depends on factors such as location, experience, education, skills, and other job-related factors. The position may be eligible for sales- or performance-based bonuses. Company benefits include health insurance, paid time off, retirement contributions, and other perquisites.

Requirements

Master’s degree in a life science field and at least 2 years of academic or industry laboratory experience, or a bachelor’s degree in a life science field and at least 3 years of academic or industry laboratory experience.
At least 2 years of experience with complex cell culture systems and primary cells or iPSCs.
At least 2 years of experience using and designing gene-editing tools.
At least 4 years of experience in neuroscience, including work with in vitro cell systems such as iPSC differentiation.
External applicants must be eligible to work in the United States; the role does not offer work-authorization sponsorship.

Nice To Haves

Background in immunology or neuroscience, with experience using in vitro cell systems such as iPSC differentiation or immune cell isolation.
Experience analyzing and disseminating data to support key decision-making.
Broad molecular and cellular biology experience, including multicolored flow cytometry, high-content imaging, NGS library preparation, single-cell omics data generation, and packaging and using lentivirus for gene expression.
Familiarity with documentation practices in a pharmaceutical or biotechnology discovery setting.
Strong verbal and written communication skills and experience communicating research findings to cross-disciplinary teams.
Curiosity, strong collaboration skills, and enthusiasm for exploring novel biology.

Responsibilities

Plan and execute in vitro studies using complex cell systems.
Use pooled, arrayed, and single-cell functional genomics methods to interrogate disease biology at scale.
Use NGS, imaging, and FACS-based readouts to explore candidate genes’ roles in neurologic and immunologic disease.
Collaborate with disease biology experts to develop cellular models and assays.
Record data accurately in an Electronic Laboratory Notebook and maintain records in accordance with company policy and legal requirements.
Prepare data reports and present findings to lab heads, project teams, and at external meetings.
Provide technical support to colleagues in the role’s area of expertise when necessary.
Work with RU-N&I members to support departmental goals.