Scientist, LNP Discovery Biology

Merck•Billerica, MA

22h

About The Position

The Scientist, LNP Discovery Biology is a laboratory-based role supporting the LNP biology platform and targeted delivery programs. The role runs in vitro and ex vivo assays that generate core program data and supports in vivo studies to drive candidate selection. The scientist analyzes data, prepares figures, presents results, maintains rigorous laboratory records, and contributes to assay protocols and SOPs. This role does not offer work authorization sponsorship; external applicants must be eligible to work in the United States.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in Immunology, Biology, Molecular Biology, or another life science discipline, plus 5 or more years of industry experience and at least 1 year of experience with mammalian cell culture and flow cytometry; or
Master’s degree in Immunology, Cell Biology, Molecular Biology, or another life science discipline, plus 3 or more years of industry experience and at least 1 year of experience with mammalian cell culture and flow cytometry; or
PhD in Immunology, Cell Biology, Molecular Biology, or another life science discipline, plus at least 6 months of experience with mammalian cell culture and flow cytometry.
Ability to follow established protocols precisely and document work clearly in an electronic lab notebook.
Ability to manage several experiments in parallel and meet agreed timelines.
Clear communication of methods and results, including presenting data in group meetings.

Nice To Haves

Familiarity with CAR biology or cell therapy readouts.
Experience supporting rodent in vivo studies, including blood collection, tissue harvest, and sample processing, with current or recent animal handling training.
Experience with mRNA, LNP, or other nucleic acid delivery systems, including in vitro transfection.
Experience with primary human immune cell work, including PBMC isolation, T cell activation, and expansion.
Multicolor flow cytometry experience (6 or more colors), including panel setup and compensation.
Experience with standard molecular and protein methods, such as qPCR, ELISA, Western blot, and plate-based assays.
Comfort working in a fast-moving, collaborative group where priorities may shift week to week.

Responsibilities

Run in vitro and ex vivo assays supporting the targeted LNP delivery platform, including primary human T cell and PBMC cultures, transfection efficiency, CAR expression, and functional readouts.
Execute multicolor flow cytometry panels, acquire cytometer data, and analyze CAR expression, reporter signal, target cell depletion, T cell activation, and engraftment.
Process samples from in vivo studies and help assemble resulting datasets in collaboration with the pharmacology group.
Help optimize and troubleshoot assays and contribute to developing new assays under the direction of senior colleagues.
Analyze data, prepare clear figures, and present results in group meetings.
Maintain electronic lab notebook records, follow protocols, qualify reagents, and track samples and inventory.
Contribute to protocols and SOPs for the assays performed.