Senior Associate Scientist - Target Discovery Research, Oncology

Merck•Billerica, MA

1d•Onsite

About The Position

The EMD Serono Research and Development Institute in Billerica, MA, is hiring a Senior Associate Scientist within our Target Discovery Research group. The Senior Associate Scientist will be responsible for conducting in vitro experiments, including cell culture, western blots, PCR, as well as overexpression, knockdowns, and CRISPR-based genome editing experiments to facilitate target identification and validation. This role offers a laboratory-based opportunity to contribute to the forefront of cancer research within a research-based drug discovery company.

Requirements

Bachelor's degree in Molecular Biology, Cell Biology, Biochemistry, or other Scientific discipline with 2+ years of hands-on laboratory experience, including aseptic techniques for handling mammalian and/or cancer cell lines OR Master's degree in Molecular Biology, Cell Biology, Biochemistry, or other Scientific discipline with 1+ year of hands-on laboratory experience, including aseptic techniques for handling mammalian and/or cancer cell lines
External applicants must be eligible to work in the US.

Nice To Haves

Demonstrated proficiency in mammalian cell culture techniques, including routine cell line maintenance, transfection, and isolation of genetically engineered clones
Ability to operate in a rapidly evolving drug discovery environment, balancing competing priorities while supporting research efforts across diverse target classes, technologies, and therapeutic modalities
Hands-on experience with functional genomics and gene-editing technologies, including RNA interference (RNAi) and CRISPR-based genome engineering
Strong expertise in molecular and cellular biology techniques, including western blotting, AlphaLISA, qPCR/TaqMan assays, and related analytical methods
Experience with flow cytometry (FACS) for cellular phenotyping, transfection assessment, cell sorting, or other cell-based applications
Experience with cell imaging technologies, including microscopy, Incucyte live-cell imaging, or other high-content imaging platforms
Excellent analytical, troubleshooting, and problem-solving skills, with the ability to optimize experimental workflows and interpret complex data
Strong written and verbal communication skills, with a proven ability to collaborate effectively in a cross-functional team environment
Proficiency with Microsoft Office applications (Word, Excel, and PowerPoint), GraphPad Prism, and electronic laboratory notebooks (ELNs) for data analysis and documentation
Strong organizational skills and the ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced research environment
A self-motivated and detail-oriented approach, with a commitment to scientific rigor and high-quality experimental execution

Responsibilities

Conducting in vitro experiments, including cell culture, western blots, PCR, as well as overexpression, knockdowns, and CRISPR-based genome editing experiments to facilitate target identification and validation.