Senior Scientist, Biology-Discovery

Merck • Boston, MA

1d • $119,100 - $187,500 • Onsite

About The Position

We are seeking a highly qualified and motivated Senior Scientist to join the Discovery Oncology team in Boston. The ideal candidate must possess a strong scientific foundation, excellent technical skills, and a track record of contributing to cancer drug discovery research. This role will support and lead research projects focused on developing cancer therapeutics. The successful candidate will work both independently and collaboratively within multidisciplinary teams to generate high-quality data and advance project goals. Key responsibilities include developing and optimizing assays, designing and executing well-controlled experiments, analyzing data, interpreting results, troubleshooting arising issues, and generating actionable insights to inform project decisions. The Senior Scientist will present progress updates at internal team and departmental meetings and will contribute to multiple projects simultaneously.

Requirements

• Ph.D. degree with 0-2 years of postdoctoral or industry experience, preferably in cancer biology, pharmacology, immunology, molecular biology, biochemistry, or related field OR M.S. degree with 4+ years of industry experience OR B.S. degree with 7+ years of industry experience
• Demonstrated experience supporting and advancing oncology drug discovery programs through data-driven decision making and contributions recognized through publications, presentations, or conference abstracts.
• Strong, hands-on wet lab experience in molecular and cellular biology techniques
• Experience with multi-color flow cytometry, Incucyte, cell viability assays, engineering cell line models (e.g., CRISPR, shRNA, lentiviral transduction, etc.)
• Experience with protein and biomarker analysis, including Western blotting, JESS, ELISA/ Meso Scale Discovery
• Ability to collaborate with in vivo pharmacology teams to support endpoint sample analysis, including processing and characterization of tumor and primary tissue samples
• Proficiency in data analysis and interpretation, with a sound understanding of statistical concepts and software, such as GraphPad Prism and FlowJo
• Demonstrated ability to work independently to design experiments, troubleshoot technical challenges, interpret results, and recommend next steps
• Strong written, verbal, and presentation skills with the ability to communicate scientific findings effectively to audiences

Nice To Haves

• Previous experience working with different therapeutic modalities in an industry setting, such as small molecules and biologics
• Demonstrated ability to thrive in a highly collaborative, cross-functional research environment

Responsibilities

• Support and lead research projects focused on developing cancer therapeutics.
• Work both independently and collaboratively within multidisciplinary teams to generate high-quality data and advance project goals.
• Develop and optimize assays.
• Design and execute well-controlled experiments.
• Analyze data and interpret results.
• Troubleshoot arising issues and generate actionable insights to inform project decisions.
• Present progress updates at internal team and departmental meetings.
• Contribute to multiple projects simultaneously.

Benefits

• medical, dental, vision healthcare and other insurance benefits (for employee and family)
• retirement benefits, including 401(k)
• paid holidays
• vacation
• compassionate and sick days

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Senior
• Education Level: Ph.D. or professional degree