Senior Scientist, Functional Genomics

Merck•Cambridge, MA

4h•Onsite

About The Position

We are seeking a highly motivated Senior Scientist with expertise in functional genomics to join the Genome Sciences team within the Data, AI and Genome Sciences (DAGS) Department in Cambridge, MA. Our group’s mission is to develop high-throughput cutting-edge genomic technologies to better understand disease mechanisms and to accelerate the discovery of new targets and biomarkers across therapeutic areas. Our group utilizes innovative genetic screening (pooled, arrayed and optical pooled CRISPR) and multi-omic single cell sequencing approaches to impact all stages of the pipeline from pre-clinical to clinical development. Genome Sciences collaborates closely with Oncology, Immunology, Ophthalmology, Cardiometabolic disease, Neuroscience and Chemical Biology areas throughout the Discovery, Preclinical and Translational Medicine (DPTM) organization. The successful candidate will join a highly collaborative environment, will be an active participant in scientific dialogue, and will work independently in multidisciplinary teams.

Requirements

Ph.D. in cell and molecular biology, Genomics, Genetics, Bioinformatics, Bioengineering, Biotechnology, Computational Biology, Biophysics, or a related life sciences discipline, with at least 2 years' experience in the biotech or pharmaceutical industry (relevant postdoctoral experience may be counted toward this requirement).
Demonstrated ability to design, execute, troubleshoot, and interpret optical pooled screens
Broad technical experience in cell-based assay development and molecular biology
Ability to foster and drive research projects while working with multiple disciplinary teams in a matrixed environment
Highly motivated, capable of working independently, prioritizing experiments and providing high-quality data to meet the discovery program timelines
Effective written and verbal communication skills
CRISPR-Cas System
Genetic Screening
Genomics
High Content Screening
Molecular Biology
Omics
Single-Cell Genomics
Teamwork

Nice To Haves

Familiarity with high-throughout lab automation and liquid-handling technologies
Experience with image analysis tools (e.g. Signals Image Artist, Cellpose)
Experience generating scRNA-seq datasets
Experience with analysis of functional genomics screens

Responsibilities

Design, troubleshoot and execute optical pooled screens, interpret data to pursue key questions across broad areas of biology
Develop cell-based assays with disease-relevant phenotypes and determine feasibility and best approach for optical pooled genetic screens
Identify and develop new applications for optical pooled screen technology that can accelerate identification and validation of novel targets and impact the Discovery program pipeline
Collaborate with therapeutic area scientists to validate targets, research mechanisms of action, and characterize novel drug targets coming from wet and dry lab approaches
Perform accurate record-keeping for electronic notebooks
Maintain laboratory space and equipment used for OPS experiments
Make timely, data-driven decisions that balance innovation, risk, and experimental rigor
Communicate results and findings clearly and concisely to project teams and stakeholders.