Senior Scientist - Immunotherapy

Merck•Billerica, MA

20h

About The Position

Help to shape next generation cancer immunotherapies at EMD Serono in Billerica, MA. As an in vitro Senior Scientist, you will not only execute experiments but also evaluate novel targets and represent the in vitro strategy on discovery project teams working on Tumor Immunology projects. Our goal is to mobilize adaptive and innate immunity—spanning antibody therapeutics, T‑cell engagers, checkpoint modulators, and myeloid/NK activators—turning bold ideas into high‑quality clinical candidates in a fast‑paced, highly collaborative environment.

Requirements

Master’s degree in Immunology, Cancer Immunology, Oncology, Molecular/Cell Biology, or other Science field with 5+ years of hands‑on immunology/immuno‑oncology (T‑cell biology) experience in academia or industry setting OR PhD in Immunology, Cancer Immunology, Oncology, Molecular/Cell Biology, or other Science field with 2+ years post‑PhD of hands‑on immunology/immuno‑oncology (T‑cell biology) experience in academia or industry setting

Nice To Haves

Expertise developing, running complex T‑cell functional assays (activation receptors, costimulatory molecules, checkpoint receptors) and interpreting mechanistic data to inform early development
Experience in designing, executing, and interpreting in vitro assays for drug discovery, including tumor models and pharmacology experiments
Clear, crisp communicator; highly organized multi-tasker who adapts quickly to deliver on‑time data packages
Confident influencer who engages senior leadership and thrives in a matrixed organization
Proven scientific impact—publications and contributions advancing new therapeutic concepts

Responsibilities

Design and execute in vitro/ex vivo human immune cell / tumor cell co‑culture assays; profile function via flow cytometry, cytokine/biomarker readouts, and high‑content imaging
Build and validate human immunology models that complement animal studies to improve translational predictivity and de‑risk candidates
Scout, implement, and champion new assay platforms to investigate novel MOAs, boost data quality, throughput, and decision‑making speed
Independently generate in vitro data for target selection, lead optimization, candidate nomination; and enable program decisions toward IND‑enabling studies
Analyze, document, and present results to multidisciplinary teams and senior leadership; manage studies at CROs and academic collaborations where needed
Provide creative, strategic input—conceive new project ideas and help design execution‑ready workplans