Senior Scientist, LNP Discovery Biology

Merck•Billerica, MA

About The Position

The Senior Scientist, LNP Discovery Biology is a hands-on, laboratory-based role supporting the LNP Discovery platform within the Research Unit Neuroscience & Immunology (N&I). The position executes in vitro and ex vivo work that supports candidate selection and develops assays for a targeted LNP delivery platform. It sits at the interface of LNP delivery and immunology and collaborates across groups to advance the platform. The scientist runs experiments, interprets data, and presents findings to project teams, working closely with Principal Scientists and colleagues across the department. The role also supports in vivo studies in humanized mouse models, partners with formulation and lipid chemistry colleagues on candidate characterization, and coordinates with CRO and partner contacts on sample logistics and data transfer. It includes training and supporting research associates and junior scientists on owned assays and techniques.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in Immunology, Cell Biology, Molecular Biology, or another life science discipline, plus 8+ years of industry experience; or a master’s degree in a relevant discipline plus 6+ years of industry experience; or a PhD in a relevant discipline plus 2+ years of industry experience.
At least 1 year of experience with primary human immune cell culture, multicolor flow cytometry, developing and troubleshooting cell-based assays, and supporting in vivo studies.
Hands-on experience with primary human immune cell culture, including T-cell isolation, activation, and expansion, and related functional assays.
Practical command of multicolor flow cytometry, including panel design, compensation, gating strategy, and understanding of common failure modes.
Experience independently developing and troubleshooting cell-based assays.
Experience supporting in vivo studies, including mouse-model sample processing and endpoint analysis.
Careful, well-documented laboratory practice and comfort working to agreed protocols and quality standards.
Clear communication of data and interpretation, including presentations at group and project team meetings.
Must be eligible to work in the United States; the role does not offer work-authorization sponsorship.

Nice To Haves

Experience with LNP or other nanoparticle delivery systems, including mRNA cargo and in vitro potency assessment.
Experience with CAR biology or cell therapy, including CAR detection reagents and readouts that distinguish pharmacology from artifact.
Experience with PBMC- or huCD34+-engrafted NSG humanized mouse models, including engraftment monitoring.
Prior work on B-cell depletion, autoimmune indications, or CD19/CD20-directed therapies.
Comfort working in a fast-moving, cross-functional environment where data and slides may be due the same week.

Responsibilities

Execute in vitro and ex vivo studies for the targeted LNP delivery platform, including primary human T-cell and PBMC assays for transfection efficiency, CAR expression, and functional activity.
Develop, qualify, and troubleshoot assays, and document them so other scientists and CROs can follow them.
Design and run multicolor flow cytometry panels and generate core readouts for the targeted delivery platform.
Support in vivo studies in PBMC- and huCD34+-engrafted NSG humanized mouse models, including sample processing, bleeding, tissue collection, and endpoint analysis; contribute to study design discussions.
Analyze, interpret, and present data in group and project team meetings, including clear figures and defensible interpretations.
Maintain electronic lab notebooks, assay protocols, reagent and sample tracking, and program data-quality standards.
Partner with formulation and lipid chemistry colleagues on candidate characterization.
Coordinate with CRO and partner contacts on sample logistics and data transfer.
Train and support research associates and junior scientists on owned assays and techniques.