Senior Scientist, LNP Discovery Biology

The businesses of Merck KGaA, Darmstadt, Germany•Billerica, MA

1d•$94,600 - $144,100

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. The scientist executes in vitro and ex vivo studies that drive candidate selection, develops assays used by the program, and works at the interface of LNP delivery and immunology to advance a targeted delivery platform. The role involves independently running experiments, interpreting data, and presenting findings to project teams, while collaborating with Principal Scientists and colleagues across the department and wider group. The position supports primary human immune-cell assays, multicolor flow cytometry, and in vivo studies using humanized mouse models. It also includes assay documentation, data and sample management, collaboration with formulation and lipid chemistry colleagues and external partners, and training and support for research associates and junior scientists. External applicants must be eligible to work in the United States; this role does not offer work authorization sponsorship.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in Immunology, Cell Biology, Molecular Biology, or another life science discipline, plus 8 or more years of industry experience; or a master’s degree in a relevant discipline plus 6 or more years of industry experience; or a Ph.D. in a relevant discipline plus 2 or more 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.
Eligible to work in the United States; work authorization sponsorship is not offered.

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 artifacts.
Experience with humanized mouse models, including PBMC- or huCD34+-engrafted NSG models and engraftment monitoring.
Prior work on B-cell depletion, autoimmune indications, or CD19/CD20-directed therapies.
Comfort working in a fast-moving, cross-functional environment.
Hands-on experience with primary human immune-cell culture, including T-cell isolation, activation, and expansion, and associated functional assays.
Practical command of multicolor flow cytometry, including panel design, compensation, gating strategy, and common failure modes.
Experience independently developing and troubleshooting cell-based assays rather than only running established protocols.
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.

Responsibilities

Execute in vitro and ex vivo studies supporting 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 required data-quality standards.
Partner with formulation and lipid chemistry colleagues on candidate characterization, and 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.