Senior Scientist, Research Science

Merck • Rahway, NJ

334d • $104,200 - $163,900

About The Position

Translational Molecular Biomarkers (TMB) is responsible for the development and execution of clinical biomarker assays across all therapeutic areas and all phases of clinical development within our company's research laboratories. TMB laboratories leverage a diverse array of technologies to develop biomarker assays to help confirm engagement of therapeutic targets and understand mechanisms drug action and patient response. The Immunoassay group within the TMB organization is seeking a highly motivated candidate to join our team. The individual will play a critical role in the development and validation immunoassay-based assays that are deployed in support of clinical trials. The candidate for this Senior Scientist position should have strong technical expertise in immunoassays for protein quantitation and enzymatic activity assessment in biological samples. The candidate should have a strong interest in lab-based assay development, validation, and clinical sample analysis. In addition, the candidate should have interest to collaborate closely with out-sourcing partners on the scientific oversight of assays that support our pipeline.

Requirements

• Education Minimum Requirement: BS, BA, MS, or Ph.D. in a life sciences discipline (Biochemistry, Immunology, Molecular Pathology, Cell Biology, etc.) or Chemistry.
• A minimum of 10 (for BS or BA) or 5 (for MS) years of clinical laboratory or pharmaceutical industry experience, or a doctoral degree (Ph.D.) in a related discipline (e.g. analytical chemistry, biochemistry, etc.).
• A minimum of 5 years of hands-on direct experience in immunoassay-based assay development (this experience does not need to be post-graduate).
• Strong experience in the handling of biofluids (plasma, serum, CSF, etc) for clinical biomarker bioanalysis.
• Strong interpersonal, verbal and written communication skills.
• Motivated and able to work independently.
• Ability to execute within a matrixed organization and collaborate with cross-functional teams.

Nice To Haves

• Broad knowledge of the drug development process and translational medicine.
• Hands-on experience in clinical development/operation or managing the implementation of biomarker assays in support of drug development.

Responsibilities

• Develop and validate immunoassay-based assays within TMB for all therapeutic areas and all phases of clinical development.
• Assist in the transition of biomarker assays from Basic Research to Clinical use by providing technical guidance on fit-for-purpose assay validation.
• Interface with scientists and physicians in early and late-stage clinical development to execute on biomarker strategies in clinical trials.
• Writing memos, final reports and publications summarizing data, and writing/updating lab SOPs.
• Serve as a subject matter expert in immunoassay-based assay development and validation, collaborating with project teams, biomarker leaders, clinical operations and regulatory affairs on the implementation of these assays in clinical trials.

Benefits

• Bonus eligibility
• Long term incentive if applicable
• Health care and other insurance benefits (for employee and family)
• Retirement benefits
• Paid holidays
• Vacation
• Sick days

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Senior
• Education Level: Master's degree