Lab Bench Scientist - Ligand-binding assays

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

18d•$94,600 - $144,100

About The Position

EMD Serono is hiring a Senior Scientist for its New Biological Entities Drug Metabolism and Pharmacokinetics (NBE DMPK) team in Billerica, Massachusetts. This scientific and operational role in Research and Development supports the development of novel biotherapeutics in a matrixed environment with functional experts. The work supports characterization of multiple molecules and modalities—from molecule design through preclinical and clinical phases—and helps fulfill internal and regulatory requirements. The role develops and fit-for-purpose validates bioanalytical methods for sample analysis of molecules in discovery and development. Representative technologies include immunochemical and ligand-binding techniques such as ELISA, MSD-ECLA, and Gyrolab. The scientist also designs complex studies, interprets analytical data, prepares technical reports, and ensures timely, high-quality delivery of ligand-binding assay bioanalytical work. The role may include characterizing critical reagents, recommending data decisions and technical solutions to the lab manager, researching and evaluating analytical strategies and technologies, and monitoring bioanalytical studies at contract research organizations (CROs). The position does not offer work-authorization sponsorship; external applicants must be eligible to work in the United States.

Requirements

PhD in Biochemistry, Biology, Chemistry, or another science field.
At least 2 years of post-PhD experience developing quantitative ligand-binding assays to support PK analysis.
At least 2 years of experience with biological molecules, including NBEs, ADCs, AOCs, or other novel modalities.

Nice To Haves

Excellent experimental design and troubleshooting skills.
Excellent data analysis and data mining skills.
Experience and comfort using, optimizing, and troubleshooting laboratory instruments.
Ability to prepare bioanalytical method documentation.
Knowledge of software such as Watson LIMS, GraphPad Prism, and Veeva Vault.
Knowledge of disease areas such as Immunology or Oncology, and an understanding of biology and pharmacology.
Excellent organizational, verbal communication, and written communication skills.
Excellent intercultural understanding.

Responsibilities

Develop and fit-for-purpose validate bioanalytical methods for sample analysis of molecules in discovery and development.
Support characterization of multiple molecules and modalities, including multi-specific NBEs, antibody-drug conjugates (ADCs), antibody oligonucleotide conjugates (AOCs), and other biologics, from molecule design through preclinical and clinical phases.
Develop complex experimental study designs, interpret analytical data, apply knowledge of immunogenicity, and write technical reports according to company and industry standards.
Ensure timely, quality delivery of ligand-binding assay (LBA) bioanalytical deliverables, including method development, qualification, and application to in-vivo animal studies.
Conduct or supervise critical reagent characterization when needed.
Recommend data decisions to the lab manager by providing results, findings, and technical solutions to project issues and problems.
Conduct scientific literature research to address complex technical issues and evaluate and implement potential analytical strategies and technologies.
Monitor bioanalytical studies at contract research organizations (CROs).