Senior Scientist, Discovery Oncology

MSD • Boston, MA

2d • Onsite

About The Position

The Senior Scientist will join the Discovery Oncology-Reverse Translation Team in Boston, using clinical observations, real-world evidence, patient molecular datasets, and emerging high-resolution technologies to generate biological hypotheses and develop experimental models that recapitulate clinical observations. The role partners closely with translational, computational, and discovery scientists, bridging clinical findings with mechanistic studies in in vitro, ex vivo, and in vivo systems.

The position supports reverse translation initiatives to elucidate mechanisms of action of oncology therapeutics; identify mechanisms of response and resistance; prioritize molecular pathways and therapeutic vulnerabilities revealed by clinical datasets; and inform biomarker and therapeutic strategies for oncology programs. The scientist designs and executes laboratory studies, analyzes and interprets complex biological and molecular datasets, and communicates findings to project teams and stakeholders. The role calls for technical expertise in cancer biology, scientific curiosity, rigor, creativity, and collaboration.

Requirements

• Ph.D. in Cancer Biology, Immunology, Molecular Biology, Biochemistry, Oncology, or a related STEM field; or an M.S. with 4+ years of relevant industry or academic experience; or a B.S. with 7+ years of relevant industry or academic experience.
• Strong understanding of cancer biology, tumor evolution, and the tumor microenvironment.
• Ability to translate clinical observations into testable biological hypotheses and design experimental strategies to investigate mechanisms of therapeutic response and resistance.
• Hands-on expertise with in vitro and ex vivo experimental systems and molecular biology techniques, including gene perturbation, gene overexpression, cell line engineering, RT-PCR, protein characterization, multi-color flow cytometry, and functional assays.
• Experience working across therapeutic modalities, including antibody-drug conjugates (ADCs), bispecific antibodies, and/or small molecules.
• Familiarity with patient-derived models, xenograft models, and translational biomarker approaches.
• Experience using public functional genomics and pharmacology resources such as DepMap, PRISM, and TCGA, or related datasets, to identify therapeutic vulnerabilities, prioritize pathways, and generate biological hypotheses.
• Ability to independently design, execute, analyze, and interpret experiments.
• Evidence of scientific productivity through publications, presentations, or patents.
• Strong organizational, communication, presentation, and collaboration skills.
• Ability to work effectively in a fast-paced, matrixed research environment while managing multiple priorities.

Responsibilities

• Translate clinical observations, real-world evidence, and patient molecular datasets into actionable biological hypotheses.
• Develop experimental models that recapitulate clinical observations.
• Partner with translational, computational, and discovery scientists to connect clinical findings with mechanistic studies.
• Conduct reverse translation research to elucidate therapeutic mechanisms of action and mechanisms of response and resistance.
• Prioritize molecular pathways and therapeutic vulnerabilities emerging from clinical datasets.
• Inform biomarker and therapeutic strategies for relevant oncology programs.
• Design and execute laboratory studies using relevant experimental systems and techniques.
• Analyze and interpret complex biological and molecular datasets.
• Communicate research findings to project teams and stakeholders.

Benefits

• Medical, dental, and vision healthcare and other insurance benefits for employees and their families.
• Retirement benefits, including 401(k).
• Paid holidays, vacation, compassionate days, and sick days.
• Eligible for annual bonus and long-term incentive, if applicable.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Senior
• Education Level: Ph.D. or professional degree