Senior Scientist – In Vitro Neuroimmunology- Boston, MA

Merck•Boston, MA

1d•$119,100 - $187,500•Onsite

About The Position

The Neuroimmunology team in Boston is seeking an independent and motivated scientist with a background in cell biology, immunology, and/or neuroscience to validate and advance novel neuroimmune targets for CNS diseases. The Senior Scientist establishes assay systems, shapes experimental strategies, and delivers datasets and analyses that affect pipeline programs. This is a lab-based role focused on designing and executing in vitro experiments, including establishing and characterizing cell-based model systems, particularly induced pluripotent stem cell (iPSC) models. The scientist provides scientific leadership to established and emerging therapeutic discovery programs through advanced in vitro disease modeling and translational research. The role requires independent work and proactive collaboration across disciplines, along with active participation in scientific dialogue supporting discovery of immune-based therapies for CNS diseases. The position requires 90% of time in the lab. The employee will work with OEB4, BSL2, and bloodborne pathogen hazards. The position is based primarily in Boston, Massachusetts, with domestic relocation listed; travel is not required. The employee may be eligible for an annual bonus and long-term incentive, if applicable. The company offers medical, dental, vision, and other insurance benefits for employees and families; retirement benefits including 401(k); paid holidays; vacation; and compassionate and sick days.

Requirements

Ph.D. in Molecular Cell Biology, Neuroscience, Pharmacology, Biology, or a related field, with postdoctoral or industry experience.
Demonstrated ability to work independently and in a team environment.
Extensive experience with CNS iPSC cell culture, including constructing complex in vitro tri-culture models.
Experience culturing immune cell lines, primary murine microglia, and iPSC-derived microglia.
Recognized scientific expertise in designing, executing, and interpreting complex in vitro and translational studies to generate mechanistic insights supporting target validation, therapeutic strategy, and drug-discovery decisions.
Strong data-analysis skills and willingness to use AI tools for data quality control on small and large datasets.
Experience applying standard laboratory cell-culture procedures, including DNA transfection, viral delivery, and immunocytochemistry.
Ability to independently perform tissue and cellular protein/RNA preparations, quantitative PCR, western blots, and ELISAs.
Excellent oral and written communication skills, including preparing study reports and presentations and contributing to manuscripts for peer-reviewed journals.
Demonstrated scientific innovation, thought leadership, and problem solving, evidenced by impactful publications, scientific presentations, patents, technology development, or contributions to drug-discovery programs.
Able to spend 90% of work time in the laboratory.

Nice To Haves

Primary neuronal or astrocyte culture experience.
Experience applying high-content imaging to cell-based assays.
Experience with multiple therapeutic modalities, such as small molecules, antibodies, peptides, and siRNA.
Experience in neuroscience and pharmaceutical research.
Experience with Alzheimer’s, Parkinson’s, or ALS disease research.

Responsibilities

Develop, execute, and troubleshoot cell-based assays, protocols, and analysis methods.
Design and lead complex experimental programs, interpret multidimensional datasets, and communicate scientific recommendations that influence project strategy and research decisions.
Isolate and characterize tissues, whole blood, PBMCs, and iPSC-derived cell populations using immunocytochemistry, DNA/RNA isolation, PCR, NanoString, RNA-seq, and other molecular biology techniques.
Provide scientific oversight of external research activities and collaborations, including study design, protocol review, data interpretation, and integration of external findings into program decisions.
Communicate data clearly and concisely in oral and written form to appropriate teams and stakeholders.
Integrate scientific literature, competitive intelligence, and technological advances to shape internal research direction and strategy.
Contribute to scientific innovation by developing novel model systems, evaluating emerging technologies, publishing research findings, and presenting results to internal and external scientific audiences.
Independently design and execute in vitro experiments, with a focus on establishing and characterizing iPSC-based cell models.
Collaborate across disciplines and contribute to scientific discussion supporting CNS immune-based therapeutic discovery.