Cell-Based Assay Senior Scientist, Discovery Biologics
Merck
June 24, 2026
On-site
Boston, MA
Clinical Research and Development
What You Will Do
- Develop, optimize and execute target-specific assays for early-stage Biologics discovery.
- Contribute to binding and functional characterization of therapeutic molecules via cellular and/or biochemical assays.
- Implement assay automation to screen drug candidates in early discovery pipelines.
- Plan, design, execute and troubleshoot in vitro pharmacological experiments.
- Maintain timely, accurate laboratory records and comply with good documentation practices.
- Collaborate with integrated teams in a matrix organization, providing data-driven recommendations as an SME.
Qualifications & Experience
- PhD in Biology, Biochemistry, Immunology, Biophysics, Chemistry, Engineering, Biotechnology, or related STEM with 0–3 years of relevant industry experience; or MS with >5 years of relevant industry experience.
- Broad experience in cell-based assays.
Required Skills
- Deep expertise with primary human T-cell isolation, banking and culture; assay development, optimization, execution of T cell-dependent cellular cytotoxicity assays and immunoprofiling.
- Hands-on mammalian cell culture, flow cytometry, and related data analysis.
- ELISA and/or MesoScaleDiscovery for measuring cytokine secretion.
- Working knowledge of FlowJo, Graph Pad Prism, and Microsoft programs.
- Familiarity with automated liquid handling, robotics, and high-throughput cell-based screening formats.
- Strong multitasking, attention to detail, organization, and written/interpersonal communication.
Preferred Skills
- T cell engager and/or other complex Biologics formats.
- Experience developing reporter gene assays, Ab internalization assays, enzymatic activity assays, etc.
- Cell line engineering with lentivirus, CRISPR, and cell sorting.
- Experience developing high-throughput methods/workflows (e.g., Hamilton/Agilent Bravo; Momentum scheduling).
Application
- Apply via https://jobs.merck.com/us/en (deadline stated on posting). Job posting end date: 06/27/2026 (effective until 11:59:59PM on 06/26/2026). Requisition ID: R404678.
- Develop, optimize and execute target-specific assays for early-stage Biologics discovery.
- Contribute to binding and functional characterization of therapeutic molecules via cellular and/or biochemical assays.
- Implement assay automation to screen drug candidates in early discovery pipelines.
- Plan, design, execute and troubleshoot in vitro pharmacological experiments.
- Maintain timely, accurate laboratory records and comply with good documentation practices.
- Collaborate with integrated teams in a matrix organization, providing data-driven recommendations as an SME.
Qualifications & Experience
- PhD in Biology, Biochemistry, Immunology, Biophysics, Chemistry, Engineering, Biotechnology, or related STEM with 0–3 years of relevant industry experience; or MS with >5 years of relevant industry experience.
- Broad experience in cell-based assays.
Required Skills
- Deep expertise with primary human T-cell isolation, banking and culture; assay development, optimization, execution of T cell-dependent cellular cytotoxicity assays and immunoprofiling.
- Hands-on mammalian cell culture, flow cytometry, and related data analysis.
- ELISA and/or MesoScaleDiscovery for measuring cytokine secretion.
- Working knowledge of FlowJo, Graph Pad Prism, and Microsoft programs.
- Familiarity with automated liquid handling, robotics, and high-throughput cell-based screening formats.
- Strong multitasking, attention to detail, organization, and written/interpersonal communication.
Preferred Skills
- T cell engager and/or other complex Biologics formats.
- Experience developing reporter gene assays, Ab internalization assays, enzymatic activity assays, etc.
- Cell line engineering with lentivirus, CRISPR, and cell sorting.
- Experience developing high-throughput methods/workflows (e.g., Hamilton/Agilent Bravo; Momentum scheduling).
Application
- Apply via https://jobs.merck.com/us/en (deadline stated on posting). Job posting end date: 06/27/2026 (effective until 11:59:59PM on 06/26/2026). Requisition ID: R404678.