Principal Scientist, Translational Immunology & High-Throughput Precision Biomarkers
Merck
4 days ago
On-site
Cambridge, MA
Clinical Research and Development
Key Responsibilities:
- Lead translational immunology studies using human biospecimens to support biomarker discovery and companion diagnostic (CDx) development.
- Design and execute hands-on, large-scale PBMC/primary cell experiments including immune-cell activation assays, cytokine profiling, flow cytometry, and single-cell RNA sequencing.
- Develop and optimize biomarker assays/workflows; identify response-associated biomarkers.
- Integrate multi-modal data (bulk/single-cell transcriptomics, flow cytometry, cytokine assays, and other multi-omics) to generate actionable insights.
- Collaborate cross-functionally to advance translational hypotheses and biomarker strategies; translate mechanistic biology into clinically relevant hypotheses (patient stratification, target engagement, biomarker decisions).
- Lead study planning, experimental design, data interpretation, and presentation; ensure rigor, reproducibility, and quality.
- Evaluate emerging technologies; mentor junior scientists; contribute to publications/reports.
Required Qualifications:
- PhD in Immunology/Biology/Molecular Biology/Cell Biology/Bioengineering or related field with 8+ years industry/pharma and/or academia experience.
- Strong translational immunology and human biospecimen biomarker discovery background.
- Hands-on PBMC isolation; primary immune-cell assay development; immune-cell activation assays; cytokine profiling and/or flow cytometry.
- Experience with bulk and/or single-cell transcriptomics (design + interpretation).
- Demonstrated expertise developing/optimizing biomarker assays for translational studies.
- Ability to design/execute/interpret complex studies linking mechanistic to clinical hypotheses.
- Strong analytical, problem-solving, and communication skills; lead/collaborate cross-functionally.
- 1–2 years direct people management experience.
Required Skills:
Assay development, biomarkers, cell-based assays, cytokines, cytometry/flow cytometry, immunology, transcriptomics, PBMC isolation, cell culture techniques, IPSC/iPS derived cells.
Preferred Skills:
- Multi-omics dataset generation for biologically meaningful and clinically relevant insights.
Benefits (if applicable):
Annual bonus and long-term incentive (if applicable); comprehensive benefits including medical/dental/vision, retirement (401(k)), paid holidays/vacation, and sick/compassionate days.
Application Instructions:
Apply via https://jobs.merck.com/us/en (or Workday Jobs Hub). Application deadline stated on posting (end date 06/22/2026).
- Lead translational immunology studies using human biospecimens to support biomarker discovery and companion diagnostic (CDx) development.
- Design and execute hands-on, large-scale PBMC/primary cell experiments including immune-cell activation assays, cytokine profiling, flow cytometry, and single-cell RNA sequencing.
- Develop and optimize biomarker assays/workflows; identify response-associated biomarkers.
- Integrate multi-modal data (bulk/single-cell transcriptomics, flow cytometry, cytokine assays, and other multi-omics) to generate actionable insights.
- Collaborate cross-functionally to advance translational hypotheses and biomarker strategies; translate mechanistic biology into clinically relevant hypotheses (patient stratification, target engagement, biomarker decisions).
- Lead study planning, experimental design, data interpretation, and presentation; ensure rigor, reproducibility, and quality.
- Evaluate emerging technologies; mentor junior scientists; contribute to publications/reports.
Required Qualifications:
- PhD in Immunology/Biology/Molecular Biology/Cell Biology/Bioengineering or related field with 8+ years industry/pharma and/or academia experience.
- Strong translational immunology and human biospecimen biomarker discovery background.
- Hands-on PBMC isolation; primary immune-cell assay development; immune-cell activation assays; cytokine profiling and/or flow cytometry.
- Experience with bulk and/or single-cell transcriptomics (design + interpretation).
- Demonstrated expertise developing/optimizing biomarker assays for translational studies.
- Ability to design/execute/interpret complex studies linking mechanistic to clinical hypotheses.
- Strong analytical, problem-solving, and communication skills; lead/collaborate cross-functionally.
- 1–2 years direct people management experience.
Required Skills:
Assay development, biomarkers, cell-based assays, cytokines, cytometry/flow cytometry, immunology, transcriptomics, PBMC isolation, cell culture techniques, IPSC/iPS derived cells.
Preferred Skills:
- Multi-omics dataset generation for biologically meaningful and clinically relevant insights.
Benefits (if applicable):
Annual bonus and long-term incentive (if applicable); comprehensive benefits including medical/dental/vision, retirement (401(k)), paid holidays/vacation, and sick/compassionate days.
Application Instructions:
Apply via https://jobs.merck.com/us/en (or Workday Jobs Hub). Application deadline stated on posting (end date 06/22/2026).