Merck & Co, Inc

Associate Scientist, Post Doc Fellow- Translational Neuroscience

Merck & Co, Inc • $82K — $92K *
Pharmaceuticals & Biotech
Less than 5 years of experience
Job Overview by Ladders

Qualifications

  • Ph.D. in Neuroscience, Pharmacology, Biomedical Sciences, or related field (or expected by spring 2027).
  • Expertise in rodent models of neurodegenerative diseases.
  • Hands-on experience with molecular and cellular biology techniques (e.g., ELISA, immunohistochemistry).
  • Experience with MRI or other translational imaging methods.
  • Proficiency in data analysis tools (e.g., GraphPad Prism, MATLAB, Python).
  • Demonstrated ability to independently design and execute complex studies.
  • Strong scientific communication skills, evidenced by publications.

Responsibilities

  • Design and conduct preclinical studies using rodent models.
  • Perform in vivo experiments, including dosing and tissue collection.
  • Apply biochemical techniques for biomarker analyses.
  • Develop in vivo MRI methods to evaluate neuroinflammation and other endpoints.
  • Integrate imaging and biomarker datasets to uncover disease mechanisms.
  • Collaborate with multidisciplinary teams to influence project strategy.
  • Present findings at conferences and in peer-reviewed publications.

Benefits

  • Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision insurance for employees and families.
  • Retirement benefits, including 401(k).
  • Paid holidays and vacation days.
  • Compassionate and sick leave days.
  • Eligibility for annual bonuses and long-term incentives.
Full Job Description
Job Description

Postdoctoral Fellow, Translational Neuroscience

Position Overview

We are seeking a highly motivated and innovative Postdoctoral Fellow in Neuroscience to join our Discovery Biology team. This laboratory-based position offers an exciting opportunity to advance novel therapies for neurodegenerative diseases through cutting-edge preclinical and translational research.

The successful candidate will have strong expertise in neurodegeneration, animal models, translational biomarkers, and in vivo neuroimaging. They will independently design and execute studies, generate mechanistic insights into disease biology, and collaborate across multidisciplinary teams to support CNS drug discovery programs. With access to state-of-the-art biology and neuroimaging technologies, the candidate will generate critical insights into disease pathology and therapeutic efficacy, helping to shape the future of how we understand, visualize, and ultimately treat certain neurodegenerative diseases.

The ideal candidate is a highly independent scientist who enjoys working at the bench, excels in in vivo experimentation, and is passionate about advancing innovative therapies for neurodegenerative diseases.

Key Responsibilities
  • Design and conduct preclinical studies using rodent models of neurodegenerative diseases.
  • Perform hands-on in vivo experiments, including dosing, tissue collection, and downstream biomarker analyses.
  • Apply biochemical and molecular techniques, including ELISA, Meso Scale Discovery, immunohistochemistry, and ultrasensitive biomarker assays.
  • Develop and utilize in vivo MRI methods to evaluate neuroinflammation, blood-brain barrier integrity, and other translational endpoints.
  • Integrate imaging, fluid biomarker, and pharmacological datasets to uncover disease mechanisms and therapeutic responses.
  • Collaborate with scientists across neuroscience, translational imaging, pharmacology, and data science to generate scientific insights that influence project strategy and decision-making.
  • Present findings through internal presentations, scientific conferences, and peer-reviewed publications.


Education Requirements:
  • Must currently hold a Ph.D. OR
  • Receive a Ph.D. no later than spring 2027
  • Ph.D. in Neuroscience, Pharmacology, Biomedical Sciences, or a related discipline.


Required Skills & Experience:
  • Expertise with rodent models of neurodegenerative disease.
  • Strong hands-on experience with molecular and cellular biology techniques, such as ELISA, Meso Scale Discovery, immunohistochemistry, and/or Quanterix-based assays.
  • Hands-on experience with MRI or other translational imaging approaches.
  • Understanding of PK/PD principles and translational pharmacology.
  • Proficiency in data analysis and visualization tools, such as GraphPad Prism, HALO, and image analysis using MATLAB and/or Python.
  • Demonstrated ability to independently design, execute, and troubleshoot complex studies.
  • Strong scientific communication skills, evidenced by publications and presentations.


Preferred Skills & Experience:
  • Experience with translational biomarkers and mechanism-based drug development.
  • Experience with transcriptomics, proteomics, or multi-omics data generation and analysis.
  • Research experience in Alzheimer's disease, Parkinson's disease, ALS, or related CNS disorders.
  • Experience working in multidisciplinary drug discovery teams.
  • Demonstrated ability to lead collaborative projects and coordinate activities across scientific functions.


The salary range for this role is: $82,000- $92,000

This is the lowest to highest salary we in good faith believe we would pay for this role at the time of this posting. An employee's position within the salary range will be based on several factors including, but not limited to relevant education, qualifications, certifications, experience, skills, geographic location, government requirements, and business or organizational needs.

The successful candidate will be eligible for annual bonus and long-term incentive, if applicable.

We offer a comprehensive package of benefits. Available benefits include medical, dental, vision healthcare and other insurance benefits (for employee and family), retirement benefits, including 401(k), paid holidays, vacation, and compassionate and sick days.

Required Skills:
Biomarkers, Data Analysis, Design of Experiments (DOE), Disease Models, Immunoassays, In Vivo Models, Neurodegeneration, Neuroinflammation, Scientific Research, Statistical Analysis

Preferred Skills:

Current Employees apply HERE

Current Contingent Workers apply HERE

Employee Status:
Regular

Relocation:
Domestic

VISA Sponsorship:
Yes

Travel Requirements:
10%

Flexible Work Arrangements:
Not Applicable

Shift:
Not Indicated

Valid Driving License:
No

Hazardous Material(s):
N/A

Job Posting End Date:
10/12/2026
*A job posting is effective until 11:59:59PM on the day BEFORE the listed job posting end date. Please ensure you apply to a job posting no later than the day BEFORE the job posting end date.

About Merck & Co, Inc

Schering-Plough Corporation is a major U.S.-based manufacturer of pharmaceuticals. It operates in three segments: Prescription Pharmaceuticals, Animal Health, and Consumer Health Care. Schering-Plough develops products targeting on allergy, cancer, hepatitis, cardiovascular, central nervous system, respiratory system, and more.  It was founded in 1851 by Ernst Christian Friedrich Schering as Schering AG in Germany. Schering-Plough manufactured several pharmaceutical drugs, the most well-known of which were the allergy drugs Claritin and Clarinex, an anti-cholesterol drug Vytorin, and a brain tumor drug Temodar. It also developed drugs targeting on central nervous system and the respiratory system. Schering Plough also owned and operated the major foot care brand name Dr. Scholl's and the skin care line Coppertone. These also became a part of the new company. Schering-Plough was a full member of the European Federation of Pharmaceutical Industries and Associations (EFPIA), a membership which is also maintained by the new Merck.

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Join the visionary team at Merck & Co, Inc, a global leader in healthcare dedicated to advancing the world of medicine. As part of our professional community, you'll find dynamic job opportunities that foster innovation and leadership across various fields. Merck & Co, Inc is not just a company; it's a place where you can make a difference.

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At Merck & Co, Inc, we are committed to improving global health through groundbreaking research and innovative healthcare solutions. Our team is at the forefront of developing new therapies and vaccines that significantly impact public health worldwide. By joining us, you will collaborate with some of the brightest minds in the industry, using your skills to contribute to projects that save and improve lives around the globe.

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We understand that our employees are our greatest asset, which is why we offer competitive benefits designed to support the health and well-being of you and your family. From comprehensive health care coverage and retirement plans to flexible working conditions and wellness programs, our benefits package is designed to meet the diverse needs of our team members.

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Learn more about Merck & Co, Inc
Size
68,000 employees
Market Cap
$282.6 billion
Industry
Net Income
$7 billion
Founded
1668
5 Year Trend
+4.1%
Revenue
$47.9 billion
NASDAQ

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