Merck & Co, Inc

Senior Scientist, Biology-Discovery

Merck & Co, Inc • $119K — $187K *
Pharmaceuticals & Biotech
Less than 5 years of experience
Job Overview by Ladders

Qualifications

  • Ph.D. with 0-2 years or M.S. with 4+ years or B.S. with 7+ years of relevant industry experience.
  • Strong foundation in cancer biology, pharmacology, or related fields.
  • Demonstrated experience in oncology drug discovery programs, evidenced through publications or presentations.
  • Proficiency in hands-on wet lab techniques including molecular and cellular biology.
  • Experience with data analysis software like GraphPad Prism and FlowJo.
  • Ability to collaboratively work with in vivo teams for sample analysis.

Responsibilities

  • Lead research projects developing innovative cancer therapeutics.
  • Develop and optimize assays to advance drug discovery efforts.
  • Design and execute controlled experiments with high data quality.
  • Analyze data and interpret results to inform project directions.
  • Troubleshoot technical issues and recommend actionable solutions.
  • Present findings at team and departmental meetings.
  • Contribute to multiple projects simultaneously in a collaborative environment.

Benefits

  • Visa sponsorship available for eligible candidates.
  • Potential for relocation assistance for the right applicant.
Full Job Description

Job Description

We are seeking a highly qualified and motivated Senior Scientist to join the Discovery Oncology team in Boston. The ideal candidate must possess a strong scientific foundation, excellent technical skills, and a track record of contributing to cancer drug discovery research.


This role will support and lead research projects focused on developing cancer therapeutics. The successful candidate will work both independently  and collaboratively within multidisciplinary teams to generate high-quality data and advance project goals. Key responsibilities include developing and optimizing assays, designing and executing well-controlled experiments, analyzing data, interpreting results, troubleshooting arising issues, and generating actionable insights to inform project decisions. The Senior Scientist will present progress updates at internal team and departmental meetings and will contribute to multiple projects simultaneously.


Education:

·         Ph.D. degree with 0-2 years of postdoctoral or industry experience, preferably in cancer biology, pharmacology, immunology, molecular biology, biochemistry, or related field

·         Or M.S. degree with 4+ years of industry experience

·         OR B.S. degree with 7+ years of industry experience


Required experience and skills:

·         Demonstrated experience supporting and advancing oncology drug discovery programs through data-driven decision making and contributions recognized through publications, presentations, or conference abstracts.

·         Strong, hands-on wet lab experience in molecular and cellular biology techniques

·         Experience with multi-color flow cytometry, Incucyte, cell viability assays, engineering cell line models (e.g., CRISPR, shRNA, lentiviral transduction, etc.)

·         Experience with protein and biomarker analysis, including Western blotting, JESS, ELISA/ Meso Scale Discovery

·         Ability to collaborate with in vivo pharmacology teams to support endpoint sample analysis, including processing and characterization of tumor and primary tissue samples

·         Proficiency in data analysis and interpretation, with a sound understanding of statistical concepts and software, such as GraphPad Prism and FlowJo

·         Demonstrated ability to work independently to design experiments, troubleshoot technical challenges, interpret results, and recommend next steps

·         Strong written, verbal, and presentation skills with the ability to communicate scientific findings effectively to audiences


Preferred experience and skills:

·         Previous experience working with different therapeutic modalities in an industry setting, such as small molecules and biologics

·         Demonstrated ability to thrive in a highly collaborative, cross-functional research environment


#eligibleforERP

Required Skills:

Assay Development, Assay Development, Biochemical Assays, Biologics, Biomarkers, Biopharmaceuticals, Cancer Immunotherapy, Cancer Research, Cancer Therapy, Cell Culture Techniques, Data Generation, Design of Experiments (DOE), Detail-Oriented, Drug Discovery Research, Drug Target Identification, Experimental Methods, Flow Cytometry, High Content Screening, Immunoassays, Immunology, In Vivo Models, Molecular Biology, Pharmaceutical Research, Pharmacology, Researching {+ 5 more}

Preferred Skills:

Current Employees apply

Current Contingent Workers apply

San Francisco Residents Only: We will consider qualified applicants with arrest and conviction records for employment in compliance with the San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance

Los Angeles Residents Only: We will consider for employment all qualified applicants, including those with criminal histories, in a manner consistent with the requirements of applicable state and local laws, including the City of Los Angeles’ Fair Chance Initiative for Hiring Ordinance

Search Firm Representatives Please Read Carefully 
Merck & Co., Inc., Rahway, NJ, USA, also known as Merck Sharp & Dohme LLC, Rahway, NJ, USA, does not accept unsolicited assistance from search firms for employment opportunities. All CVs / resumes submitted by search firms to any employee at our company without a valid written search agreement in place for this position will be deemed the sole property of our company.  No fee will be paid in the event a candidate is hired by our company as a result of an agency referral where no pre-existing agreement is in place. Where agency agreements are in place, introductions are position specific. Please, no phone calls or emails. 

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:

09/29/2026

*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.

Merck & Co, Inc Careers

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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Ready to advance your career at Merck & Co, Inc? Search open positions that match your skills and interests. We are continuously hiring and looking for passionate, creative, and solution-driven team players. Prepare your resume, sharpen your interview skills, and become part of a company that's dedicated to making a difference.

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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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