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.