Job Abstract

Job Description

Translational Molecular Biomarkers (TMB) is responsible for translating preclinical molecular biomarkers to clinical development across all therapeutic areas and all phases of clinical development at our company's Research laboratories. TMB laboratories leverage a diverse array of technologies to develop biomarker assays to help confirm engagement of therapeutic targets, understand mechanisms drug action, and patient response.

The Flow Cytometry group within the TMB organization is seeking a highly motivated candidate to join our team. The individual will play a critical role in the development and validation of flow cytometric assays that are deployed in support of clinical trials. The candidate for this Senior Scientist position should have strong technical and biological-area expertise in flow cytometry, immunology, oncology, cell biology, and molecular biology. The candidate should also have a strong interest in lab-based assay work. In addition, the successful candidate should have a desire to collaborate closely with out-sourcing partners on the scientific and technical oversight of flow cytometric assays that support our pipeline.

The individual will have the following responsibilities:

• Develop and validate flow cytometric assays within TMB for all therapeutic areas and all phases of clinical development.

• Assist in the transition of biomarker assays from Basic Research to Clinical by providing technical guidance on fit-for-purpose assay validation.

• Interface with scientists and physicians in early and late-stage clinical development to execute on biomarker strategies in clinical trials.

• Write memos, final reports and publications summarizing data, and write/update lab SOPs.

• Serve as a subject matter expert in flow cytometric-based assay development and validation, collaborating with project teams, biomarker leaders, clinical operations, and regulatory affairs on the implementation of these assays in clinical trials.

Position Qualifications:

Education Minimum Requirement:  

• BS, BA, MS, or Ph.D. in a life sciences discipline (Biochemistry, Immunology, Cell Biology, etc.)

Required Experience and Skills:

• A minimum of 10 (for BS or BA) or 5 (for MS) years of clinical laboratory or pharmaceutical industry experience, or a doctoral degree (Ph.D.) in a related discipline (e.g. molecular biology, biochemistry, etc.).

• Extensive knowledge and experience in flow cytometry techniques, including panel design, assay development and validation, instrument optimization and maintenance, data analysis, and troubleshooting.

• Strong understanding of translational medicine and biomarker development.

• Experience in data analysis and interpretation using relevant analytical software tools (i.e. OMIQ, FlowJo, FCS Express, etc.).

• Strong interpersonal, verbal, and written communication skills.

• Motivated and able to work independently, strong leadership skills.

• Ability to execute within a matrixed organization and collaborate with cross-functional teams.

Preferred Experience and Skills:

• Multi-color flow cytometry experience utilizing traditional and/or full spectrum cytometers (i.e. BD and Cytek flow cytometers).

• Designing and developing the following flow cytometry assays:

• Immunophenotyping

• Minimal Residual Disease (MRD)

• Receptor Occupancy

• High-dimensional Flow Cytometry

• TILs

• Phospho-signaling

• Intracellular Cytokine Profiling

• Cellular Proliferation

• Handling primary cells derived from human tissues.

• Primary cell isolation techniques such as tissue dissociation, density gradient centrifugation, magnetic bead separation, and/or fluorescence-activated cell sorting (FACS).

• Establishing and maintaining cell cultures.

• Performing in vitro/ex vivo differentiation and stimulation functional assays.

NOTICE FOR INTERNAL APPLICANTS

In accordance with Managers' Policy - Job Posting and Employee Placement, all employees subject to this policy are required to have a minimum of twelve (12) months of service in current position prior to applying for open positions.

If you have been offered a separation benefits package, but have not yet reached your separation date and are offered a position within the salary and geographical parameters as set forth in the Summary Plan Description (SPD) of your separation package, then you are no longer eligible for your separation benefits package. To discuss in more detail, please contact your HRBP or Talent Acquisition Advisor.

Employees working in roles that the Company determines require routine collaboration with external stakeholders, such as customer-facing commercial, or research-based roles, will be expected to comply not only with Company policy but also with policies established by such external stakeholders (for example, a requirement to be vaccinated against COVID-19 in order to access a facility or meet with stakeholders).  Please understand that, as permitted by applicable law, if you have not been vaccinated against COVID-19 and an essential function of your job is to call on external stakeholders who require vaccination to enter their premises or engage in face-to-face meetings, then your employment may pose an undue burden to business operations, in which case you may not be offered employment, or your employment could be terminated. Please also note that, where permitted by applicable law, the Company reserves the right to require COVID-19 vaccinations for positions, such as in Global Employee Health, where the Company determines in its discretion that the nature of the role presents an increased risk of disease transmission.

Current Employees apply HERE

Current Contingent Workers apply HERE

US and Puerto Rico Residents Only:

Our company is committed to inclusion, ensuring that candidates can engage in a hiring process that exhibits their true capabilities. Please click here if you need an accommodation during the application or hiring process.

We are an Equal Opportunity Employer, committed to fostering an inclusive and diverse workplace.  All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, age, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, protected veteran status, or disability status, or other applicable legally protected characteristics.  For more information about personal rights under the U.S. Equal Opportunity Employment laws, visit:

EEOC Know Your Rights

EEOC GINA Supplement?

Pay Transparency Nondiscrimination

We are proud to be a company that embraces the value of bringing diverse, talented, and committed people together. The fastest way to breakthrough innovation is when diverse ideas come together in an inclusive environment. We encourage our colleagues to respectfully challenge one another’s thinking and approach problems collectively.

Learn more about your rights, including under California, Colorado and other US State Acts

U.S. Hybrid Work Model

Effective September 5, 2023, employees in office-based positions in the U.S. will be working a Hybrid work consisting of three total days on-site per week, generally Tuesday, Wednesday and either Monday or Thursday, although the specific days may vary by site or organization, with Friday designated as a remote-working day, unless business critical tasks require an on-site presence.  This Hybrid work model does not apply to, and daily in-person attendance is required for, field-based positions; facility-based, manufacturing-based, or research-based positions where the work to be performed is located at a Company site; positions covered by a collective-bargaining agreement (unless the agreement provides for hybrid work); or any other position for which the Company has determined the job requirements cannot be reasonably met working remotely. Please note, this Hybrid work model guidance also does not apply to roles that have been designated as “remote”.

Under New York State, Colorado State, Washington State, and California State law, the Company is required to provide a reasonable estimate of the salary range for this job. Final determinations with respect to salary will take into account a number of factors, which may include, but not be limited to the primary work location and the chosen candidate’s relevant skills, experience, and education.

Expected salary range:

Available benefits include bonus eligibility, long term incentive if applicable, health care and other insurance benefits (for employee and family), retirement benefits, paid holidays, vacation, and sick days. A summary of benefits is listed here.

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:

Relocation:

VISA Sponsorship:

Travel Requirements:

Flexible Work Arrangements:

Shift:

Valid Driving License:

Hazardous Material(s):

Job Posting End Date:

*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.