Senior Scientist, Discovery Oncology

Job Description

We are seeking a highly qualified scientist with a strong background in Oncology to join our Discovery Oncology team in Boston. The successful candidate will have a track record of innovative and collaborative drug discovery research, demonstrated through contribution to drug discovery programs. Primary responsibilities will include designing and carrying out experiments in the lab to build and support projects in the early discovery pipeline. A track record of scientific excellence and experimental rigor is required. An ability to communicate clearly and collaborate effectively with colleagues within and outside of the discovery group will be essential.

The specific responsibilities of the candidate include but are not limited to:

• Design, conduct, interpret and report cell-based assays using a wide range of established methodologies.

• Develop new methods and protocols de novo when and where needed.

• Monitor, review and critically interpret published work to guide internal research

• Contribute scientifically to oncology drug discovery research programs, including identification and validation of novel targets.

• Collaborate with discovery oncology, discovery chemistry, discovery biologics, pharmacology and genomics/pharmacogenomics to develop and integrate enabling technology and pursue key biological questions.

• Work with external academic, biotechnology, and contract research organizations.

• Ensure data generated is communicated in a concise, easy to understand manner to the appropriate teams and stakeholders.

Education:

• Bachelor's (with 7 years), Master's (with 4 years) or Ph.D. in

Biology, Oncology, Cell Biology, Molecular Biology, Cancer Biology, Biochemistry, Immunology, or a related STEM discipline and relevant experience in academic or industrial settings.

Required:

• Expertise in supporting Oncology drug discovery programs through development of mechanistic cell-based assays.

• Strong hands-on wet lab experience in molecular and cellular biology techniques.

• Experience with multi-color flow cytometry.

• Demonstrated ability to work independently to design experiments, interpret, data, troubleshoot, and suggest next steps.

• Candidate should be a strong team player with excellent oral and written communication skills.

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 team environment.

#EligibleforERP

Required Skills:

Assay Development, Cell-Based Assays, Cell Biology, Cell Culture Techniques, Flow Cytometry, Immunoassays, Immunoblots, Molecular Biology, Multi-Color Flow Cytometry, Oncology, Pharmacodynamics, Target Validation, Teamwork

Preferred Skills:

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.

As an Equal Employment Opportunity Employer, we provide equal opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibit discrimination on the basis of race, color, age, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, protected veteran status, disability status, or other applicable legally protected characteristics.  As a federal contractor, we comply with all affirmative action requirements for protected veterans and individuals with disabilities.  For more information about personal rights under the U.S. Equal Opportunity Employment laws, visit:

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

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The salary range for this role is

$119,100.00 - $187,500.00

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. More information about benefits is available at https://jobs.merck.com/us/en/compensation-and-benefits.

You can apply for this role through https://jobs.merck.com/us/en (or via the Workday Jobs Hub if you are a current employee). The application deadline for this position is stated on this posting.

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:

No

Travel Requirements:

No Travel Required

Flexible Work Arrangements:

Not Applicable

Shift:

Not Indicated

Valid Driving License:

No

Hazardous Material(s):

BSL2, standard lab reagents

Job Posting End Date:

06/26/2026

*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.