Senior Scientist, NGS Profiling & Expression

Job Description The Profiling & Expression department within Translational Medicine helps bridge Discovery and Development programs in multiple therapeutic areas through expertise in multimodal molecular analysis of tissues and model systems. We are a platform-based functional group leveraging a close partnership of pathologists, gene expression scientists, image analysis specialists, assay developers and data scientists to contribute to target validation, generation of quality mechanistic data, and the discovery and development of response and PD biomarkers with line of sight to the clinic. The Molecular Profiling group provides key work for understanding target tissue distributions in normal and diseased tissues, characterization of preclinical model systems, mechanism of action and proof of biology for candidate therapeutics, and drug response prediction. The Molecular Profiling Senior Scientist will work primarily with our research division's Discovery Oncology organization, providing targeted and NGS gene expression profiling support to reverse translation and preclinical target and biomarker validation efforts. Early discovery and pre‑clinical work in support of other therapeutic areas will also be provided as needed. This high‑throughput lab requires an organized, highly motivated individual who can work collaboratively across multiple organizations in the development of therapeutic targets in the Discovery Portfolio. Job Responsibilities Provide insight and guidance to cross‑functional collaborators regarding experimental design for gene expression‑based work Wet‑lab support for project‑based work including RNA isolation and gene expression profiling from bulk tissue, bulk sorted cell, and single cell populations Present and lead discussions on experimental results and data interpretation at team and/or department meetings Serve as Molecular Profiling representative to the Oncology translational research group as well as other program teams Qualifications Education: Bachelor's (with 7+ years of relevant experience) or Master’s (with 4+ years) or Ph.D. in biology, chemistry, biochemistry, molecular biology or related field Required Experience and Skills: Experience with molecular biology techniques, including RNA/DNA isolation and NGS library preparation Experience with targeted RT‑qPCR and NGS platforms Experience with multi‑omics NGS platforms, low cell number sorted populations, and/or single‑cell RNA‑seq Experience in analysis of mid‑density and/or whole transcriptomics gene expression data types Prior experience in Oncology or Immunology Strong interpersonal skills with ability to contribute effectively in a team‑based environment Highly organized and able to manage time effectively Ability to interface with translational, discovery, and clinical cross‑functional colleagues to drive assay development and implementation into discovery and/or clinical programs as needed Preferred Experience and Skills: Experience with RNA/DNA QC platforms such as the Qubit, Fragment Analyzer, Agilent Bioanalyzer or Tapestation Experience with liquid automation for sample RNA/DNA isolation and NGS library prep Experience with NGS analysis data visualization software such as Cell Ranger, Partek, OmniBrowser, or BioTuring Familiarity with computer software: Illumina BaseSpace, Illumina Dragen, Spotfire, Graphpad Prism, Ingenuity Pathway Analysis With management guidance, ability to incorporate innovative scientific and technical advances to support Profiling & Expression priorities Additional Details Job Location : Merck & Co., Inc., Rahway, NJ, USA. US and Puerto Rico Residents Only. San Francisco Residents Only and Los Angeles Residents Only conditions apply. Relocation: Domestic VISA Sponsorship: No Travel Requirements: No Travel Required Flexible Work Arrangements: Not Applicable Shift: 1st - Day Valid Driving License: No Hazardous Material(s): N/A Job Posting End Date: 07/22/2026 Salary and Benefits Salary Range: $131,400.00 - $206,800.00 Eligible for annual bonus and long‑term incentive, if applicable. We offer a comprehensive package of benefits including medical, dental, vision, healthcare, retirement benefits, 401(k), paid holidays, vacation, compassionate and sick days. More information about benefits is available at Equal Employment Opportunity 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 EEOC Know Your Rights, EEOC GINA Supplement. 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. #J-18808-Ljbffr Merck