Senior Scientist - In Vivo Neuroimmunology

Job Description Our company's Neuroscience is recruiting a Sr. Scientist in our Neuroimmunology team in Boston, MA to lead in vivo model development and validation to advance novel immune-based therapies for CNS diseases. As a Sr. Scientist, you will apply your expertise to evaluate PK/PD and disease-relevant endpoints in murine models to advance pipeline programs. This lab-based role requires independent ownership of study design, execution, sample processing and evaluation, data analysis, and clear communication of results to cross-functional project teams and stakeholders. The successful candidate will be able to work independently as well as proactively collaborate with colleagues to generate high-impact data to drive decision making and advance drug discovery. Key responsibilities of the In Vivo Neuroimmunology Sr. Scientist include: Design, execute, and report murine in vivo studies addressing target validation, mechanism of action, PK/PD, and translational biomarkers; take end-to-end ownership of study planning and documentation. Perform and supervise dosing (IV, IP, PO, SC and other routes), blood collection, cardiac perfusion, and careful dissection/collection of CNS and peripheral tissues. Prepare and fractionate tissues for biochemical and molecular assays (soluble/insoluble protein fractions) and execute immunoassays and RNA analyses (e.g. ELISA, OLINK, NULISA, western blot, flow cytometry, qPCR/RT-qPCR, bulk and single-cell RNA sequencing). Process, curate, and analyze datasets; apply statistical and computational tools to generate figures, study reports and presentations that inform program decisions. Troubleshoot and optimize experimental and analytical workflows, validate new methods, ensure reproducibility, and maintain accurate records. Communicate results clearly to project teams and the broader scientific community (internal reports, presentations, and publications), and uphold laboratory safety, animal welfare and regulatory compliance while collaborating across functions and with external partners. Work environment and travel This is an on-site, laboratory position based in Boston. Occasional travel ( Qualifications Education Master's (with 5+ years) or Ph.D. (with 1 year) in Neuroscience, Molecular Cell Biology, Pharmacology, Biology or related field with relevant experience Required Experience and Skills Demonstrated hands‑on experience designing and executing rodent in vivo experiments including stereotaxic surgeries (intracerebral and intracerebroventricular injections) Proficiency with multiple routes of dosing, blood collection methods, cardiac perfusion, and dissection of CNS (discrete brain regions, spinal cord) and peripheral tissues Practical experience preparing tissue fractions (soluble/insoluble proteins) and performing biochemical and molecular assays (e.g. ELISA, OLINK, NULISA, western blot, RNA sequencing or qPCR) Experience independently analyzing and visualizing experimental data including from multiplexed platforms Strong written and oral communication skills; ability to prepare study reports and present findings to diverse audiences Ability to work independently within a collaborative, cross‑functional team Preferred Experience and Skills Industry drug‑discovery experience in pharmaceutical or biotech settings Hands‑on proficiency with murine procedures including CSF collection and osmotic‑pump implantation/management Experience with inflammatory and neurodegenerative transgenic mouse models or with PK/PD and dose‑response study design/interpretation Experience designing and executing sequencing studies (i.e. bulk RNAseq, scRNAseq or snRNAseq), working knowledge of data analysis tools (Python and/or RStudio preferred) and experience generating figures/reports Experience mentoring or supervising early‑career scientists and collaborating across functional teams Record of contributions to scientific publications or presentations Location and Travel This is an on‑site laboratory position based in Boston. Occasional travel ( Salary and Benefits The salary range for this role is $119,100.00 - $187,500.00. The successful candidate will be eligible for annual bonus and long‑term incentive, if applicable. We offer a comprehensive package of benefits including medical, dental, vision, retirement benefits (401(k)), paid holidays, vacation, and compassionate and sick days. EEO Statement 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. Resident Requirements US and Puerto Rico Residents Only. Additional Location Specific Statements 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. #J-18808-Ljbffr Merck & Co.