Senior Scientist, Respiratory Biology (Discovery Research)

Senior Scientist position in respiratory biology discovery research at Merck, focused on target identification, validation, and mechanism-of-action studies for chronic lung diseases. The role involves designing in vitro and ex vivo experimental systems and generating mechanistic datasets to support early-stage discovery programs.

Responsibilities

• Design and execute in vitro and ex vivo studies supporting target discovery, validation, and translational biology programs
• Develop and apply disease-relevant experimental systems including primary cell cultures, ALI models, organoids, and co-culture platforms
• Generate mechanistic datasets investigating epithelial dysfunction, tissue remodeling, fibrosis, and immune responses in chronic lung diseases
• Apply imaging and flow cytometry techniques to interrogate disease-relevant biology and perform biomarker discovery with patient-derived samples
• Integrate cellular, molecular, and biomarker data to inform project decisions and communicate findings across multidisciplinary teams

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree with 7+ years experience, Master's with 4+ years, or Ph.D. in biology, immunology, pharmacology, physiology, pulmonary biology, or related field
• Expertise in respiratory biology and human primary cell culture systems including airway and alveolar epithelial models
• Experience developing disease-relevant in vitro/ex vivo systems such as ALI cultures, organoids, co-cultures, or precision-cut lung slices
• Demonstrated proficiency in flow cytometry, imaging techniques (IHC, IF, confocal microscopy), and multiplex biomarker platforms
• Ability to independently design, execute, troubleshoot, and interpret experimental studies with strong scientific communication skills
• Experience supporting translational biology, target validation, and mechanism-of-action research

Compensation: $131,400 - $206,800 base