Logo
Merck

Associate Scientist, Post Doctoral Fellow, Neuroimmunology

Merck, Boston, Massachusetts, us, 02298

Save Job

Join to apply for the

Associate Scientist, Post Doctoral Fellow, Neuroimmunology

role at

Merck

Overview Our Research Laboratories’ Postdoctoral Research Fellow Program aims to be a best-in-industry program for industrial postdoctoral researchers, providing an academic focus within a commercial environment. With the resources, reach, and expertise of a large pharmaceutical company, postdoctoral researchers will be positioned to excel in an institution committed to breakthrough innovation in research and discovery.

Our Discovery Neuroimmunology team is seeking a highly motivated, intellectually curious postdoctoral fellow to drive innovative research aimed at defining mechanisms of neuroinflammation and microglial biology in neurodegenerative diseases. A successful candidate will independently conduct experiments to validate in vitro and in vivo models, evaluate mechanistic hypotheses, and identify candidate translational biomarkers. They will also collaborate with a multidisciplinary team of scientists working to advance novel immune-based therapies for CNS diseases. The ideal candidate will have a background in neuroscience, molecular cell biology and/or immunology, the ability to flex between in vitro and in vivo model systems, and a strong interest in drug discovery.

Key Responsibilities

Proactively conduct experiments to advance research objectives and collaborate across discovery teams (medicinal chemistry, pharmacology, data science) and with external academic or industry partners.

Develop and characterize in vivo murine models of neuroinflammation and neurodegenerative pathologies such as those in Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s disease.

Design and execute mechanistic in vivo, in vitro, or ex vivo studies.

Integrate and interpret data generated from transcriptomic and proteomic studies to inform translational biomarkers.

Monitor scientific literature and incorporate new findings into project strategies.

Communicate results clearly through internal and external presentations and scientific publications.

Education

A PhD within 6 months of hire in neuroscience, immunology, molecular cell biology, or related discipline is required.

Research experience in neurodegeneration or microglial biology is strongly preferred.

Required Skills

Extensive hands‑on experience in developing and characterizing murine models to assess CNS biology or therapeutic intervention.

Proficiency with murine handling, oral and injection‑based dosing, blood collection, and performing necropsy procedures including cardiac perfusion and brain and/or spinal cord extraction.

Experience processing and profiling tissues using a broad range of techniques, including single and/or multi‑plexed immunoassays, RNA/protein analysis, and immunohistochemistry.

Proficiency in data science skills to perform processing and interpreting transcriptomic/proteomic datasets using bioinformatic tools and statistical methods.

Creative and inquisitive mindset eager to showcase independent research leadership and apply to CNS drug discovery.

Excellent communication skills, with the ability to effectively collaborate with cross‑functional teams and present research findings both internally and externally.

Strong publication record demonstrating research excellence in experimental design, execution, data analysis, and manuscript preparation.

Preferred Skills

Experience with stereotactic intracerebral/intracerebroventricular injections or cannula implantation, sub‑dissecting brain regions, and/or collecting cerebrospinal fluid from mice or rats.

Experience with CNS cell isolation, sorting and flow cytometry for transcriptomics analysis.

Experience culturing immune cell lines, primary murine microglia, and iPSC‑derived cells.

Experience managing and coordinating use of transgenic mouse lines.

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 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.

Employment Information

Seniority level: Associate

Employment type: Full‑time

Job function: Research, Analyst, and Information Technology

Industries: Pharmaceutical Manufacturing, Biotechnology Research, and Research Services

#J-18808-Ljbffr