Merck
Principal Scientist – Biomarker Discovery & Translational Neuroscience
Merck, Boston, Massachusetts, us, 02298
Job Description
Location:
Boston, MA
Department:
Biology-Discovery / Neuroscience
Our Company’s Neuroscience is recruiting a Principal Scientist in Boston/Cambridge, MA to develop and oversee implementation of biomarker discovery and translational strategies. We are seeking a highly motivated and experienced scientist to join our Neuroscience team in a role that will drive biomarker discovery and enable clinical translation by integrating cutting‑edge data analytics, novel assay development, and cross‑functional collaboration. The successful candidate will be an experienced neuroscientist with expertise in drug discovery, novel biomarker discovery, and assay development across diverse platforms.
You will collaborate across multiple drug discovery teams and functional areas including Discovery, Translational Experimental Medicine, Translational Genome Analytics, and Quantitative Pharmacometrics teams. You will develop experimental strategies that leverage in vitro and in vivo model systems as well as large‑scale, multi‑modal human clinical datasets. Through collaborations with data analytics colleagues you will integrate findings with patient clinical phenotypes, genetics, proteomics, imaging, and fluid biomarkers to support early and advanced programs in the Neuroscience portfolio. You will also assume a hands‑on role, working with assay developers and data analytics colleagues on best practices and aligning resources based on scientific priorities. You will operate in a highly collaborative environment, partnering with peers across multiple locations and in the broader scientific community. Strong communication skills and a collaborative mindset are critical for success.
Responsibilities
Collaborate with internal and external collaborators to develop and execute comprehensive workplans that interrogate large clinical cohort datasets using cutting‑edge and scalable biomarker platforms with significant emphasis on OMICs technologies.
Develop and execute biomarker assays within our company and through external CROs that utilize single or multi‑analyte detection and apply to large clinical cohort serum and CSF sample sets, bridging outcomes to tractable application‑level clinical biomarker plans.
Coordinate access to multi‑resolution genetic, transcriptomic, proteomic, and imaging data derived from patient cohorts and tissues, cerebrospinal fluid, and serum to decode disease biology that informs on novel targets and discover patient stratification biomarkers in complex diseases of the nervous system.
Co‑lead a cross‑functional team of scientists applying spatial and single‑cell multi‑omics data derived from human, animal model, and organoid tissue samples to decode disease‑relevant cellular interactions and cell‑type specific molecular networks with emphasis on neuroimmune mechanisms, aiming for novel biomarker discovery in neurodegenerative diseases (e.g., AD, PD, and pain).
Serve as a core member on early clinical development teams and have opportunities to lead project teams.
Clearly communicate results to project teams, our company’s scientific community, and the external scientific community through internal documents, presentations, and publications in leading journals.
Required Experience and Skills
Ph.D. in Neuroscience, Neurology, Neurobiology, Biology, Pharmacology, Bioengineering/Biomedical Engineering, Genetics/Genomics, Computational Biology, or a related life sciences field and a minimum of 7 years industry and/or highly relevant applied academic postgrad experience, or an MS in above fields and 10+ years of experience.
A solid track record of leading biomarker discovery efforts and working with discovery and early clinical teams.
Experience using translationally relevant preclinical models of neurodegenerative diseases.
Demonstrated experience collaborating across bioinformatics, data analytics, and quantitative pharmacometrics teams to decode disease biology through analysis of multi‑modal (transcriptomic, genomic, proteomic) patient‑derived data.
Direct experience developing and validating biomarker assays with emphasis on applying diverse measurement platforms.
Strong ability to work and influence in complex matrixed organizations.
Excellent oral and written communication skills.
Ability to establish and maintain productive cross‑site and external collaborations.
Preferred Experience and Skills
Experience with drug discovery across multiple modalities (e.g., small molecule, biologics, etc.).
Experience as a liaison to academic and large pre‑competitive consortia focused on the natural history of neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s.
Deep understanding of complex neurodegenerative diseases and/or neurological disorders with knowledge of the latest research and trends in the field, and expertise in general immune and inflammation.
Familiarity with data analytics strategies in the context of traditional and OMICs‑based data sufficient to effectively liaise with data science colleagues applying state‑of‑the‑art AI approaches in neurodegenerative diseases.
Travel Up to 10% travel is required.
Eligibility US and Puerto Rico Residents Only.
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.
EEO Statement As an Equal Employment Opportunity Employer, we provide equal opportunities for 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.
Benefits The salary range for this role is $169,700.00 – $267,200.00. 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.
Application 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.
Job Posting End Date 12/18/2025
#J-18808-Ljbffr
Boston, MA
Department:
Biology-Discovery / Neuroscience
Our Company’s Neuroscience is recruiting a Principal Scientist in Boston/Cambridge, MA to develop and oversee implementation of biomarker discovery and translational strategies. We are seeking a highly motivated and experienced scientist to join our Neuroscience team in a role that will drive biomarker discovery and enable clinical translation by integrating cutting‑edge data analytics, novel assay development, and cross‑functional collaboration. The successful candidate will be an experienced neuroscientist with expertise in drug discovery, novel biomarker discovery, and assay development across diverse platforms.
You will collaborate across multiple drug discovery teams and functional areas including Discovery, Translational Experimental Medicine, Translational Genome Analytics, and Quantitative Pharmacometrics teams. You will develop experimental strategies that leverage in vitro and in vivo model systems as well as large‑scale, multi‑modal human clinical datasets. Through collaborations with data analytics colleagues you will integrate findings with patient clinical phenotypes, genetics, proteomics, imaging, and fluid biomarkers to support early and advanced programs in the Neuroscience portfolio. You will also assume a hands‑on role, working with assay developers and data analytics colleagues on best practices and aligning resources based on scientific priorities. You will operate in a highly collaborative environment, partnering with peers across multiple locations and in the broader scientific community. Strong communication skills and a collaborative mindset are critical for success.
Responsibilities
Collaborate with internal and external collaborators to develop and execute comprehensive workplans that interrogate large clinical cohort datasets using cutting‑edge and scalable biomarker platforms with significant emphasis on OMICs technologies.
Develop and execute biomarker assays within our company and through external CROs that utilize single or multi‑analyte detection and apply to large clinical cohort serum and CSF sample sets, bridging outcomes to tractable application‑level clinical biomarker plans.
Coordinate access to multi‑resolution genetic, transcriptomic, proteomic, and imaging data derived from patient cohorts and tissues, cerebrospinal fluid, and serum to decode disease biology that informs on novel targets and discover patient stratification biomarkers in complex diseases of the nervous system.
Co‑lead a cross‑functional team of scientists applying spatial and single‑cell multi‑omics data derived from human, animal model, and organoid tissue samples to decode disease‑relevant cellular interactions and cell‑type specific molecular networks with emphasis on neuroimmune mechanisms, aiming for novel biomarker discovery in neurodegenerative diseases (e.g., AD, PD, and pain).
Serve as a core member on early clinical development teams and have opportunities to lead project teams.
Clearly communicate results to project teams, our company’s scientific community, and the external scientific community through internal documents, presentations, and publications in leading journals.
Required Experience and Skills
Ph.D. in Neuroscience, Neurology, Neurobiology, Biology, Pharmacology, Bioengineering/Biomedical Engineering, Genetics/Genomics, Computational Biology, or a related life sciences field and a minimum of 7 years industry and/or highly relevant applied academic postgrad experience, or an MS in above fields and 10+ years of experience.
A solid track record of leading biomarker discovery efforts and working with discovery and early clinical teams.
Experience using translationally relevant preclinical models of neurodegenerative diseases.
Demonstrated experience collaborating across bioinformatics, data analytics, and quantitative pharmacometrics teams to decode disease biology through analysis of multi‑modal (transcriptomic, genomic, proteomic) patient‑derived data.
Direct experience developing and validating biomarker assays with emphasis on applying diverse measurement platforms.
Strong ability to work and influence in complex matrixed organizations.
Excellent oral and written communication skills.
Ability to establish and maintain productive cross‑site and external collaborations.
Preferred Experience and Skills
Experience with drug discovery across multiple modalities (e.g., small molecule, biologics, etc.).
Experience as a liaison to academic and large pre‑competitive consortia focused on the natural history of neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s.
Deep understanding of complex neurodegenerative diseases and/or neurological disorders with knowledge of the latest research and trends in the field, and expertise in general immune and inflammation.
Familiarity with data analytics strategies in the context of traditional and OMICs‑based data sufficient to effectively liaise with data science colleagues applying state‑of‑the‑art AI approaches in neurodegenerative diseases.
Travel Up to 10% travel is required.
Eligibility US and Puerto Rico Residents Only.
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.
EEO Statement As an Equal Employment Opportunity Employer, we provide equal opportunities for 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.
Benefits The salary range for this role is $169,700.00 – $267,200.00. 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.
Application 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.
Job Posting End Date 12/18/2025
#J-18808-Ljbffr