Sr. Scientist, Neuroimmunology

Location: Boston, MA

About the role

We are seeking a highly motivated, laboratory-based scientist to join the Neuroimmunology team. This role is ideal for a hands-on experimentalist with expertise in preclinical models, neuroimmunology, neurodegeneration, and translational biology. The successful candidate will independently design and execute in vivo studies, generate mechanistic insights into microglial biology, and contribute to the discovery of novel therapies for CNS diseases.

Responsibilities

• Play a key role in supporting pipeline programs by designing and executing studies, interpreting complex datasets, and communicating findings to cross-functional teams.
• Serve as a hands-on scientist conducting in vivo procedures and downstream analyses.
• Generate and interpret pharmacology, efficacy, biomarker, and mechanistic datasets to support target validation and drug discovery programs.
• Perform CNS immune cell isolation, flow cytometry, immunophenotyping, molecular profiling, and histological analyses.
• Collaborate with multidisciplinary teams across pharmacology, immunology, chemistry, biologics, biomarker sciences, and data science.
• Provide scientific leadership, contribute to program strategy, and influence decision-making through data-driven recommendations.

Requirements

• PhD in Neuroscience, Immunology, Cell Biology, Pharmacology, Bioengineering, Neurology, or a related STEM field; postdoctoral industry experience preferred.
• OR Master's degree in Neuroscience, Immunology, Cell Biology, Pharmacology, Bioengineering, Neurology, or a related STEM field with a minimum 6+ years of pharmaceutical or biotechnology industry experience.

Skills

Required Skills:

• Extensive hands-on experience with rodent in vivo studies.
• Experience with mouse models of neurodegeneration, neuroinflammation, or CNS disease.
• Expertise in flow cytometry, CNS immune cell isolation, immunohistochemistry, and molecular biology techniques.
• Familiarity with omics approaches (RNA-seq, single-cell technologies) and data analysis.
• Strong experimental design, statistical analysis, and problem-solving skills.
• Excellent communication and collaboration skills in a cross-functional research environment.
• Animal Models, Assay Development, Biochemical Assays, Cell Culture Techniques, Flow Cytometry, Immunoassays, Immunology, In Vivo Models, Mouse Handling, Neuroanatomy, Neurodegeneration, Neuroimmunology, Omics, Pharmacodynamics, Transcriptomics.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Industry experience supporting discovery or early development programs in CNS disorders.
• Experience with Alzheimer's disease, Parkinson's disease, ALS, multiple sclerosis, or related neurodegenerative diseases.
• Hands-on experience with transgenic rodent models, including behavioral, pharmacology, and biomarker studies.
• Experience with primary microglia cultures, macrophages, immune cell assays, or iPSC-derived CNS cell systems.
• Familiarity with translational biomarkers, PK/PD relationships, and mechanism-based drug development.
• Experience working within multidisciplinary drug discovery teams and advancing programs from target validation through candidate selection.
• Prior experience leading collaborative projects, particularly coordinating activities across multiple functions.

Benefits

We offer a comprehensive package of benefits including:

• 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.
• Annual bonus and long-term incentive, if applicable.

More information about benefits is available at Merck Benefits.

Pay

The salary range for this role is $119,100.00 - $187,500.00. An employee’s position within the salary range will be based on several factors including, but not limited to relevant education, qualifications, certifications, experience, skills, geographic location, government requirements, and business or organizational needs.

Travel Requirements: 10%

Relocation: Domestic/International

VISA Sponsorship: Available