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Merck · 20 hours ago

Scientist III - (iPSC-Derived Gut Models)

Cambridge, MA

Full-time

Onsite

Senior Level

$68/hr - $70/hr

5+ years exp

Merck is a leading company in the pharmaceutical industry, and they are seeking a Scientist III to develop and optimize advanced human in vitro gut model systems for preclinical research. This role involves working collaboratively to generate data that supports therapeutic discovery and understanding disease biology.

BiotechnologyHealth CareMedicalPharmaceutical

Comp. & Benefits

Hiring Manager

Stephanie Muse

Responsibilities

Develop, optimize, and execute iPSC-derived gut model systems, including 3D intestinal organoids, epithelial monolayers, and microphysiological platforms

Perform iPSC maintenance and differentiation into intestinal epithelial and endodermal lineages

Establish and run co-culture systems with immune cells (e.g., macrophages, dendritic cells, T cells) to model inflammatory disease contexts

Design and execute mono- and combination-therapy studies, including dose–response and time-course experiments using biologics and small molecules

Apply quantitative functional readouts such as barrier integrity (TEER, permeability), wound healing, mucus layer assays, and cytokine profiling

Conduct inflammatory and cell-state analyses using ELISA/MSD, qPCR/RT-qPCR, flow cytometry, and imaging-based techniques

Collaborate with data science partners on transcriptomic profiling (bulk and/or single-cell) and quantitative data analysis

Implement genetic and pharmacologic perturbations to interrogate mechanisms and predict combination responsiveness

Assess assay reproducibility, dynamic range, and throughput; adapt workflows to plate-based and automated formats

Present experimental plans, results, and project updates to internal stakeholders and senior leadership while maintaining rigorous documentation and SOPs

Ensure compliance with laboratory safety standards and proper maintenance of cell lines, reagents, and equipment

Qualification

IPSC maintenanceIntestinal organoidsFunctional assaysData analysisCollaborative researchCommunication skills

Required

Master's degree with 5+ years of relevant experience or PhD with 1–2+ years of relevant experience

Field of study: Molecular Biology, Cellular Biology, Immunology, Pharmacology, or related discipline

Hands-on experience with human cell culture and at least one of the following: iPSC maintenance and differentiation into epithelial/endodermal lineages, Intestinal organoids (enteroids) or epithelial monolayers, Proven ability to design, execute, and troubleshoot functional assays, including dose–response studies, Strong data analysis, documentation, and scientific presentation skills, Demonstrated success working in collaborative, cross-functional research environments, Excellent verbal and written communication skills