Job Description

Senior Scientist, Quantitative Biosciences (12 months, renewable contract)

Our Research Scientists are our Inventors. We discover and target steps in disease mechanisms or pathways, intending to identify effective agents in treating or preventing human disease. We collaborate to discover the next medical breakthrough using innovative thinking, state-of-the-art facilities, and robust scientific methodology.

Our Research Laboratories in Singapore seek a Senior Scientist with a strong background in cancer cell biology and extensive hands-on experience in advanced imaging-based cell assay development. The candidate will play a critical role in applying efforts to identify, evaluate and implement creative solutions to advance capabilities in target-based and phenotypic profiling of cell model systems in high-content 3D imaging and analysis.

In this 12 months contract role, you will get the opportunity to work broadly across the network and participate in and lead innovative translational platform-build efforts with a focus on a range of therapeutic modalities and a primary focus on immunology and oncology drug discovery. The candidate should possess broad experimental capabilities and a strong work ethic, have excellent communication skills, and work effectively in a highly collaborative, cross-functional team environment.

Key responsibilities:

Design, optimize, and execute state-of-the-art wet-bench methodologies to enable drug discovery efforts by executing disease-relevant target-based and phenotypic assays in cellular models using high content, 3D advanced imaging technologies.

Develop and apply quantitative imaging techniques to significantly contribute to the profiling of hit compounds by designing, validating, and executing cellular phenotypic assays.

Utilize your background and experience in cell biology to perform tissue culture with established cell lines and primary cultures, including organotypic cultures.

Identify and apply emerging innovative methodologies to develop advanced fit-for-purpose in vitro cell-based models that represent human disease biology in support of drug discovery projects.

Develop, adapt, and implement new research techniques and validate protocols for new assays, enabling their integration into standard workflows.

Work as part of an interdisciplinary team to support research strategies and project goals, critically analysing data and contributing ideas that will drive projects forward.

Collaborate extensively across the research laboratory network and with external partners to advance therapeutic candidates and drive project progression toward key milestones.

Qualifications:

PhD in Cell or Molecular Biology, imaging, mechanobiology, pharmacology, bioengineering or equivalent. Minimum 2-3 years of post-doctoral experience; or an M.S. degree with a minimum of 6 years of relevant experience; or a B.Sc./B.A. degree with a minimum 10 years of relevant experience.

Highly skilled in designing, developing, and executing quantitative high-complexity cell assays, using a wide range of modern technologies and detection methods.

Have good working knowledge and experience with physiologically relevant cellular models (iPSC-derived models, human primary cells, 3D cultures) adapted to imaging-based endpoint assays.

Highly experienced in the set-up and application of quantitative imaging assays.

You have excellent technical expertise in histology, light and fluorescence microscopy, and advanced confocal and wide-field microscopy.

You are experienced with high-content assay development and miniaturization. Have hands-on functional familiarity with correlative imaging and utilization of automated image analysis tools, algorithms and data analysis.

Demonstrable 3D tissue modeling experience (e.g., spheroids, organoids, hydrogels, bio-scaffolds, organ-on-a-chip/microfluidics, or bioprinting-based tissue models) is a plus.

Knowledge of cancer-associated fibroblast and endothelial biology to elucidate stromal contributions to tumor progression and drug resistance and a strong understanding of oncology concepts at the intersection of stromal, cancer, and immune-oncology are highly desired.

Solid experimental design, troubleshooting and data analysis skills.

Ability to multitask, prioritize work and establish strong collaborations and relationships to stakeholders.

You are comfortable working in a matrix environment and handling several concurrent fast-paced projects.

A proven track record of high productivity and scientific publications in peer-reviewed journals.

We are a research-driven biopharmaceutical company. Our mission is built on the simple premise that if we "follow the science" and that great medicines can make a significant impact to our world. And we believe that a research-driven enterprise dedicated to world-class science can succeed by inventing medicine and vaccine innovations that make a difference for patients across the globe.

Who we are...

We are known as Merck & Co., Inc., Kenilworth, New Jersey, USA in the United States and Canada and MSD everywhere else. For more than a century, we have been inventing for life, bringing forward medicines and vaccines for many of the world's most challenging diseases. Today, our company continues to be at the forefront of research to deliver innovative health solutions and advance the prevention and treatment of diseases that threaten people and animals around the world.

What we look for...

In a world of rapid innovation, we seek brave Inventors who want to make an Impact in all aspects of our business, enabling breakthroughs that will affect generations to come. We encourage you to bring your disruptive thinking, collaborative spirit and diverse perspective to our organization.

We are proud to be a company that embraces the value of bringing diverse, talented, and committed people together. The fastest way to breakthrough innovation is when diverse ideas come together in an inclusive environment. We encourage our colleagues to respectfully challenge one another's thinking and approach problems collectively. We are an equal opportunity employer, committed to fostering an inclusive and diverse workplace.

Current Employees apply

Current Contingent Workers apply

Search Firm Representatives Please Read Carefully
Merck & Co., Inc., Rahway, NJ, USA, also known as Merck Sharp & Dohme LLC, Rahway, NJ, USA, does not accept unsolicited assistance from search firms for employment opportunities. All CVs / resumes submitted by search firms to any employee at our company without a valid written search agreement in place for this position will be deemed the sole property of our company. No fee will be paid in the event a candidate is hired by our company as a result of an agency referral where no pre-existing agreement is in place. Where agency agreements are in place, introductions are position specific. Please, no phone calls or emails.

Employee Status: Temporary (Fixed Term)

Relocation: Domestic/International

VISA Sponsorship: Yes

Travel Requirements: No Travel Required

Flexible Work Arrangements: Not Specified

Shift: Not Indicated

Valid Driving License: No

Hazardous Material(s):

Number of Openings: 1