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Job Description

Our Research Scientists are our Inventors. We identify and target steps in disease mechanisms or pathways that could be inhibited or enhanced. Our goal is to isolate a compound that is effective against a disease target. Using innovative thinking, state-of-the-art facilities and robust scientific methodology we collaborate to discover the next medical breakthrough.

Our Company has a rapidly growing interdisciplinary team of scientists in London and exciting plans to establish ‘Skylab’, a new laboratory space at the Francis Crick Institute. This will complement the construction of a new state-of the-art Research and Discovery Centre in London’s ‘Knowledge Quarter’ opposite King’s Cross Railway station. Our new site will employ circa 800 people across our research and commercial divisions.

To deliver on our mission of turning breakthrough science into meaningful and impactful medicines, we plan to establish a new Translational Biomarker Group within Global Neuroscience Discovery. This team of laboratory and data scientists will drive scientific innovation in biomarker research to translate drug discovery programmes into the clinic for neurodegenerative disease, pain, and psychiatric disorders. Working collaboratively with discovery and clinical scientists, our biomarker experts will apply cutting edge lab technologies and Artificial Intelligence/Machine Learning tools to discover biomarkers that help determine the optimal dose and biological effects of our drugs and identify patients who are most likely to respond to treatment. This will allow our company to make progress in the battle against some of the most challenging diseases of the nervous system.

We have a new opportunity for a highly motivated and passionate Senior Scientist with expertise in the development and application of in vitro assays for the discovery of novel biomarkers to join the Translational Biomarker Group within Global Neuroscience Discovery to be based at the Francis Crick Institute, Kings Cross, London.

Role overview:

In this newly established role, you will report to the Head of Translational Biomarkers, Neuroscience Discovery and will join a team of Global experts leading Biomarker research projects to translate drug discovery programmes into the clinic for the treatment of neurodegenerative disorders, psychiatric disease and pain disorders. As a highly skilled in vitro scientist, you will conduct laboratory studies in preclinical models and patient samples to identify and validate novel drug targets and translational biomarkers using cell based, biochemical and molecular methods. You will work independently but will be expected to proactively collaborate with colleagues across disciplines and across our global organization, as well as academics and CROs. The position will also require the ability to assess the scientific literature, develop new technical expertise, and be an active participant in scientific dialogue in project meetings and internal/external scientific meetings

What you will do:

• Participate in drug discovery teams and support project delivery by planning, developing and performing in vitro biomarker assays for pharmacodynamic and disease-relevant endpoints.
• Collaborate within multi-functional project teams, share your data and conclusions, and actively participate in discussions to resolve research issues and contribute to decision-making.
• Contribute to the development of translational biomarker strategies in collaboration with internal research teams, CROs, academic collaborators and consortia.
• Apply creative and novel approaches in identifying and developing novel translational biomarker endpoints
• Act as a technical expert in techniques used for analysis of biomarkers in patient samples and preclinical models. Train and guide colleagues
• Give internal and external presentations, contribute to scientific reports and publications in high quality journals. Contribute to laboratory operations.

What you will need to be successful in this role:

• PhD or Master’s or a Bachelor’s degree with strong experience of developing and applying in vitro biomarker assays in drug discovery programs within in a biotech, pharmaceutical or academic setting.

Required Experience:

• An understanding of the use of biomarker assays in drug discovery programmes for development of pharmacodynamic endpoints and precision medicine approaches.
• Technical expertise in in vitro techniques used for analysis of biomarkers in patient samples and preclinical models e.g. immunoassay platforms, mRNA expression, NGS and flow cytometry, qPCR/ddPCR, primary and clonal cell culture.
• Ability to develop and deliver high quality validated assays to a level of accuracy and reproducibly suited for biomarker studies in animal models, with translatability to human studies.
• Self-motivated and resourceful with a demonstrated ability to develop experimental strategies to trouble-shoot assays and provide technical leadership and guidance for co-workers.
• Generates robust and reproducible data in a timely manner. Performs data analysis, interprets study results and provides conclusions in relation to the broader research question.
• Detail-oriented, with excellent organizational and record-keeping skills
• Well-developed oral and written communication skills and keen ability to engage internal and external team members in collaborative research.
• The ability to work flexibly within teams and across projects and adapt quickly to new priorities.

Desired Experience

• Relevant experience in the pharmaceutical industry or neuroscience research
• Experience with digital spatial profiling techniques for characterisation of immune cell types, proteins and gene expression in tissues.
• Proficiency in flow cytometry methods for isolation, characterization and analysis of immune cell types from blood and tissues with expertise in specialized analysis software (e.g. FlowJo)
• Experience of working with external academic, biotechnology, and contract research organizations

Skills/Competencies:

• Collaborate with colleagues across our company and within project teams to deliver biomarker data in support of Neuroscience projects
• Ability to independently manage workflow from start to completion.
• Works flexibly across the Neuroscience project portfolio and nimbly adapts to changes in project priorities
• Ability and desire to identify and implement novel laboratory techniques for discovery and analysis of biomarkers from samples from pre-clinical and clinical studies.
• Ability to train and support colleagues within area of technical expertise
• Contribute to day-to-day running of the laboratory
• Strong interpersonal, communication and stakeholder management skills
• Passion for innovation and problem-solving
• Impacts programs through critical thinking and timely data-driven decision making

Your role at our company is integral to helping the world meet new breakthroughs that affect generations to come, and we’re counting on your skills and inventiveness to help make meaningful contributions to global medical advancement. At our company, we’re inventing for life.

We are a research-driven biopharmaceutical company. Our mission is built on the simple premise that if we “follow the science” that great medicines can make a significant impact to our world. 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. We identify and target steps in disease mechanisms or pathways that could be inhibited or enhanced. Our goal is to identify a compound that is effective against a disease target. Using innovative thinking, state-of-the-art facilities and robust scientific methodology we collaborate to discover the next medical breakthrough.

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 for the common good. We are an equal opportunity employer, committed to fostering an inclusive and diverse workplace.

Current Employees apply HERE

Current Contingent Workers apply HERE

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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.

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Requisition ID:R231713