Proteomics Scientist | Exploratory Science Center

Key Skills

Python Programming, SQL, Cloud computing

Job Description

Job Description

New hires in office-based roles in the US & Puerto Rico will be required, subject to applicable law, to demonstrate that they have been fully vaccinated for COVID-19 or qualify for a medical or religious exemption to this vaccination requirement that can be accommodated without an undue burden to the operation. However, subject to applicable law, employees working in roles that the Company determines require routine collaboration with external stakeholders, such as employees in customer facing commercial or research based roles, will be required to be fully vaccinated as a condition of employment.

The Merck Exploratory Science Center (ESC) in Cambridge provides a unique experience to contribute to our company's drug discovery efforts at one of the earliest stages of the process. To this end, we strive to create a fast-paced, nimble and flexible environment of mutual respect, creativity, invention and teamwork. The scientist will be part of a highly collaborative and innovative scientific culture with the ultimate goal of learning new biology that drives therapeutic development.

We are seeking an experienced and highly-motivated scientist with a proven track record of cellular and molecular Proteomics and/or Biochemistry or Analytical Chemistry. The selected individual will play a key role in the Exploratory Proteomics group at the ESC Cambridge, focusing on ultra-sensitive mass spectrometry-based Proteomics and Single-Cell Proteomics. The scientist will contribute to the development of LC-MS acquisition methods and proteomic workflows using the robotics and automated low-volume cell and liquid handlers that we have in the lab, with the outcome of accelerating and alleviating the manual-intensive aspects of sample-prep and increasing throughput and depth. Workflows will be applied to biological systems, such as characterizing heterogenous immune cell responses to external stimuli. The candidate will work with cross-functional teams and across different therapeutic areas and academic collaborators on these projects.

Key responsibilities

• Contribute to innovative therapeutic platforms and developing cutting-edge proteomic technology.
• Plan, develop and execute MS-based proteomic experiments for ultra-sensitive proteomic applications and Single-Cell Proteomics.
• Generate proteomics datasets using innovative cell-sorting devices, LC-MS instrumentation and processing workflows.
• Develop new sample preparation and LC-MS workflows for Single-Cell Proteomics, optimize existing methods and protocols, help to install and establish new instrumentation in the lab.
• Assist in performing instrument troubleshooting & coordinate instrument preventive maintenance and repairs.
• Assist with scheduling equipment technicians and supervising them on-site.
• Drive projects simultaneously and present research findings effectively and in a timely manner.
• Role is 80% lab based.

Minimum Qualifications

• MS and 3+ years or equivalent, BS with 5+ years relevant lab experience in Biochemistry, Proteomics, Chemical Biology or related field in academia, pharma or the biotech industry, or PhD with 0-1 years postgraduate experience.
• Hands-on experience with mammalian cell-culture models.
• Hands-on experience with nano-flow LC-MS based Quantitative Proteomics utilizing label-free, TMT or DIA approaches for deep profiling, protein interaction.
• Hands-on biochemistry laboratory experience (e.g. immunoprecipitation, Western blotting).
• Hands-on experience with executing, optimizing or developing sample preparation methods (e.g. lysis, extraction, SPE, digestion, peptide labeling protocols) from cells, tissue or biofluids for mass spec analysis.
• Knowledge or experience with MS-data processing tools for Proteomics (e.g. MaxQuant, Proteome Discoverer).
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills to work in a collaborative environment.
• Excellent organization skills with the ability to multi-task and manage multiple projects.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience with sample preparation and analysis of limited tissue samples with Ultrasensitive Proteomics is a plus.
• Previous use, operation or maintenance of Thermo Orbitraps or tribrid mass spectrometers
• Hands-on experience with flow cytometry, cell sorting, automation (liquid handler, cell dispenser)
• Hands-on experience with operating and/or maintaining mass spec instrumentation.
• Knowledge of Biostatistics, experience with Omics data analysis and Bioinformatics.
• Coding experience.

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.

Who we are …

We are known as Merck & Co., Inc., Rahway, 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 …

Imagine getting up in the morning for a job as important as helping to save and improve lives around the world. Here, you have that opportunity. You can put your empathy, creativity, digital mastery, or scientific genius to work in collaboration with a diverse group of colleagues who pursue and bring hope to countless people who are battling some of the most challenging diseases of our time. Our team is constantly evolving, so if you are among the intellectually curious, join us—and start making your impact today.