Associate Principal Scientist, 3D Translational Stem Cell Models, Immunology

Associate Principal Scientist

The Data, A.I. and Genome Sciences Department is seeking a highly motivated Associate Principal Scientist to join our Genome Science research team in Cambridge, MA. In this experimental biology role, you will develop 3D translational stem cell models in collaboration with the Discovery Immunology Therapeutic Area. This position offers the opportunity to work at the intersection of translational immunology, stem cell biology, and advanced biomarker science.

As a member of this team, you will collaborate with cross-functional teams of experimental biologists, data scientists, automation engineers, computational scientists, and Discovery Immunology stakeholders to advance biomarker discovery, translational science, and target validation. The successful candidate will contribute to the development of innovative human translational models and data-driven biological insights that support discovery-stage programs.

Key Responsibilities

• Design and execute hands-on laboratory experiments to develop novel 3D translational stem cell models and functional and multi-omics platforms that generate data-driven biological insights.
• Develop human 3D models and co-culture systems to identify and validate novel biomarkers and targets.
• Design and execute experiments integrating multimodal data types, such as bulk transcriptomics, single-cell transcriptomics, flow cytometry, cytokine assays, and other multi-omics platforms, with 3D translational models to generate actionable biological insights.
• Lead study planning, experimental design, execution, data interpretation, and presentation of findings to internal stakeholders and leadership.
• Collaborate closely with experimental biologists, automation engineers, computational scientists, data analysts, AI/ML scientists, and therapeutic area subject matter experts to address biological questions, develop experimental strategies, and execute project plans.
• Contribute to scientific publications, internal reports, and presentation materials as needed.
• Work collaboratively across multidisciplinary groups, including Discovery Immunology, ChemBio, Translational Medicine, Research IT, and external academic and industry partners.
• Communicate study results to project teams and leadership, including proposals for follow-up experiments to validate key findings.

  Required Qualifications

  • PhD in Immunology, Biology, Molecular Biology, Cell Biology, Biological Engineering, Biotechnology, or related STEM field with 4+ years of experience industry and/or applied academic experience.
  • Strong background in stem cell biology, 3D translational model development, and human biospecimen-based research.
  • Hands-on experience isolating primary cells from human biospecimens, stem cell culture, differentiation, and assay development using primary cells or stem cell-derived model systems.
  • Demonstrated experience with iPSC culture, maintenance, gene editing, and/or differentiation.
  • Experience developing human 3D models, organoids, and/or co-culture systems.
  • Proven ability to design, execute, and interpret complex studies that connect mechanistic biology to clinical hypotheses.
  • Strong analytical, problem-solving, and scientific communication skills.
  • Ability to lead scientific projects and collaborate effectively with cross-functional teams.
  • Proven research accomplishments with a strong publication record.
  • Excellent oral and written communication skills, with the ability to present scientific data and project updates to different audiences, including senior leadership.

    Preferred Qualifications

    • Experience with bulk and/or single-cell transcriptomics using primary cells or stem cell-derived model systems, including experimental design and data interpretation.
    • Experience generating multi-omics datasets from stem cell-derived translational models to enable biologically meaningful and clinically relevant insights.
    • Familiarity with CRISPR-based functional genomics and/or spatial transcriptomics using 3D translational stem cell models.
    • Ability to clearly communicate experimental design, results, and conclusions in a collaborative research environment.

      Required Skills: 3D Cultures, Assay Development, Autoimmune Diseases, Biochemical Assays, Biochemistry, Cell Biology, Fibrosis, Immunology, Induced Pluripotent Stem Cell (IPSC), Inflammatory Diseases, Mammalian Cell Culture, Omics, Organoid Culture, Stem Cell Culture, Translational Medicine

      Preferred Skills:

      Salary range for this role is $144,800.00 – $227,900.00. This is the lowest to highest salary we in good faith believe we would pay for this role at the time of this posting. 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.

      The successful candidate will be eligible for annual bonus and long-term incentive, if applicable.

      We offer a comprehensive package of benefits. Available benefits include 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. More information about benefits is available at https://jobs.merck.com/us/en/compensation-and-benefits.