Senior Scientist, Research Science

About the role

Senior Scientist - NAMs & Investigative Toxicology

Position Summary

We are seeking a highly motivated Ph.D.-level scientist to join the In Vitro Toxicology group within Nonclinical Drug Safety. The successful candidate will develop and apply advanced in vitro models, including 3D tissue models, organoids, and microphysiological systems (MPS), to address key challenges and advance New Approach Methodologies (NAMs) in nonclinical safety assessment.

We are looking for a scientist who combines strong experimental skills with strategic thinking, intellectual curiosity, emotional intelligence, effective communication, and a commitment to continuous learning.

Key Responsibilities

• Develop, qualify and implement advanced in vitro assays and human-relevant model systems to support investigative toxicology and nonclinical safety assessment.
• Design and execute mechanistic studies to evaluate drug effects, toxicity mechanisms, and translational biomarkers.
• Synthesize complex scientific data and communicate key insights clearly to multidisciplinary teams, leadership, and non-technical stakeholders.
• Evaluate emerging technologies and identify opportunities to advance scientific capabilities and decision-making.
• Collaborate across internal and external partners in discovery, safety assessment, drug metabolism, and translational sciences.
• Contribute to scientific strategy related to NAMs, MPS, and next-generation safety assessment approaches.
• Publish findings and represent the organization through scientific presentations and collaborations.

Candidate Profile

The ideal candidate is an innovative and scientifically rigorous researcher who is equally recognized for technical expertise and collaborative leadership.

They are

• A strategic thinker who connects scientific activities to broader organizational and drug development objectives.
• An active listener who seeks to understand different viewpoints before drawing conclusions.
• Intellectually curious and motivated by continuous learning in a rapidly evolving field.
• Emotionally intelligent, self-aware, and effective at building trust-based relationships.
• Comfortable working across disciplines and influencing through collaboration rather than authority.
• A clear communicator who can translate complex science into accessible, stakeholder-relevant messages.
• Adaptable, resilient, and energized by solving complex scientific challenges.
• Passionate about advancing human-relevant science and translating emerging technologies into impactful applications.

Core Competencies

Strategic Thinking

• Identifies high-impact opportunities and aligns scientific efforts with long-term organizational goals.
• Applies sound scientific judgment to prioritize resources and guide decision-making.

Learning Agility

• Continuously seeks new knowledge, technologies, and perspectives.
• Thrives in dynamic environments and adapts quickly to new challenges.

Collaboration & Emotional Intelligence

• Builds strong partnerships across functions and disciplines.
• Demonstrates empathy, self-awareness, professionalism, and respect for diverse perspectives.

Listening & Influence

• Actively listens and incorporates feedback into scientific strategies and decisions.
• Tailors communication style to audience needs and influences decisions through clarity, listening, and scientific credibility.

Scientific Excellence

• Demonstrates expertise in advanced cell-based models and experimental design.
• Generates high-quality, reproducible data and translates findings into actionable insights.

Qualifications

Required

• Ph.D. in Cell Biology, Toxicology, Pharmacology, Biomedical Engineering, Bioengineering, Molecular Biology, Pharmaceutical Sciences, or a related discipline.
• Demonstrated experience and expertise in cell-based assay development and complex in vitro model systems.
• Strong record of scientific achievement through publications, presentations, or equivalent contributions.

Preferred

• Experience with organoids, tissue-engineered systems, organ-on-chip technologies, or microphysiological systems (MPS).
• Knowledge of translational sciences, toxicology, or nonclinical safety assessment.
• Experience evaluating and implementing emerging technologies and scientific innovations.

Required Skills

Cell-Based Assays, Drug Investigation, In Vitro Assays, Model Development, Non Clinical Research, Research Publications, Toxicology

Preferred Skills

• Current Employees apply HERE
• Current Contingent Workers apply HERE

US and Puerto Rico Residents Only

• Our company is committed to inclusion, ensuring that candidates can engage in a hiring process that exhibits their true capabilities. Please click here if you need an accommodation during the application or hiring process.
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• We encourage our colleagues to respectfully challenge one another's thinking and approach problems collectively.

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• The primary location for this posting is: USA - Pennsylvania - West Point

Pay and benefits

Where required by law, the compensation range for this role is provided below.

The salary range for the primary location of this role is

$106,200.00 - $167,200.00

This range reflects the Company's reasonable expectation of the base salary applicable to this role at the time of 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.

Additional location(s): Please note the salary range above applies to the Primary Location of the position. Where a role has other listed locations, different compensation guidelines may apply. You may find the salary ranges for additional locations below. If the salary range is not listed for the location you are applying to, our Talent Acquisition team will provide further information to you relevant to your location.

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: Regular
• Relocation: Domestic/International
• VISA Sponsorship: Yes

Travel Requirements

• No Travel Required
• Flexible Work Arrangements: Not Applicable
• Shift: Not Indicated
• Valid Driving License: No
• Hazardous Material(s): NA
• Job Posting End Date: 11/18/2026

Additional information

*A job posting is effective until 11:59:59PM on the day BEFORE the listed job posting end date. Please ensure you apply to a job posting no later than the day BEFORE the job posting end date.