Scientist - Neuroscience & Immunology

Join to apply for the Scientist - Neuroscience & Immunology role at EMD Serono, Inc.

Our team in Billerica, MA is part of the Discovery Biology group within Research Unit Neuroscience & Immunology, working on the discovery of drugs for neurodegenerative, neuroinflammatory, and autoimmune diseases. The Scientist will collaborate with an international team of scientists to develop novel therapeutics that align with the Neurology & Immunology portfolio and conduct in‑vitro cell‑based assays to deepen mechanistic understanding of diseases and evaluate potential drug candidates.

The Scientist will be responsible for the execution of in vitro cell‑based assays, support target validation, and evaluate drug candidates.

• Plan, execute, and lead in vitro studies using human iPSC‑derived cell types or cell lines to support target validation and drug candidate evaluation efforts.
• Conduct translational biomarker discovery using patient samples or disease‑relevant cell‑based assays to support pharmacodynamics and target engagement biomarker discovery.
• Operate a variety of laboratory equipment, including microscopes/automated imagers, flow cytometers, qPCR machines, and spectrophotometers.
• Record data accurately in the Electronic Laboratory Notebook and maintain records per company policy and legal requirements.
• Prepare data reports and presentations for lab heads, project teams, and external meetings.
• Independently design, execute, analyze, interpret, and troubleshoot experiments to support pipeline progression.
• Provide technical support to colleagues in own area of expertise when necessary.
• Work closely with members in RU‑N&I to support departmental goals.

• Master’s degree in Biology, Neurobiology, Immunology, or other Science discipline with 2+ years of laboratory experience in Academia, Pharma, Biotech or CRO.
• PhD in Biology, Neurobiology, Immunology or other Science discipline with 1+ years of laboratory experience in Academia, Pharma, Biotech or CRO.

• Demonstrated experience with human iPSC‑derived neural disease models.
• Knowledge and hands‑on experience in the following areas:
• Maintaining mammalian cell culture (primary neurons or glia, co‑culture and triculture systems, PBMCs).
• Transfection of cells to introduce siRNAs, ASO, or CRISPR‑based gene editing tools to suppress or knockout specific genes.
• Live‑cell imaging and imaging analysis using an Incucyte or similar automated imager.
• Immunocytochemistry and/or RNAscope.
• Gene expression and protein analyses: DNA/RNA isolation, qPCR platforms, western blotting.
• Bioanalytical assays:
  Alpha
  
  LISA, Meso Scale Discovery (MSD).
• Pharmaceutical industry/ Drug discovery experience.
• Experience on a pipeline project team.
  
  Proficient with research analytical software such as Graph Pad Prism, Microsoft Office, FIJI, Quant Studio.
• Demonstrated ability to work independently in a self‑motivated, proactive manner.
• Comfortable with designing and executing experiments based on protocols provided by literature, seminars, and/or other scientists.
• Good understanding of basic drug discovery principles.
• Enthusiasm, curiosity, and passion for exploring new biology with relevance to human disease.
• Desire, demonstration of ownership, accountability, and ability to work efficiently in a fast‑paced, high‑functioning cross‑functional team.
• Excellent interpersonal and written communication skills.

$83,500 – $134,600 (the actual compensation offered will be determined by location, level of experience, education, and other job‑related factors).

The company offers health insurance, paid time off (PTO), retirement contributions, and other perquisites.

EMD Serono is committed to creating a culture of inclusion and belonging that empowers employees to champion human progress.