Research Specialist - Cell Culture

Job Title:

Research Specialist – Cell Culture

Location:

Merck, Boston (Customer Site, MA)

Cell Culture Specialist supporting drug discovery with a focus on cell line maintenance, differentiation and characterization. Responsibilities include initiating and propagating cell lines, banking, sterility testing, inventory management, and distribution of flasks or cryovials while ensuring compliance with established protocols and regulatory requirements. Collaborate with scientists across functional teams to provide critical cell culture support for lead identification and lead optimization programs.

• Prepare cell culture media and reagents; perform cell banking, sterility testing, and quality control on newly acquired and engineered cell lines.
• Initiate, propagate, and maintain primary cells and commonly used research cell lines using strong aseptic technique to keep cultures free of contamination.
• Perform cell differentiation, transfection, and characterization to support lead identification and lead optimization programs.
• Develop and run cell‑based assays, troubleshoot protocols, and optimize conditions as needed.
• Operate and maintain the CompacTSelecT automated cell culture system (Sartorius TAP), including routine upkeep and performance checks.
• Manage labware, equipment, and consumable inventory; coordinate ordering and maintenance to keep the lab adequately stocked and operational.
• Distribute cell flasks and frozen cell vials to scientists across functional teams; track inventory and keep accurate records.
• Develop and characterize 3D cell culture models and organoids to expand in‑vitro capabilities.
• Conduct all laboratory procedures in compliance with established protocols and applicable regulatory and laboratory requirements.
• Maintain training and compliance in areas of health and safety, security, environmental and operational aspects of daily activities.

• Excellent aseptic technique.
• Hands‑on cell culture experience, including developing standard operating procedures for the growth, maintenance, and manipulation of primary cells and commonly used research cell lines kept free of contamination.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Excel and Outlook.
• Flexible, adaptable, and able to communicate effectively and professionally in a fast‑paced, multidisciplinary environment.

• B.S. or M.S. degree in life sciences with at least 2 years of relevant bench work experience.
• Knowledge of cell line differentiation and characterization.
• Experience with 3D culture and organoids.
• Experience with flow cytometry and laboratory robotics.

Must work in a laboratory with controlled environments requiring personal protective equipment (e.g., lab coat, safety glasses). Job pace may be fast and demands may be high. Must remain in a stationary position more than 25% of the time and occasionally move between labs and buildings. Activities may involve bending, squatting, stretching, and reaching. Occasionally lift up to 25 pounds (potential for lifting up to 50 pounds).

Vision requirements include close‑range detail observation, color vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, and focus adjustment. Hazardous waste may be handled per local, state, and federal regulations.

Annual compensation range: $80,000 to $87,000.

Perkin Elmer is committed to creating a diverse environment and is proud to be an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, genetics, disability status, age, veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by applicable law. Perkin Elmer is committed to a culturally diverse workforce.