**Job Description** Be a part of the legacy: Postdoctoral Research Fellow Program Our Research Laboratories’ Postdoctoral Research Fellow Program aims to be a best-in-industry program for industrial postdoctoral researchers, designed to provide you with an academic focus in a commercial environment. With the resources, reach, and expertise of a large pharmaceutical company, postdoctoral researchers will be positioned to excel in an institution committed to breakthrough innovation in research and discovery. We are looking for a self-directed and highly motivated individual with expertise in neuroscience/neurology, cell biology, or immunology to join our company's Neuroimmunology team in Boston. As a Postdoctoral Researcher, you will be instrumental in advancing our scientific understanding and technological innovations in neuroimmunology and microglial biology, specifically targeting CNS diseases. The ideal candidate will work independently and proactively collaborate with colleagues across various disciplines. You will actively engage in positive and critical scientific discussions, supporting our mission to discover novel immune-based therapies for CNS diseases. **KEY RESPONSIBILITIES** + As a Postdoctoral Researcher, you will conduct independent research projects and collaborate with a multidisciplinary team, including in vitro/in vivo pharmacology, medicinal chemistry, biologics, immunology, and data science. + You will design and implement experimental protocols, utilizing your strong hands-on skills in vitro, ex vivo, and in vivo experiments. This includes using cell-based models across various platforms and preclinical animal models of neurodegeneration, such as Alzheimer’s Disease (AD). These efforts will enhance the understanding of the molecular and cellular mechanisms by which neuroimmune/microglial targets provide therapeutic benefits. + The role will focus on demonstrating proof of concept for potential endpoints in nonclinical in vitro, ex vivo, or in vivo studies. + You will perform comprehensive analyses of molecular profiling and immunophenotyping data, including flow cytometry and RNA sequencing (RNAseq). + You will monitor and review published work to guide internal research. + You will present at internal and external scientific meetings and publish research findings of the projects in peer-reviewed journals. **BASIC QUALIFICATION** + A PhD in neuroscience, neurology, immunology, or cell biology is required. Research experience in neurodegeneration or microglial biology is strongly preferred or will be completing PhD by May 2025. **REQUIRED** + Proven track record of research excellence demonstrating expertise in experimental design, execution, and data analysis. + Proficiency with a broad range of biochemical and cellular techniques including immunoassays and immunocytochemistry, experience with iPSC-derived cells strongly preferred. + Extensive knowledge and hands-on experience in vivo techniques including animal tissue handling, processing, and ex-vivo downstream analyses. + Expertise in CNS cell isolation, sorting, and downstream workflows including flow cytometry, RNA sequencing. + Strong data analysis skills including a knowledge of statistics. + Creative and inquisitive thinker who is eager to explore and learn new skills. + Excellent communication skills, with the ability to effectively collaborate with cross-functional teams and present research findings both internally and externally. + Authorized to work in the U.S., not requiring sponsorship at the time of hire or in the future. **PREFERRED** + Hands-on experience culturing immune cell lines, primary murine microglia, and iPSC-derived cells. + Highly motivated with the ability to be flexible in a fast-paced environment. _This position is not permanent. It is for a fixed duration of two years with potential to expend to 3 years. You will have opportunities to apply for full time positions after your duration is complete._ **PostdoctoralOpportunities** **NOTICE FOR INTERNAL APPLICANTS** In accordance with Managers' Policy - Job Posting and Employee Placement, all employees subject to this policy are required to have a minimum of twelve (12) months of service in current position prior to applying for open positions. If you have been offered a separation benefits package, but have not yet reached your separation date and are offered a position within the salary and geographical parameters as set forth in the Summary Plan Description (SPD) of your separation package, then you are no longer eligible for your separation benefits package. To discuss in more detail, please contact your HRBP or Talent Acquisition Advisor. Current Employees apply HERE (https://wd5.myworkday.com/msd/d/task/1422$6687.htmld) Current Contingent Workers apply HERE (https://wd5.myworkday.com/msd/d/task/1422$4020.htmld) **Secondary Language(s) Job Description** We are looking for a self-directed and highly motivated individual with expertise in neuroscience/neurology, cell biology, or immunology to join the Merck Neuroimmunology team in Boston. As a Postdoctoral Researcher, you will be instrumental in advancing our scientific understanding and technological innovations in neuroimmunology and microglial biology, specifically targeting CNS diseases. The ideal candidate will work independently and proactively collaborate with colleagues across various disciplines. You will actively engage in positive and critical scientific discussions, supporting our mission to discover novel immune-based therapies for CNS diseases. **KEY RESPONSIBILITIES** + As a Postdoctoral Researcher, you will conduct independent research projects and collaborate with a multidisciplinary team, including in vitro/in vivo pharmacology, medicinal chemistry, biologics, immunology, and data science. + You will design and implement experimental protocols, utilizing your strong hands-on skills in vitro, ex vivo, and in vivo experiments. This includes using cell-based models across various platforms and preclinical animal models of neurodegeneration, such as Alzheimer’s Disease (AD). These efforts will enhance the understanding of the molecular and cellular mechanisms by which neuroimmune/microglial targets provide therapeutic benefits. + The role will focus on demonstrating proof of concept for potential endpoints in nonclinical in vitro, ex vivo, or in vivo studies. + You will perform comprehensive analyses of molecular profiling and immunophenotyping data, including flow cytometry and RNA sequencing (RNAseq). + You will monitor and review published work to guide internal research. + You will present at internal and external scientific meetings and publish research findings of the projects in peer-reviewed journals. **BASIC QUALIFICATION** + A PhD in neuroscience, neurology, immunology, or cell biology is required. Research experience in neurodegeneration or microglial biology is strongly preferred. **REQUIRED** + Proven track record of research excellence demonstrating expertise in experimental design, execution, and data analysis. + Proficiency with a broad range of biochemical and cellular techniques including immunoassays and immunocytochemistry, experience with iPSC-derived cells strongly preferred. + Extensive knowledge and hands-on experience in vivo techniques including animal tissue handling, processing, and ex-vivo downstream analyses. + Expertise in CNS cell isolation, sorting, and downstream workflows including flow cytometry, RNA sequencing. + Strong data analysis skills including a knowledge of statistics. + Creative and inquisitive thinker who is eager to explore and learn new skills. + Excellent communication skills, with the ability to effectively collaborate with cross-functional teams and present research findings both internally and externally. + Authorized to work in the U.S., not requiring sponsorship at the time of hire or in the future. **PREFERRED** + Hands-on experience culturing immune cell lines, primary murine microglia, and iPSC-derived cells. + Highly motivated with the ability to be flexible in a fast-paced environment. _This position is not permanent. It is for a fixed duration of two years with potential to expend to 3 years. You will have opportunities to apply for full time positions after your duration is complete._ **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 (https://survey.sogosurvey.com/r/aCdfqL) if you need an accommodation during the application or hiring process. We are an Equal Opportunity Employer, committed to fostering an inclusive and diverse workplace. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, age, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, protected veteran status, or disability status, or other applicable legally protected characteristics. For more information about personal rights under the U.S. Equal Opportunity Employment laws, visit: EEOC Know Your Rights (https://www.eeoc.gov/sites/default/files/2022-10/22-088\_EEOC\_KnowYourRights\_10\_20.pdf) EEOC GINA Supplement​ Pay Transparency Nondiscriminatio (https://www.dol.gov/sites/dolgov/files/OFCCP/pdf/pay-transp\_%20English\_formattedESQA508c.pdf) n We are proud to be a company that embraces the value of bringing diverse, talented, and committed people together. The fastest way to breakthrough innovation is when diverse ideas come together in an inclusive environment. We encourage our colleagues to respectfully challenge one another’s thinking and approach problems collectively. Learn more about your rights, including under California, Colorado and other US State Acts (https://www.msdprivacy.com/us/en/CCPA-notice/) **U.S. Hybrid Work Model** Effective September 5, 2023, employees in office-based positions in the U.S. will be working a Hybrid work consisting of three total days on-site per week, Monday - Thursday, although the specific days may vary by site or organization, with Friday designated as a remote-working day, unless business critical tasks require an on-site presence.This Hybrid work model does not apply to, and daily in-person attendance is required for, field-based positions; facility-based, manufacturing-based, or research-based positions where the work to be performed is located at a Company site; positions covered by a collective-bargaining agreement (unless the agreement provides for hybrid work); or any other position for which the Company has determined the job requirements cannot be reasonably met working remotely. Please note, this Hybrid work model guidance also does not apply to roles that have been designated as “remote”. **San Francisco Residents Only:** We will consider qualified applicants with arrest and conviction records for employment in compliance with the San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance **Los Angeles Residents Only:** We will consider for employment all qualified applicants, including those with criminal histories, in a manner consistent with the requirements of applicable state and local laws, including the City of Los Angeles’ Fair Chance Initiative for Hiring Ordinance **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 **VISA Sponsorship:** Yes **Travel Requirements:** No Travel Required **Flexible Work Arrangements:** Not Applicable **Shift:** Not Indicated **Valid Driving License:** No **Hazardous Material(s):** BSL-2 **Job Posting End Date:** 03/1/2025 ***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.** **Requisition ID:** R316627