Job Description
Job Description
Senior Scientist III (iPSC-Derived Gut Models)
Cambridge, MA (Lab Based Position)
Pay Rate: $70 -77/hr W2
This 24+ Month Contract Position Has A Tentative Start Date of 2/2/26
Role Overview: We are seeking a hands-on Scientist with strong experimental biology expertise to advance iPSC-derived gut models for evaluating combination therapies for inflammatory diseases (e.g., IBD). Working closely with DAGS, Immunology, and Pharmacology colleagues, the contractor will culture and differentiate human iPSCs into intestinal lineages (e.g., epithelial monolayers and 3D organoids/enteroids), establish microphysiological systems, and design and execute combination therapy studies. The successful candidate will optimize functional assays, perform dose–response and matrixed combination experiments, analyze synergy/antagonism, and deliver clear, actionable data packages to cross-functional teams.
Required Qualifications:
• MS with 5+ years or PhD with 1–2+ years of relevant experience in molecular/cellular biology, immunology, pharmacology, or related field
• Hands-on experience with human cell culture and at least one of:
o iPSC maintenance and differentiation into epithelial/endodermal lineages
o Intestinal organoids (enteroids) or epithelial monolayers
• Proven ability to execute and troubleshoot functional assays; experience running dose–response studies and quantitative assay analysis
• Strong documentation, data analysis, and presentation skills; success working in collaborative, cross-functional settings
• Following aseptic processes
Preferred Qualifications
• Direct experience with iPSC-derived intestinal models, including 3D organoids, 2D monolayers, Transwells, and/or gut-on-chip systems
• Expertise in barrier function assays (TEER, permeability), imaging-based analyses, and cytokine profiling
• Experience with automation, liquid handling, and high-throughput assay development
• Background in inflammatory disease biology and prior industry experience in preclinical combination testing or pharmacology
Job Description:
The Merck Genome Sciences (GS) iPSC disease modeling group within the Department of Data, AI, and Genome Sciences (DAGS) partners with Immunology and cross-functional teams to evaluate therapeutic strategies based on human-relevant models. Our mission is to build and apply robust iPSC-derived systems to understand mechanisms in human disease and to test mono- and combination therapies under controlled, scalable in vitro conditions. We leverage genetic and pharmacological perturbations in iPSC-derived gut models to inform therapeutic combination design and prioritization. The contractor is expected to work both independently and collaboratively in a dynamic early discovery environment.
• Develop, optimize, and execute iPSC-derived gut model systems:
o Differentiation of iPSCs into 3D intestinal organoids.
o Co-cultures with immune cells (e.g., macrophages, dendritic cells, T cells), and 3D organoid model system.
o Microphysiological platforms to model barrier and tissue microenvironment
• Design and run combination therapy studies:
o Plan mono- and pairwise/multi-drug matrices; include biologics, small molecules, and pathway-targeted agents
o Execute dose–response and time-course experiments; incorporate inflammatory stimuli (e.g., cytokine cocktails, bacterial products) to model disease-relevant contexts
o Analyze combination effects for synergy/additivity/antagonism and generate decision-enabling summaries
• Apply quantitative, mechanism-informed readouts:
o Barrier integrity and function assays (TEER, permeability, wound healing, mucus layer assays)
o Inflammatory and cell-state profiling (cytokine/chemokine panels via ELISA/MSD, qPCR/RT-qPCR, flow cytometry, high-content imaging, immunofluorescence)
o Transcriptomic profiling (bulk or single cell preferred) for pathway engagement; collaborate with data scientists for analysis.
• Implement perturbations and model qualification:
o Genetic and pharmacological perturbations to dissect mechanisms and predict combination responsiveness.
o Assess reproducibility, dynamic range, and throughput; adapt assays to plate-based formats (96-/384-well) and support automation readiness.
• Collaborate cross-functionally:
o Partner with immunology, pharmacology, and data science teams to prioritize combinations, refine hypotheses, and align in vitro models with translational endpoints.
o Present experimental plans and results to internal stakeholders, including senior leadership; maintain rigorous documentation and SOPs.
• Ensure compliance with safety practices and proper maintenance of cell lines, reagents, and equipment.
Johnson Service Group, Inc. (JSG) is a North American leader in the staffing and consulting services industry, with over 35 years of experience investing in people and companies.
Johnson Service Group (JSG) is an Equal Opportunity Employer. JSG provides equal employment opportunities to all applicants and employees without regard to race, color, religion, sex, age, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, marital status, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law.
Company DescriptionOur people and culture make JSG a great place to work. JSG’s mission is to empower people, help our clients reach their goals, and hire motivated individuals.
Johnson Service Group, Inc. (JSG) is a North American leader in the staffing and consulting services industry, with 40 years of experience investing in people and companies. We are always looking for great people to join our team—we want to see your success here at JSG! We can be found locally in more than 30 offices throughout the United States and Canada. JSG continues to work diligently to offer our clients and candidates world-class service and diversified offerings to fit their evolving needs.
We offer medical, dental, vision, life insurance options, 401(k), weekly pay, and more.
Johnson Service Group (JSG) is an Equal Opportunity Employer. JSG provides equal employment opportunities to all applicants and employees without regard to race, color, religion, sex, age, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, marital status, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law.
Company Description
Our people and culture make JSG a great place to work. JSG’s mission is to empower people, help our clients reach their goals, and hire motivated individuals.\r\n\r\nJohnson Service Group, Inc. (JSG) is a North American leader in the staffing and consulting services industry, with 40 years of experience investing in people and companies. We are always looking for great people to join our team—we want to see your success here at JSG! We can be found locally in more than 30 offices throughout the United States and Canada. JSG continues to work diligently to offer our clients and candidates world-class service and diversified offerings to fit their evolving needs.\r\n\r\nWe offer medical, dental, vision, life insurance options, 401(k), weekly pay, and more.\r\n\r\nJohnson Service Group (JSG) is an Equal Opportunity Employer. JSG provides equal employment opportunities to all applicants and employees without regard to race, color, religion, sex, age, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, marital status, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law.