Infectious Disease Scientist Full-time

Research Scientist Position in HIV Discovery

Our company's Infectious Disease and Vaccines group is seeking applicants for a Research Scientist position in the HIV Discovery area. This hands-on laboratory role contributes to in vivo studies, standardized biological assays, and development of novel biomarker assays (ELISA, qPCR, and related technologies). Candidates must be comfortable working with HIV-positive materials (laboratory strains and animal/patient-derived samples) and performing small-animal handling and procedures. The role requires strong organization, communication, and a willingness to learn new equipment and automation platforms.

Key responsibilities

• Support and execute in vivo rodent studies, including cage maintenance, animal handling, dosing (IP, SQ, IV, PO), and blood/tissue collection.
• Process biological samples and perform biomarker assays (ELISA, qPCR and other immunoassays) to generate high-quality data for HIV programs.
• Run standardized, validated biological assays and document results according to laboratory procedures and data integrity standards.
• Develop and optimize novel biomarker assays and support assay validation and troubleshooting.
• Maintain lab equipment, prepare reagents, and ensure compliance with biosafety protocols for handling HIV-positive materials.
• Record and manage experimental data using electronic lab notebooks and common office tools (Excel, Word, PowerPoint); communicate results to cross-functional teams.
• Contribute to lab organization, inventory management, and adherence to SOPs and regulatory requirements.

Basic qualifications

• BS or MS in biology, biochemistry, bioengineering, or a related life-science discipline.
• Minimum 3 years of hands-on research lab experience for BS candidates, or minimum 1 year for MS candidates (experience beyond classroom coursework required).
• Experience with rodent handling and small-animal procedures, including injections (IP, SQ, IV, PO) and blood sampling (IV, RO).
• Hands-on experience with molecular and immunoassay techniques such as ELISA and qPCR.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office applications, particularly Excel.
• Strong organizational skills, attention to detail, time management, and effective written and verbal communication.
• Willingness to work in a fast-paced, team-oriented environment and learn new laboratory instruments and automation platforms.
• Ability to work with HIV-positive materials under appropriate biosafety conditions.

Required Skills:

Adaptability, Animal Handling, Assay, Assay Development, Biochemical Assays, Biochemistry, Cell-Based Assays, Cell Biology, Cell Culture Techniques, Data Analysis, Detail-Oriented, Enzyme Linked Immunosorbent Assay (ELISA), Flow Cytometry, Immunochemistry, Immunocytochemistry (ICC), Infectious Disease, Infectious Disease Research, Inventory Management, In Vitro Assays, Lab Equipment Maintenance, Life Science, Microbiology, Molecular Biology Techniques, Specimen Collection Container, Supply Management

Preferred Skills:

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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”.

The salary range for this role is

$87,300.00 – $137,400.00

This is the lowest to highest salary we in good faith believe we would pay for this role at the time of this 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. More information about benefits is available at https://jobs.merck.com/us/en/compensation-and-benefits.