Scientist, Analytical R&D (Microbiologist) – Onsite Full-time

Scientist – Microbiologist

The Analytical Research and Development Microbiology group has an opening for a Scientist – Microbiologist. Join us and experience our culture first-hand one of strong ethics & integrity, diversified experiences, exceptional science, and a resounding passion for improving human health. As part of our global team, you will have the opportunity to collaborate with talented and dedicated colleagues while developing and expanding your career.

In your role as Scientist, you will be a critical part of the Analytical Research and Development Microbiology team with responsibilities including leading the rapidly growing pipeline via collaboration with stakeholders to deliver on critical data in a good manufacturing practices (GMP) microbiology laboratory, including finished products testing, utilities, and environmental monitoring. While working within a fast-paced, integrated, multidisciplinary team environment, the candidate is expected to have a strong working knowledge of microbiology laboratory practices and procedures in a GMP environment including microbiology data review and quality procedures. This position is based at the Rahway, New Jersey site.

Primary Responsibilities

• Conduct microbiology finished goods testing
• Conduct the execution, procedure, results, and conclusions of experiments in a detailed and organized manner following ALCOA and data integrity principles
• Execute microbiology suitability studies to support release and stability testing of small molecule, biologic, and vaccines finished drug products.
• Participate in investigations associated with GMP testing through active partnership
• Partner with internal stakeholders and partners, including Quality, Pipeline, and Operations.
• Second scientist review microbiology experiments in line with GMP expectations
• Support internal and external compliance audit activities.

Education Minimum Requirements:

• Minimum 3 years of pharmaceutical industry experience for applicants with a BS degree or a MS degree Microbiology or related Biological Sciences, or equivalent with direct microbiological testing experience.

Required Experience and Skills

A proven record of microbiology laboratory experience. Excellent written and oral communication skills, as well as interpersonal skills, are necessary to qualify for this role.

• Knowledge and experience of microbiology testing in context of, environmental monitoring, aseptic manufacturing, and finished product testing in a GMP environment
• Knowledge of current microbiology industry guidelines and compendia

Preferred Experience

• Knowledge in nonsterile and aseptic manufacturing and associated GMP product testing
• Experience in supporting quality investigations in the microbiology discipline
• Experience with MODA is a plus

Required Skills

Adaptability, Analytical Development, Analytical Method Development, Analytical Research, Biological Sciences, Biomedical Sciences, Cell-Based Assays, Clinical Microbiology, Environmental Monitoring, Fast-Paced Environments, GMP Compliance, Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP), Immunoassays, Immunochemistry, Interpersonal Relationships, Laboratory Information Management System (LIMS), Laboratory Techniques, Mammalian Cell Culture, Microbiological Test, Microbiology, Molecular Microbiology, Real Time Polymerase Chain Reaction (qPCR), Self Motivation, Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) Writing

Preferred Skills

Current Employees apply HERE

Current Contingent Workers apply HERE

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 if you need an accommodation during the application or hiring process.

As an Equal Employment Opportunity Employer, we provide equal opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibit discrimination on the basis of race, color, age, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, protected veteran status, disability status, or other applicable legally protected characteristics.

The salary range for this role is $85,600.00 – $134,800.00. 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.

You can apply for this role through https://jobs.merck.com/us/en (or via the Workday Jobs Hub if you are a current employee). The application deadline for this position is stated on this posting.

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: No relocation

VISA Sponsorship: No

Travel Requirements: No Travel Required

Flexible Work Arrangements: Not Applicable

Shift: Not Indicated

Valid Driving License: No

Hazardous Material(s): n/a

Job Posting End Date: 10/13/2025

*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.