Scientist, Biology-Discovery (On-site)

Merck; West Point (PA); On-site; USD 87,000 - 137,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical insurance

Retirement benefits (401(k))

Paid holidays

Job summary

Merck invites applications for a Scientist in West Point, PA to develop and perform in vitro virological and immunological assays supporting vaccine discovery. You will optimize assays, analyze data from ELISA/flow cytometry, and contribute to multidisciplinary teams in an early-stage vaccine program.

The role requires molecular biology and cell culture expertise, plus strong collaboration and communication skills.

Qualifications

• Hands-on experience with molecular biology techniques including nucleic acid extraction, PCR/qPCR, cloning.
• Experience with mammalian cell culture and aseptic techniques.

Responsibilities

• Optimize and execute novel assays to address key scientific questions and project needs.
• Perform multiparametric analyses using ELISA, flow cytometry, neutralization assays, qPCR, and functional cell-based assays.
• Support in vivo studies by developing and conducting downstream bioanalytical and immunological assessments.
• Document and communicate experimental findings and assay protocols accurately and comply with all laboratory safety requirements.
• Collaborate effectively in a multidisciplinary environment.
• Learn and apply new skills and techniques.

Skills

Assay development

Cell-based assays

Cell culture techniques

Cloning

ELISA

Immunoassays

Immunology

Molecular biology

Target discovery

Vaccine development

Virology

Education

MS in molecular biology, microbiology, virology, immunology or related field

BS/BA in one of these fields with 3+ years related experience

Tools

Flow cytometer

Job description

Job Description

Department of Infectious Disease and Vaccines at our company's Research Laboratories in West Point, PA, is seeking a highly motivated Scientist to join a team dedicated to discovering novel antiviral drugs and vaccines. This role will focus primarily on developing and performing in vitro virological and immunological assays to support vaccine discovery. The successful candidate will combine strong laboratory skills with scientific curiosity to generate high-quality data and collaborate effectively within a dynamic, multidisciplinary team advancing early‑stage vaccine programs.

The Successful Candidate Will

• Optimize and execute novel assays to address key scientific questions and project needs.
• Perform multiparametric analyses using relevant assay platforms, including ELISA, flow cytometry, neutralization assays, qPCR, and functional cell‑based assays.
• Support in vivo studies by developing and conducting downstream bioanalytical and immunological assessments, as appropriate.
• Document and communicate experimental findings and assay protocols accurately and comply with all laboratory safety requirements.
• Collaborate effectively in a multidisciplinary environment.
• Learn and apply new skills and techniques.

Required Experience And Skills

• Hands‑on experience with molecular biology techniques, including nucleic acid extraction, PCR/qPCR, cloning, and related methods.
• Experience with mammalian cell culture and aseptic techniques.
• Experience performing ELISA, ELISpot, or other immunological assays.
• Strong collaboration skills, attention to detail, and effective written and verbal communication skills.

Position Qualifications

• Minimum Education and Experience Requirement: An MS in Molecular Biology, Microbiology, Virology, Immunology, or a closely related field with a minimum of 1 year of related experience, or a BS/BA in one of these fields with a minimum of 3 years of related experience.

Preferred Experience And Skills

• Experience with multiparameter flow cytometry and intracellular cytokine staining (ICS).
• Virology experience, including virus amplification and purification, TCID50, plaque assays, and neutralization assays.
• Experience with in vivo small‑animal handling and tissue processing.
• Experience with mucosal immunity endpoint assays.
• Experience with yeast biology and genetics.
• Strong troubleshooting and problem‑solving skills.

Required Skills

Assay Development, Cell‑Based Assays, Cell Culture Techniques, Cloning, Enzyme Linked Immunosorbent Assay (ELISA), Immunoassays, Immunology, Molecular Biology, Target Discovery, Vaccine Development, Virology

Preferred Skills

Flow Cytometry

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.

Requirements

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. As a federal contractor, we comply with all affirmative action requirements for protected veterans and individuals with disabilities. For more information about personal rights under the U.S. Equal Opportunity Employment laws, visit: EEOC Know Your Rights EEOC GINA Supplement We are proud to be a company that embraces the value of bringing together, talented, and committed people with diverse experiences, perspectives, skills and backgrounds. The fastest way to breakthrough innovation is when people with diverse ideas, broad experiences, backgrounds, and skills 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.

Salary

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.

Benefits

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.

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

No

Travel Requirements

No Travel Required

Flexible Work Arrangements

Not Applicable

Shift

1st - Day

Valid Driving License

No

Hazardous Material(s)

n/a

Job Posting End Date

09/29/2026

• 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

R417274