Senior Microbiology Scientist — Strategic R&D Leader

Merck; Rahway (NJ); Hybrid; USD 210,000 - 331,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical, dental, vision benefits

401(k) retirement plan

Paid holidays and vacation

Compassionate and sick days

Job summary

Merck & Co., Inc. seeks a Distinguished Scientist, Microbiology to define strategic capability build for small molecule, biologics, and vaccines in clinical development.

You will lead across the R&D Microbiology Network, guiding CQAs, IPC analysis, and analytical method transfers while interfacing with Regulatory and Quality teams. The role involves ownership of GMP release, environmental monitoring, and implementation of advanced microbiology technologies, including NGS and rapid methods, with

Qualifications

• Excellent verbal and written communication skills in English
• Demonstrated creativity and strong interpersonal and collaborative skills
• Demonstrated ability to lead cross-functional initiatives and influence without direct authority
• Ability to work effectively in a team environment with extensive cross-functional interactions
• Proven strength in delivering results against firm deadlines in support of the pipeline from development through commercialization

Responsibilities

• Provide enterprise-level decision making and technical leadership across the Microbiology Network
• Oversee GMP release and stability activities
• Interface with partner groups to align CQAs and methodologies
• Lead analytical method transfers and support regulatory filings (INDs, IMPDs, NDAs, BLAs)
• Drive Next Generation Sequencing and rapid microbiological methods programs
• Manage GMP readiness, documentation, audits, and change control processes

Skills

Analytical Chemistry

Analytical Method Development

Cell-Based Assays

Clinical Development

Dosage Forms

Exercises Judgment

GMP Compliance

Intellectual Curiosity

Mentorship

Microbiological Analysis

Microbiological Cultures

Microbiology

Molecular Microbiology

Molecular Structure

Professional Networking

Project Leadership

Regulations

Regulatory Compliance

Scientific Leadership

Technical Reporting

Education

Ph.D. in microbiology or a related field with 10+ years of relevant experience in the pharmaceutical industry

M.S. with 12+ years of relevant experience

B.S. with 16+ years of relevant experience in the pharmaceutical industry

Job description

Merck & Co., Inc. seeks a Distinguished Scientist, Microbiology to define strategic capability build for small molecule, biologics, and vaccines in clinical development.

You will lead across the R&D Microbiology Network, guiding CQAs, IPC analysis, and analytical method transfers while interfacing with Regulatory and Quality teams. The role involves ownership of GMP release, environmental monitoring, and implementation of advanced microbiology technologies, including NGS and rapid methods, with