Distinguished Scientist, Microbiology

Job Description

The Distinguished Scientist, Microbiology is accountable for partnering with the executive director of microbiology to define strategic and technical capability build to support small molecule, biologics and vaccine candidates in the clinical development space across the Research and Development (R&D) Microbiology Network (site-based teams in Rahway, NJ; West Point, PA; Schachen, Switzerland). 

Although the role of Distinguished Scientists is an individual contributor role, the incumbent will be expected to provide enterprise level decision making and technical and scientific leadership across the Microbiology Network and engage with industry forums and regulatory partners to advance forward-looking microbiology and control strategies. The Distinguished Scientist will provide strategic/technical oversight of raw material testing and in-process control (IPC) analysis and will interface closely with partner groups to ensure aligned methodologies for all critical quality attributes (CQAs). 

This includes oversight of GMP release and stability activities supporting the development pipeline, facility environmental monitoring, analytical method transfers from embedded microbiology development teams, transfer support to commercial sites, and support for regulatory filings including INDs, IMPDs, NDAs, and BLAs. The scope also includes molecular and viral screening, cell bank testing oversight, and the evaluation and implementation of new analytical technologies, including the continued development and execution of advanced microbiology methodologies. 

Strategic partnering among Analytical, Process, and Formulation Research & Development teams; CMC and Regulatory functions; and Quality, Commercialization, and Manufacturing partners is essential to enable robust product and process development, ensure regulatory compliance, and support successful commercialization and lifecycle management. 

The role will play a key leadership position in capability build across the microbiology network, including defining and advancing a Next Generation Sequencing (NGS) strategy and driving implementation of rapid microbiological methods (RMM). This includes establishing technical standards, deployment roadmaps, and integration of these technologies into routine testing and regulatory control strategies. 

The position is accountable for delivering phase-appropriate qualification/validation and verification of compendial microbiological and IPC assays; ensuring on-time execution of release, stability, and environmental monitoring; and implementing innovative analytical approaches while ensuring GMP execution with the highest scientific standards. 

The incumbent will be responsible for managing area status and GMP readiness, including oversight of equipment readiness and documentation systems; authoring, reviewing, and approving GMP documentation; reviewing and approving site and global SOPs; overseeing change management documentation, investigations, and corrective action plans; and participating in audits and inspections. 

The successful candidate will be an scientific experienced leader and must be able to partner effectively in a fast-paced, multidisciplinary team environment, with strong expertise in microbiological, analytical techniques and project leadership. 

Education Minimum Requirement:

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

• M.S. with 12+ years of relevant experience; OR

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

Required Experience and Skills:

• 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 

Required 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

Preferred Skills:

Current Employees apply HERE

Current Contingent Workers apply HERE

US and Puerto Rico Residents Only:

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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:

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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.

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The salary range for this role is

$210,400.00 - $331,100.00

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:

Domestic

VISA Sponsorship:

Yes

Travel Requirements:

25%

Flexible Work Arrangements:

Hybrid

Shift:

1st - Day

Valid Driving License:

No

Hazardous Material(s):

N/A

Job Posting End Date:

08/5/2026

*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.