Scientist, Analytical R&D

About the role

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.

Responsibilities

• Perform routine viable and non-viable Environmental Monitoring of classified cleanroom areas (Grad A-D), including surfaces, air, and equipment.
• Conduct active air, passive air (settle plates), surface sampling, in accordance with site EM programs and GMP requirements.
• Operate and maintain EM instruments (e.g., viable air samplers, particle counters, RODAC plates, isolator/BSC environmental sampling tools).
• Execute aseptic sampling techniques to ensure data integrity and contamination-free sample collection.
• Perform utility sampling/testing (WFI, purified water, clean steam) and support routine water system monitoring.
• Perform microbiology laboratory testing associated with EM samples, including bioburden, microbial identification, and endotoxin testing.
• Trend, analyze, and interpret EM data; escalate atypical or out-of-trend (OOT) results and support investigations.
• Participate in deviation investigations, root cause assessments, and CAPA development related to environmental or microbiological events.
• Maintain accurate documentation of sampling activities in compliance with ALCOA and data-integrity principles.
• Inventory management.
• Support of sterile operations within the quality control department including utilizing isolator for sterility testing, conduct method suitability testing, endotoxin, microbial enumeration, media / reagent quality control testing.

Requirements

• 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 utilities testing in a GMP environment.
• Knowledge of current microbiology industry guidelines and compendia.

Qualifications

• Minimum 2 years of pharmaceutical industry experience for applicants with a MS degree or 3 years of experiences for BS degree in Microbiology or related Biological Sciences, or equivalent with direct microbiological testing GMP experience.

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 utilities testing in a GMP environment.
• Knowledge of current microbiology industry guidelines and compendia.

Benefits

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.

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.