Merck & Co, Inc

Scientist, Biology-Discovery (On-site)

Merck & Co, Inc$87K — $137K *
Pharmaceuticals & Biotech
Less than 5 years of experience
Job Overview by Ladders

Qualifications

  • MS with a minimum of 1 year of related experience, or BS/BA with a minimum of 3 years of related experience in Microbiology, Bacteriology, Immunology, or a closely related field
  • Strong scientific and technical leadership skills
  • High adaptability to a continuously evolving research landscape
  • Experience working collaboratively in a multidisciplinary research environment
  • Hands-on research experience with in vivo mouse models
  • Experience with bacterial culture and cell culture

Responsibilities

  • Collaborate effectively in a fast-paced, integrated team environment
  • Develop, optimize, and implement immunoassays for vaccine target antigens
  • Evaluate preclinical immune sera in functional antibody assays
  • Contribute to mouse vaccine immunogenicity and challenge studies
  • Work in a BSL-2 laboratory while upholding safety and data integrity standards
  • Prepare technical documents and data summaries for scientific discussions

Benefits

  • Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision insurance for employees and families
  • 401(k) retirement benefits
  • Paid holidays and vacation
  • Compassionate and sick leave
  • Additional insurance benefits
Full Job Description

Job Description

We are seeking a dedicated and highly motivated scientist to join our Infectious Disease and Vaccines team in Biology-Discovery located in West Point, PA. Our team’s objective is to solve key challenges in developing and progressing vaccine candidates for infectious disease targets. To help us achieve this goal, this individual should possess technical skills in immunoassays, functional antibody assays, bacterial and cell culture, and in vivo mouse work. This role requires not only technical proficiency but also the ability to articulate ideas and collaborate effectively within a dynamic, integrated, multidisciplinary scientific team fostering a healthy work environment.

Responsibilities include:

  • Collaborating effectively in a fast-paced, integrated, multidisciplinary team environment, fostering open communication and collaboration

  • Developing, optimizing, and implementing immunoassays for vaccine target antigens, including ELISA and electrochemiluminescent (ECL) assays

  • Evaluating preclinical immune sera in functional antibody assays, including opsonophagocytic killing assays (OPA/OPK) and serum bactericidal assays (SBA)

  • Contributing to mouse vaccine immunogenicity and challenge studies with bacterial pathogens

  • Working hands-on in a BSL-2 laboratory environment while maintaining high standards for safety, documentation, and data integrity

  • Preparing technical documents, data summaries, and presentations for internal scientific discussions and in support of regulatory submissions

Qualifications

Education Requirement
  • MS with a minimum of 1 year of related experience, or BS/BA with a minimum of 3 years of related experience, in Microbiology, Bacteriology, Immunology, or a closely related field

Required Skills
  • Strong scientific and technical leadership skills

  • High adaptability to a continuously evolving research landscape

  • Experience working collaboratively in a multidisciplinary research environment

  • Experience with immunoassays and functional antibody assays

  • Experience with bacterial culture and cell culture

  • Hands-on research experience with in vivo mouse models

  • Hands-on research experience within a BSL-2 laboratory environment

  • Excellent verbal and written communication skills

  • Knowledge of Microsoft Office (Excel, Word, and PowerPoint) and graphing software (GraphPad Prism)

Preferred Skills
  • Bacterial vaccine research experience

  • Experience in the pharmaceutical or biotechnology industry

  • Experience with ELISA and electrochemiluminescent (ECL) assays

  • Experience with functional antibody assays, such as opsonophagocytic killing assays (OPA/OPK) and serum bactericidal assays (SBA)

  • Hands-on research experience with mouse vaccine immunogenicity or challenge studies

  • Experience with automated liquid handling systems

Required Skills:

Assay Development, Biology, Cell Culture Techniques, Data Analysis, Enzyme Linked Immunosorbent Assay (ELISA), Immunoassays, Immunogenicity Assays, In Vitro Assays, In Vivo Models, Microbiology

Preferred Skills:

Flow Cytometry

Current Employees apply

Current Contingent Workers apply

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

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.

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 .

You can apply for this role through (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:

No

Travel Requirements:

No Travel Required

Flexible Work Arrangements:

Not Applicable

Shift:

1st - Day

Valid Driving License:

No

Hazardous Material(s):

BSL-2

Job Posting End Date:

09/9/2026

*A job posting is effective until 11:59:59PM on the day BEFOREthe listed job posting end date. Please ensure you apply to a job posting no later than the day BEFORE the job posting end date.

About Merck & Co, Inc

Schering-Plough Corporation is a major U.S.-based manufacturer of pharmaceuticals. It operates in three segments: Prescription Pharmaceuticals, Animal Health, and Consumer Health Care. Schering-Plough develops products targeting on allergy, cancer, hepatitis, cardiovascular, central nervous system, respiratory system, and more.  It was founded in 1851 by Ernst Christian Friedrich Schering as Schering AG in Germany. Schering-Plough manufactured several pharmaceutical drugs, the most well-known of which were the allergy drugs Claritin and Clarinex, an anti-cholesterol drug Vytorin, and a brain tumor drug Temodar. It also developed drugs targeting on central nervous system and the respiratory system. Schering Plough also owned and operated the major foot care brand name Dr. Scholl's and the skin care line Coppertone. These also became a part of the new company. Schering-Plough was a full member of the European Federation of Pharmaceutical Industries and Associations (EFPIA), a membership which is also maintained by the new Merck.

Merck & Co, Inc Careers

Join the visionary team at Merck & Co, Inc, a global leader in healthcare dedicated to advancing the world of medicine. As part of our professional community, you'll find dynamic job opportunities that foster innovation and leadership across various fields. Merck & Co, Inc is not just a company; it's a place where you can make a difference.

Work You’ll Do

At Merck & Co, Inc, we are committed to improving global health through groundbreaking research and innovative healthcare solutions. Our team is at the forefront of developing new therapies and vaccines that significantly impact public health worldwide. By joining us, you will collaborate with some of the brightest minds in the industry, using your skills to contribute to projects that save and improve lives around the globe.

Explore Career Paths

Whether you're seeking an internship, a graduate opportunity, or a professional position, Merck & Co, Inc offers a range of career paths in environments that promote rapid professional growth and development. Explore job opportunities in research, digital transformation, manufacturing, and more, all while benefiting from a culture that supports diversity and inclusion.

Innovate and Lead

Merck & Co, Inc is an ideal environment for those who lead with curiosity and the drive to innovate. Our leadership is committed to fostering a culture where inventive thinking and collaboration are encouraged, making it a perfect place for professionals who seek to make an impact through their work.

Develop Your Skills

With Merck & Co, Inc, you are not just getting a job; you're gaining access to unparalleled career development opportunities. Enhance your skills through diverse training programs, workshops, and continuous learning courses designed to help you grow at every stage of your career.

Benefits and Culture

We understand that our employees are our greatest asset, which is why we offer competitive benefits designed to support the health and well-being of you and your family. From comprehensive health care coverage and retirement plans to flexible working conditions and wellness programs, our benefits package is designed to meet the diverse needs of our team members.

Join Our Team

Ready to advance your career at Merck & Co, Inc? Search open positions that match your skills and interests. We are continuously hiring and looking for passionate, creative, and solution-driven team players. Prepare your resume, sharpen your interview skills, and become part of a company that's dedicated to making a difference.

Stay Connected

Keep up to date with career tips, insider perspectives, and industry-leading insights you can put to use today—all from the people who work here. Engage with us through our careers blog and by participating in networking events and employment fairs. Subscribe to receive personalized job alerts and the latest news tailored to your preferences. Discover the exciting and rewarding opportunities that await at Merck & Co, Inc. Join us in our mission to improve health and wellness around the world.
Learn more about Merck & Co, Inc
Size
68,000 employees
Market Cap
$282.6 billion
Industry
Net Income
$7 billion
Founded
1668
5 Year Trend
+4.1%
Revenue
$47.9 billion
NASDAQ

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