Senior Microbiologist

Merck Group$66K — $99K *
Pharmaceuticals & Biotech
5 - 7 years of experience
Job Overview by Ladders

Qualifications

  • Bachelor's degree in Microbiology or related life-science discipline; or high school diploma with relevant experience
  • 7+ years of microbiology experience in a regulated GMP laboratory (or 9+ years without a degree)
  • Experience with biologics, sterile products, cell therapy, gene therapy, or viral-vector manufacturing
  • Proficient in investigations, CAPAs, and change controls
  • Strong communication skills for diverse audiences
  • Familiarity with laboratory digitalization or automation
  • Lean Six Sigma, project-management, or quality certifications preferred

Responsibilities

  • Serve as a technical SME for microbiology during audits and inspections
  • Guide microbiology testing and contamination-control operations
  • Troubleshoot methods and equipment in the lab
  • Conduct risk-based assessments for microbiology controls
  • Implement and qualify new microbiology testing methods
  • Author and execute study protocols and reports
  • Trends and reviews testing data to address adverse trends

Benefits

  • Health insurance
  • Paid time off (PTO)
  • Retirement contributions
  • Potential for sales or performance-based bonuses
  • Standard daytime schedule with occasional off-shift and weekend work
Full Job Description
Your Role:

As a Senior Microbiologist within the Quality Control Microbiology team, you will serve as a technical subject-matter expert (SME) for microbiology testing and environmental monitoring in a GMP viral-vector manufacturing environment. You will lead method and equipment implementation, technical studies, investigations, quality-system projects, trend analysis, and process improvements. You will also provide technical direction to analysts and collaborate with Manufacturing, Quality Assurance, Process Development, Engineering, Validation, and client teams to resolve issues and deliver compliant, reliable results.

Senior Microbiologist responsibilities include, but are not limited to:
  • Microbiology and environmental monitoring SME in audits and regulatory inspections.
  • Provide technical direction for microbiology testing, studies, and contamination-control activities.
  • Troubleshoot laboratory methods, equipment, software, and data issues.
  • Lead risk-based assessments for microbiology controls (HACCP, FMEA).
  • Implement and qualify new microbiology methods and equipment.
  • Author/execute study protocols and reports, including product qualification and disinfectant efficacy studies.
  • Trend and review testing/environmental monitoring to identify adverse trends and drive corrective actions (CAPAs).
  • Lead microbiology lab testing (growth promotion, preservation, identification, bioburden, endotoxin, media fill, indicators) and perform method validation/verification for USP/EP/JP compliance; lead investigations and CAPA/Change Control activities when needed.


This position primarily works a standard daytime schedule from Monday through Friday but may occasionally require off-shift, weekend, or overtime work to support manufacturing campaigns, investigations, audits, and other business-critical activities.

Physical and work environment requirements:

  • Wearing PPE when entering the cleanroom space. PPE includes safety glasses, face masks, hoods, scrubs, sterile gowns, gloves, sleeves, and boot covers
  • Sit and reach to use computers and other office/lab equipment
  • Occasionally stand for extended periods of time, up to four (4) to five (5) hours/time
  • Occasionally lift up to fifty (50) pounds
  • View objects at close and distant ranges
  • Occasional exposure to fumes, airborne particles, chemicals, vibration and biohazardous materials


Who You Are

Minimum Qualifications:

  • Bachelor's degree in Microbiology, Biology, Biochemistry, or a related life-science discipline
  • 7+ years of microbiology experience in a regulated GMP laboratory supporting biologics, sterile products, cell therapy, gene therapy, or viral-vector manufacturing

OR
  • High school diploma or GED
  • 9+ years of microbiology experience in a regulated GMP laboratory supporting biologics, sterile products, cell therapy, gene therapy, or viral-vector manufacturing


Preferred Qualifications:

  • Experience in investigations, CAPAs, change controls, technical documentation, SOPs, protocols, risk and trend reports, personnel training and competency assessment, and ALCOA+ data-integrity principles
  • Experience in CDMO, contract testing, or client-facing environments
  • Experience working with viral vectors, advanced therapies, or other biologics
  • Experience supporting regulatory inspections or client audits
  • Strong written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to explain microbiology concepts, investigations, risks, and recommendations to technical and non-technical stakeholders
  • Experience leading cross-functional projects
  • Experience with laboratory digitalization or automation
  • Lean Six Sigma, project-management, or quality-related certification


Pay Range for this position: $66,200-$99,300 per year.

The offer range represents the anticipated low and high end of the base pay compensation for this position. The actual compensation offered will be determined by factors such as location, level of experience, education, skills, and other job-related factors. Position may be eligible for sales or performance-based bonuses. Benefits offered by the Company include health insurance, paid time off (PTO), retirement contributions, and other perquisites. For more information click here.

RSREMD

About Merck Group

Merck Group Careers

There has never been a more opportune time to join Merck Group, a leading science and technology company in healthcare, life science, and performance materials. Merck Group offers a plethora of job opportunities that cater to a variety of skills and professional aspirations, making it an ideal environment for both seasoned experts and those at the start of their career journey.

Work You’ll Do

At Merck Group, every team member contributes to breakthrough innovations in healthcare, life sciences, and electronics. The company's commitment to diversity and innovation fuels its leadership in various sectors, driving growth and transformation globally. Merck Group’s career paths are diverse, offering positions that challenge individuals to use their skills in new ways every day, supported by robust training programs and development opportunities.

Explore Job Opportunities and Growth

Merck Group is not just about jobs; it's about building a career. With a vast array of positions, from research and development to marketing and sales, the company is keen on hiring and nurturing talent to lead industry transformation. Merck Group’s dedication to professional growth is evident in its comprehensive benefits package and performance management processes that aim to maximize individual potential.

Internship Programs

Starting with an internship at Merck Group can be a pivotal step in securing a prosperous career. Interns gain invaluable industry experience, working alongside seasoned professionals and engaging in projects that offer real-world applications of their studies. Internships often lead to full-time employment opportunities, providing a seamless transition from education to professional employment.

Inclusive Culture and Leadership

Merck Group is proud of its inclusive culture that embraces diversity and fosters an environment where all employees can thrive. The company’s leadership is committed to creating a workplace where diverse ideas lead to innovative outcomes. Merck Group also offers diversity training to ensure all team members are equipped to contribute to the company’s inclusive goals.

Networking and Professional Development

Employees at Merck Group are encouraged to engage in networking and professional development activities that enhance their career trajectories. The company hosts various networking events, workshops, and seminars that are designed to hone skills and foster connections within the industry. Leadership development programs are also a cornerstone, preparing employees for future roles of increased responsibility.

Stay Connected with Merck Group Careers

Interested candidates can explore open positions that match their skills and interests through the Merck Group careers page. The company values curious, creative, and solution-driven team players who are eager to make an impact.

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Merck Group is continuously looking for individuals who are ready to drive innovation and lead in the global marketplace. Whether through full-time positions, internships, or leadership roles, Merck Group offers a career path filled with opportunities for growth, learning, and leadership.
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