Lead Scientist Antiinfectives

Job Description

We are looking for a Lead Scientist Antiinfectives (m/f/d) to join our team in Schwabenheim, near Mainz, on a full-time and permanent basis.

Key Responsibilities

• Team Leadership: Lead, mentor, and support a team of experienced scientists to conduct cutting-edge antimicrobial research in a safe, collaborative, and innovative environment.
• Innovative Research: Contribute to the identification and evaluation of novel concepts and technologies aimed at treating and preventing microbial infections in animals; enhance existing in vitro assays and drive the development of new test methods to support Design/Make/Test/Analyze (DMTA) cycles in drug discovery.
• Mentorship and Culture Building: Foster a culture of scientific excellence and innovation by mentoring laboratory staff and actively promoting their professional development.
• Collaborative Projects: Contribute to multidisciplinary drug discovery programs, promoting collaboration, open scientific exchange, and curiosity across teams.
• Scientific Communication: Engage proactively in scientific communication within our global R&D organization to disseminate findings and contribute to advancing the field of antimicrobial research.

Qualifications

• Education: Ph.D. in life sciences or a related discipline with several years of relevant postdoctoral industry experience, ideally in pharmaceutical research or veterinary medicine. Practical experience performing laboratory work according to Good Laboratory Practice (GLP) standards, including documentation, data integrity, and quality compliance, is an asset.
• Veterinary Specialization: Preference for candidates with a background in veterinary microbiology or related fields.
• Microbiology: Demonstrated expertise in microbiology research with a focus on in vitro characterization of novel antimicrobial agents; experience in planning and conducting in vivo studies (FELASA B) is an asset.
• Scientific Accomplishments (advantageous, but not a "must have"): Proven track record of generating publication‑quality data and contributing to manuscripts or patents.
• Analytical Skills: Strong problem‑solving abilities and critical thinking skills, with the capacity to translate scientific insights into actionable research concepts in a dynamic environment.
• Accountability and Prioritization: High level of ownership, urgency, and the ability to prioritize effectively and manage multiple projects in an agile setting.
• Leadership and Project Management: Strong leadership and project management skills, with the ability to inspire, guide, and develop team members.
• Communication Skills: Excellent interpersonal and communication skills—both written and verbal—with the ability to collaborate effectively in cross‑functional teams; proficiency in spoken and written English; good command of German.

We are proud to be a company that embraces the value of bringing diverse, talented, and committed people together. The fastest way to breakthrough innovation is when diverse ideas come together in an inclusive environment. We encourage our colleagues to respectfully challenge one another’s thinking and approach problems collectively. We are an equal opportunity employer, committed to fostering an inclusive and diverse workplace.

People with severe disabilities and their equals are given preference if they are equally qualified.

Required Skills:

Accountability, Assay Development, Cell-Based Assays, Cell Biology, Communication, Data Analysis, Detail-Oriented, Drug Discovery Process, Ethical Compliance, GLP Regulations, High-Throughput Screening, In Vitro Assays, In Vitro Studies, Microbiological Cultures, Microbiology, Molecular Biology, Prioritization, Professional Networking, Project Management, Strategic Thinking, Teamwork, Veterinary Medicine

Preferred Skills:

Bacteriology, Collaborating, Leadership, Medical Microbiology, Team Leadership

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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:

VISA Sponsorship:

Travel Requirements:

Flexible Work Arrangements:

Not Applicable

Shift:

Valid Driving License:

Hazardous Material(s):

Job Posting End Date:

05/1/2026

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