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Entry Level Research Development Scientist Jobs (NOW HIRING)

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R&D Scientist

Newark, DE · On-site

$65K - $85K/yr

Job Title: R&D Scientist Sepax Technologies, Inc. seeks a highly motivated and creative scientist who can work independently and develop new base materials for analytical chromatographic products.

Be Seen First

R&D Scientist

Newark, DE · On-site

$65K - $85K/yr

Job Title: R&D Scientist Sepax Technologies, Inc. seeks a highly motivated and creative scientist who can work independently and develop new base materials for analytical chromatographic products.

R&D Scientist

San Carlos, CA · On-site

$110K - $160K/yr

R&D Scientist San Carlos, California, United States About the Company At Swift Solar, our mission is to unlock the full potential of solar energy. We believe that solar energy has vast untapped ...

Sr. R&D Scientist

Baltimore, MD · On-site

$95K - $125K/yr

The Senior R&D Scientist will lead and contribute to cutting-edge research and development initiatives to drive innovation in products, processes, and technologies within DAP Global Inc. This ...

R&D Scientist-Adhesives

Piscataway, NJ · On-site

$128.64K - $192.95K/yr

We are seeking a curious, technically capable R&D Scientist to contribute to the development and improvement of chemical products and technologies across our global portfolio. This role is ideal for ...

R&D Scientist

Boulder, CO · On-site

$127.68K - $199.50K/yr

Responsible for scientific and technical leadership of oligonucleotide process research and development focusing on enzymatic ligation technology * Design and conduct laboratory scale experiments in ...

R&D Scientist

Calipatria, CA · On-site

$88.80K - $133.20K/yr

The R&D Scientist conducts projects and research to support the safe, reliable, efficient, and cost-effective recovery of minerals from geothermal brine with a focus on lithium through the ...

R&D Scientist

Boulder, CO

$127.68K - $199.50K/yr

Responsible for scientific and technical leadership of oligonucleotide process research and development focusing on enzymatic ligation technology * Design and conduct laboratory scale experiments in ...

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Entry Level Research Development Scientist information

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How much do entry level research development scientist jobs pay per hour?

As of Jun 1, 2026, the average hourly pay for entry level research development scientist in the United States is $38.66, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $28.37 and $46.15 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an Entry Level Research Development Scientist, and why are they important?

To thrive as an Entry Level Research Development Scientist, you generally need a bachelor’s or master’s degree in a scientific discipline, strong analytical abilities, and a solid understanding of experimental design. Familiarity with laboratory equipment, data analysis software (such as MATLAB or R), and possibly certifications in laboratory safety are commonly required. Attention to detail, effective communication, and teamwork skills help individuals excel in collaborative research environments. These capabilities ensure accurate results, facilitate innovation, and contribute to the successful advancement of scientific projects.

What are some typical projects an Entry Level Research Development Scientist might be assigned to during their first year?

As an Entry Level Research Development Scientist, you can expect to work on foundational projects such as conducting literature reviews, setting up experiments, analyzing preliminary data, and supporting senior scientists with ongoing research initiatives. You'll likely assist in developing protocols, maintaining lab equipment, and documenting your findings for team meetings and reports. This hands-on experience is designed to build your technical skills and familiarize you with the organization's research processes. Collaboration with cross-functional teams, including engineers and product managers, is common, and you'll be encouraged to contribute fresh ideas during brainstorming sessions.

What does an Entry Level Research Development Scientist do?

An Entry Level Research Development Scientist typically assists in designing, conducting, and analyzing experiments to develop new products or improve existing ones. They work closely with senior scientists and engineers to support research projects, collect and interpret data, and maintain detailed laboratory records. This role is often the starting point for a career in scientific research and involves following established protocols, troubleshooting experiments, and contributing ideas to the research and development process.
More about Entry Level Research Development Scientist jobs
What cities are hiring for Entry Level Research Development Scientist jobs? Cities with the most Entry Level Research Development Scientist job openings:
What states have the most Entry Level Research Development Scientist jobs? States with the most job openings for Entry Level Research Development Scientist jobs include:
What job categories do people searching Entry Level Research Development Scientist jobs look for? The top searched job categories for Entry Level Research Development Scientist jobs are:
Infographic showing various Entry Level Research Development Scientist job openings in the United States as of May 2026, with employment types broken down into 4% Internship, 83% Full Time, 7% Part Time, 2% Temporary, and 4% Contract. Highlights an 98% In-person, and 2% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $80,420 per year, or $38.7 per hour.
Biologics Process Research & Development Scientist

Biologics Process Research & Development Scientist

Merck & Co., Inc.

Rahway, NJ • On-site

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement, PTO

Posted 25 days ago


Merck rating

7.8

Company rating: 7.8 out of 10

Based on 50 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

41st of 71 rated pharmaceutical


Job description

Job Description
Biologics Process Research & Development (BPR&D) within our Company's Research Laboratories is on a mission to rapidly deliver biotherapeutics to patients by efficiently developing innovative, robust manufacturing processes and technologies. To achieve this, we work closely with colleagues in Discovery, Pre-clinical, Early Development, Analytical, Formulation, and Commercial Manufacturing while providing an inclusive environment for all. Beyond process development for pipeline biologics, we innovate and build next generation biomanufacturing technologies. Examples include investments for development of continuous manufacturing, green and sustainable processes, and proprietary technology platforms. We actively publish and engage with the scientific community to influence the field.
Biologics Process Research & Development (BPR&D) includes three lab-facing technical functional areas: Process Cell Sciences (PCS), Upstream Process Development (UPD) and Downstream Process Development & Engineering (DPDE). This job posting covers opportunities for all three functional areas. We are actively looking for highly motivated people with a passion for innovation and interest in contributing to one or more of the three technical functional areas mentioned above.
As a Scientist in Biologics Process Research & Development (BPR&D), you will work with immensely creative and collaborative team members to design and develop robust processes in support of early- and late-stage biologics. You will innovate to support our company's biologics pipeline and production platforms through rigorous scientific principles. You will have the opportunity to apply and integrate innovation into biologic process sciences to establish our company as the industry leader in next-generation biologics manufacturing. You may also be expected to contribute to additional areas of interest such as biophysical, reactor, process, economic and/or multivariate modeling as we are committed to leveraging digital ways of working to enhance our ability to design robust processes.
Responsibilities include but are not limited to:
• Develop innovative and disruptive technologies for next-generation biologics manufacturing processes
• Develop and characterize robust clinical processes capable of delivering multi-kilogram quantities of therapeutics
• Design and conduct experiments related to cell-line development, upstream or downstream bioprocessing
• Integrate unit operations with relevant process control and monitoring platforms
• Collaborate across Biologics Process Research & DevelopmentBPR&D, process analytics, and other functional areas in research and manufacturing to advance the biologics pipeline
• Conduct laboratory- and/or pilot-scale studies to support scale-up and technology transfer to manufacturing sites
• Contribute to a safe and compliant laboratory work environment
MINIMUM EDUCATION REQUIREMENTS:
Education:
Bachelor's Degree with 2+ years of relevant experience or master's degree in chemical/Biochemical/Biomedical Engineering, Biotechnology, Biochemistry, Molecular Biology, or related fields with research background in molecular biology, cell culture or protein purification
REQUIRED EXPERIENCE AND SKILLS:
• Experience with one or more of molecular biology, protein expression, mammalian cell culture, protein purification, biochemical engineering, or analytical technologies
• Scientific understanding of the engineering principles behind recombinant protein production and purification
• Ability to comprehend and execute experiments independently
• Ability to organize, communicate, analyze, and present experimental data to drive conclusions and further study designs
• Knowledge of aseptic technique, protein biophysical properties, and general protein laboratory practices
• Demonstrated ability to independently prepare technical documents and scientific presentations to capture development progress, scientific investigations, and technology development output
• Basic understanding of statistical methods and data analysis tools
• Strong passion and commitment to integrate science and innovation into biologic process development
• Ability to excel in a collaborative and matrix environment
PREFERRED EXPERIENCE AND SKILLS:
• Demonstrated capabilities in understanding and operating bioanalytical techniques to characterize microbial or cell culture processes
• Ability to think critically with excellent problem solving and troubleshooting skills
• High throughput screening, automated bioreactor systems, and liquid handlers
• Experience with process transfer to clinical or commercial manufacturing facilities
• Knowledge of process control and workflow automation tools
• Strong foundation in statistical analysis, design of experiments, data science, computational modeling
#BPRD #PRD
Required Skills:
Aseptic Technique, Aseptic Technique, Bioanalytical Techniques, Biomanufacturing, Bioreactor Operation, Cell Culture Process Development, Cell Cultures, Conducting Experiments, Cross-Functional Teamwork, GMP Compliance, High Throughput Screening HTS Systems, Mammalian Cell, Mammalian Cell Culture, Manufacturing Processes, Microbial Fermentation, Molecular Biology, Optimism, Process Optimization, Process Scale Up, Process Scheduling, Product Development, Protein Expression, Protein Purifications, Technical Leadership, Technical Transfer {+ 2 more}
Preferred Skills:
Current Employees apply HERE
Current Contingent Workers apply HERE
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 click here if you need an accommodation during the application or hiring process.
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:
EEOC Know Your Rights
EEOC GINA Supplement
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.
Learn more about your rights, including under California, Colorado and other US State Acts
U.S. Hybrid Work Model
Effective September 5, 2023, employees in office-based positions in the U.S. will be working a Hybrid work consisting of three total days on-site per week, Monday - Thursday, although the specific days may vary by site or organization, with Friday designated as a remote-working day, unless business critical tasks require an on-site presence.This Hybrid work model does not apply to, and daily in-person attendance is required for, field-based positions; facility-based, manufacturing-based, or research-based positions where the work to be performed is located at a Company site; positions covered by a collective-bargaining agreement (unless the agreement provides for hybrid work); or any other position for which the Company has determined the job requirements cannot be reasonably met working remotely. Please note, this Hybrid work model guidance also does not apply to roles that have been designated as "remote".
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 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:
No
Travel Requirements:
10%
Flexible Work Arrangements:
Not Applicable
Shift:
Not Indicated
Valid Driving License:
No
Hazardous Material(s):
N/A
Job Posting End Date:
05/15/2026
*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.

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