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Virology Jobs (NOW HIRING)

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Virology information

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$15

$23

$32

How much do virology jobs pay per hour?

As of Jun 27, 2026, the average hourly pay for virology in the United States is $23.70, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $19.95 and $24.76 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What Is Virology?

Virology is the study of viruses and virus-like pathogens. This field frequently uses laboratory research to study the structure, classification, and evolution of viruses, as well as their interactions with host cells and the way other living creatures fight them. Virology also focuses on the spread of infectious disease, including threats like the common cold, rabies, yellow fever, and polio. Virologists often work with research centers, hospitals, and pharmaceutical companies to develop vaccines that help fight viral infections. More recently, virology has started to focus on using viruses or virus-like structures for medical treatments, such as mapping neurons in the brain.

What is virology?

Virology is the branch of science that focuses on the study of viruses and virus-like agents. It covers the structure, classification, evolution, and genetics of viruses, as well as how they infect and interact with host organisms. Virologists also study the diseases caused by viruses, methods of prevention, and treatments such as vaccines and antiviral drugs. This field is important for understanding and controlling viral outbreaks and pandemics.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Virologist, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Virologist, you need a strong background in microbiology, molecular biology, and immunology, typically supported by an advanced degree (PhD or MD) in a relevant field. Familiarity with laboratory techniques such as PCR, ELISA, cell culture, and data analysis software is essential, and certifications in biosafety may be required. Attention to detail, critical thinking, and strong collaboration skills help Virologists excel in research and diagnostic environments. These skills ensure accurate, safe research and contribute to advances in understanding and combating viral diseases.

What are some common challenges faced by virologists working in a research laboratory setting?

Virologists in research laboratories often encounter challenges such as maintaining strict biosafety protocols, especially when working with highly infectious agents. Additionally, viral cultures can be unpredictable, requiring patience and troubleshooting to achieve reliable experimental results. Collaboration with multidisciplinary teams, including epidemiologists and molecular biologists, is crucial but can also present coordination challenges. Staying current with rapidly evolving scientific literature and adapting to new technologies are also ongoing aspects of the role.

What is the difference between Virology vs Microbiology?

AspectVirologyMicrobiology
Required CredentialsBachelor's or Master's in Virology, Microbiology, or related fields; often requires specialized virology trainingBachelor's or Master's in Microbiology, Biology, or related fields; broader microbiology certifications
Work EnvironmentLaboratories focused on viruses, infectious disease research, vaccine developmentVaried settings including clinical labs, research, environmental testing, hospitals
Employer & Industry UsageResearch institutions, pharmaceutical companies, healthcare agenciesHospitals, public health labs, biotech firms, environmental agencies

While both virologists and microbiologists work in laboratory settings and study microorganisms, virologists specialize specifically in viruses, their structure, and behavior. Microbiologists have a broader focus on all microorganisms, including bacteria, fungi, and parasites. Understanding these differences helps in choosing the right career path or job search focus.

What cities are hiring for Virology jobs? Cities with the most Virology job openings:
What are the most commonly searched types of Virology jobs? The most popular types of Virology jobs are:
What states have the most Virology jobs? States with the most job openings for Virology jobs include:
Infographic showing various Virology job openings in the United States as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 65% Full Time, 34% Part Time, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 67% Physical, and 33% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $49,305 per year, or $23.7 per hour.
Virology (HIV) Regional Medical Scientific Director (MSL) - Georgia, Louisiana, Mississippi

Virology (HIV) Regional Medical Scientific Director (MSL) - Georgia, Louisiana, Mississippi

Merck

Jackson, MS

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement, PTO

Posted 3 days ago


Merck rating

7.8

Company rating: 7.8 out of 10

Based on 50 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

43rd of 73 rated pharmaceutical


Job description

Job Description

Virology (HIV) Regional Medical Scientific Director (MSL) - Georgia, Louisiana, Mississippi

Join our company, a premier research-intensive biopharmaceutical organization, as we strive to advance the prevention and treatment of diseases in people and animals. We are at the forefront of research, delivering innovative health solutions that save and improve lives around the world. If you are passionate about making a difference in the field of Virology/HIV, we invite you to be part of our dedicated team. This role covers Georgia, Louisiana, and Mississippi, and candidates must reside within the territory.

Responsibilities

  • Identify, establish, and manage collaborative professional relationships with national, regional, and clinical practice scientific leaders (SLs) and investigators to address scientific needs and ensure access to medical and scientific information on areas of therapeutic interest and our company\'s data or products.

  • Conduct peer-level scientific discussions and maintain a reliable presence to ensure SLs have a Research and Development (R&D)/ Medical Affairs contact within our company.

  • Engage in proactive non-product discussions regarding scientific issues (e.g., disease states, diagnosis, epidemiology, unmet medical need, and population health) to enhance scientific discussions or inform/guide Research and Development (R&D)/ GMA and Human Health (HH) strategy or research programs.

  • Facilitate appropriate scientific exchange of information with SLs, including integration of scientific knowledge with actionable insights to inform Research and Development (R&D) and Human Health (HH) strategies.

  • Communicate external stakeholder opinions, insights, and feedback on new data, clinical trends, and the evolving HIV landscape to Medical Affairs HQ teams to enhance scientific understanding and inform internal Research and Development (R&D) strategies.

  • Represent Research and Development (R&D) at scientific meetings and congresses and contribute to Research and Development (R&D) debriefs, insight discussions, and post-congress reports.

  • Develop and execute territory plans in alignment with global Virology strategy.

  • Support data generation activities when requested by Research and Development (R&D) leadership, including our company\'s Investigator Study Program (MISP), by acting as the primary liaison to investigators interested in developing and performing investigator-initiated research.

  • Identify potential investigators for participation in phase II-IV clinical development programs and provide scientific support for Research and Development (R&D) sponsored trials as needed.

  • Provide in-depth scientific support to Health Systems Teams within USMA.

  • Demonstrate and maintain in-depth knowledge of the assigned disease and therapeutic area(s) through educational efforts, including attendance at relevant conferences, scientific workshops, and review of key journals.

  • Fully comply with all company policies and applicable laws, regulations, and ethical standards.

Qualifications

Required

  • An advanced degree (MD, PhD, DNP, Doctoral PA-C, DO, or PharmD) relevant to Virology/HIV and the requirements of the position.

  • A minimum of 3 years prior experience in the biotech/pharmaceutical or clinical environment.

  • A minimum of 3 years of clinical and/or research experience (beyond that obtained in the terminal degree program) in Virology/HIV (or related therapeutic area, e.g., infectious diseases, immunology, preventative medicine) and demonstrated scientific excellence in either Virology/HIV or the related therapeutic area.

  • Excellent interpersonal, communication, networking, and presentation skills.

  • Ability to travel up to 50% of the time overnights and reside in the coverage region.

Preferred

  • Recognition for scientific excellence in HIV as demonstrated by sustained contributions to HIV via strong clinical, academic, and/or translational/basic science research experience in HIV.

  • Experience in both clinical HIV and ownership of independent research and publication in HIV (i.e., experience in late-stage clinical research as an investigator or key study personnel conducting outcomes research, company-sponsored trials, or investigator-initiated trials).

  • 5+ years of prior pharmaceutical industry experience (MSL or other clinical, medical, or research-related position) in Virology/HIV.

  • Prior working experience within the coverage region and established relationships with Virology/HIV stakeholders.

  • Demonstrable effective leadership skills (by example and through accomplishments) and the ability to step forward to handle challenges within the scope of authority.

  • Strong working knowledge of Microsoft Office Suite (Word, PowerPoint, Excel).

#eligibleforERP

Required Skills:

Clinical Research, External Collaboration, HIV Prevention, HIV Treatment, Medical Affairs, Pharmaceutical Medical Affairs, Professional Networking, Research and Development, Scientific Communications, Strategic Thinking

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

The salary range for this role is

$190,800.00 - $300,300.00

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:

No relocation

VISA Sponsorship:

No

Travel Requirements:

50%

Flexible Work Arrangements:

Remote

Shift:

Not Indicated

Valid Driving License:

Yes

Hazardous Material(s):

n/a

Job Posting End Date:

07/13/2026

*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.


Requisition ID:R404354


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