Research Associate Jobs in New Jersey
Research associate jobs in New Jersey are in high demand, concentrated in the state's pharmaceutical, biotechnology, and academic research sectors, with openings at every level from entry-level lab assistant to senior scientist. Princeton, New Brunswick, and the broader Route 1 corridor around Middlesex County are the most active hiring zones, anchored by established employers such as Johnson and Johnson, Bristol Myers Squibb, and Princeton University. Clinical research, drug discovery, and environmental science are consistently the most sought-after specialties across New Jersey postings. Find a role that fits below and apply directly.
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Join the Legacy: Biologics Research & Development Department’s Postdoctoral Research Fellow Opportunity
Our Research Laboratories’ Postdoctoral Research Fellow Program is designed to provide postdoctoral researchers with an academic focus in a commercial environment. With the resources, reach, and expertise of a leading pharmaceutical company, postdoctoral researchers are positioned to excel in an institution committed to breakthrough innovation in research and discovery.
Biologics Process Research & Development (BPR&D) within our Research & Development Division is hosting this multi-year Posdoctoral Research Fellow. BPR&D 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 a 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.
This job posting covers opportunities for the Biologics Upstream Process Development group. We are actively looking for a highly motivated candidate with a passion for applying systems biology tools and process development methods to help us improve process understanding for a key pipeline project.
Position Overview
We are seeking a highly motivated scientist to fill a postdoctoral fellowship position in Biologics Process Research & Development. This is an exciting opportunity to conduct research in an industry setting at the intersection of process development, systems biology, and analytical science.
The successful candidate will work on a multidisciplinary research program aimed at improving understanding of biologics manufacturing processes and their impact on process performance and product quality. Specifically, this project seeks improved mechanistic understanding of the effect of process mode differences on cellular metabolism, product quality attributes, and process performance. The role will involve collaboration with scientists across multiple functions and the use of experimental and data-driven approaches to generate actionable insights.
This position offers the opportunity and expectation to contribute to scientific publications and presentations while gaining valuable experience in biologics development and process science. The successful candidate will deepen the team's scientific understanding of biologics process development while preparing for a successful career in biotechnology and pharmaceutical development. The duration of this project could extend up to 3 years depending on the progress demonstrated.
Responsibilities include but are not limited to:
- Design, execute, and interpret research studies related to biologics manufacturing and process development
- Develop and manage an independent research project while collaborating with multidisciplinary teams
- Investigate relationships among process conditions, cell culture performance, and product characteristics
- Apply analytical, molecular, and biological methods to generate and interpret data
- Integrate and analyze multiple data types using statistical and computational tools to identify trends, hypotheses, and process insights
- Develop mechanistic hypotheses and experimental strategies to support process improvement
- Present research findings at internal and external scientific forums and in peer-reviewed journals
- Stay current with scientific literature and emerging developments in the field
- Must currently hold a Ph.D. or
- Receive a Ph.D. no later than June 2027
- Ph.D. in Biology, Biochemistry, Biotechnology, Bioengineering, Chemical Engineering, Systems Biology, Molecular Biology, or related discipline.
- 0+ years of post-PhD relevant academic or industrial experience.
- Interest in biologics manufacturing, cell culture, or bioprocess development
- Strong record of scientific achievement, including publications and presentations
- Hands-on experience with molecular and cellular biology techniques, including cell culture, functional assays, and mechanistic studies
- Strong analytical, statistical, and quantitative skills
- Ability to work independently in a collaborative environment
- Excellent oral and written communication skills
- Creativity, scientific curiosity, and strong problem-solving ability
- Knowledge of recombinant protein expression, metabolic pathways, biochemistry, and cell culture
- Understanding of basic bioreactor principles, mass transfer kinetics
- Understanding of cell & molecular biology
- History of external presentations and/or publications in peer-reviewed journals
- Experience with mammalian cell culture or recombinant protein production
- Familiarity with biologics manufacturing or process development environments
- Experience with cellular stress biology, redox biology, metabolism, or related scientific areas
- Experience working with transcriptomics, proteomics, metabolomics, single-cell datasets or bioinformatics analyses
- Proficiency with data analysis tools such as R, Python, Prism, or similar software
The salary range for this role is: $82,000-$92,000
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.
Required Skills:
Biochemistry, Biological Manufacturing, Biologics, Cell Biology, Cell Culture Techniques, Data Analysis, Drug Development, Mammalian Cell Culture, Programming Languages, Systems Biology
Preferred Skills:
Bioreactor Operation, Enzyme Assays
Current Employees apply HERE
Current Contingent Workers apply HERE
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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:
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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.
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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
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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:
Yes
Travel Requirements:
10%
Flexible Work Arrangements:
Not Applicable
Shift:
Not Indicated
Valid Driving License:
No
Hazardous Material(s):
N/A
Job Posting End Date:
11/11/2026*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: R423913
See All 38 Research Associate Jobs in New Jersey
Find roles in New Jersey that match your experience and apply in just a few clicks.
Find Research Associate JobsResearch Associate Jobs by City in New Jersey
Where New Jersey roles are concentrated, by current openings.
Research Associate Job Market in New Jersey
A snapshot from current New Jersey openings, updated as new roles post.
Who's Hiring
- Rutgers University14

- IQVIA8

- Merck2

- Genesis Global2

- PGIM1

Top Industries Hiring
- Education
- Biotechnology & Pharmaceuticals
- Insurance
- Consulting & Professional Services
What New Jersey Employers Look For
The qualifications that appear most often in research associate jobs across New Jersey.
- Bachelor's degree in life sciences, chemistry, biology, or a closely related field
- Hands-on laboratory experience with standard techniques such as PCR, cell culture, or chromatography
- Familiarity with GLP or GMP compliance standards as required in regulated New Jersey laboratory environments
- Proficiency with data analysis software such as GraphPad Prism, SAS, or equivalent platforms
- Strong written communication skills for preparing research reports, protocols, and regulatory documents
- Ability to collaborate across cross-functional teams in fast-paced pharmaceutical or academic research settings
Research Associate Jobs in New Jersey: Frequently Asked Questions
How do you become a research associate in New Jersey?
Most research associate positions in New Jersey require at minimum a bachelor's degree in a relevant science discipline such as biology, chemistry, biochemistry, or a related field. There is no state-issued license specific to the research associate title in New Jersey, but roles in clinical research often require or prefer Certified Clinical Research Associate credentials through organizations like ACRP or SOCRA. Many New Jersey employers in pharma and biotech treat internship or co-op experience at a New Jersey institution as a strong differentiator.
Which companies hire research associates in New Jersey?
Employers hiring research associates in New Jersey right now include Rutgers University, IQVIA, and Merck, based on current listings on Migrate Mate as of November 2026. New Jersey's dense concentration of pharmaceutical and biotech headquarters along the Route 1 corridor means that large, well-established life sciences firms account for a significant share of the open positions across the state.
Which New Jersey cities have the most research associate jobs?
The cities with the most research associate openings in New Jersey are Piscataway, Newark, and Parsippany-Troy Hills. This distribution reflects New Jersey's pharmaceutical and academic research clusters, where major corporate campuses and research universities create sustained demand, and suburban corridors like those in Middlesex and Somerset counties consistently draw openings from nearby headquarters and contract research organizations.
Are there remote research associate jobs in New Jersey?
Yes, but they're relatively limited. About 42% of research associate openings tied to New Jersey are remote or hybrid as of November 2026, reflecting the hands-on laboratory nature of most roles in the state. The sub-roles most likely to offer remote flexibility are clinical data coordination, regulatory affairs support, and literature review or scientific writing positions that do not require physical lab access.
How can I get hired as a research associate in New Jersey with little or no experience?
The most realistic entry path is applying to co-op or internship programs run by New Jersey's large pharmaceutical employers, such as the rotational science programs offered by companies headquartered along the Route 1 corridor, which regularly convert to full-time offers. New graduates can also target contract research organization roles or lab technician and research assistant positions at Rutgers University or Rowan University as stepping-stone roles. Earning a Certified Clinical Research Associate credential while in school gives candidates without direct industry experience a measurable edge.
Where can I find and apply to research associate jobs in New Jersey?
You can find and apply to research associate jobs in New Jersey on Migrate Mate, which lists current openings across the state's pharmaceutical, biotech, and academic sectors. Migrate Mate surfaces roles from New Jersey employers so you can see what is available right now without sifting through outdated postings. Find roles that fit your background and apply directly.
See All 38 Research Associate Jobs in New Jersey
Find roles in New Jersey that match your experience and apply in just a few clicks.
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