Senior Scientist, Microbiology

Job Description Summary

Job Description

We are the makers of possible

BD is one of the largest global medical technology companies in the world. Advancing the world of health™ is our Purpose, and it's no small feat. It takes the imagination and passion of all of us-from design and engineering to the manufacturing and marketing of our billions of MedTech products per year-to look at the impossible and find transformative solutions that turn dreams into possibilities.

We believe that the human element, across our global teams, is what allows us to continually evolve. Join us and discover an environment in which you'll be supported to learn, grow and become your best self. Become a maker of possible with us.

The R&D team is seeking an exceptionally talented and passionate individual to help us identify and implement innovative solutions to address current and future health care needs. Within BD Medication Delivery Solutions (MDS) Research & Development, the Senior Scientist, Microbiology. will be part of the Materials Science team in Franklin Lakes NJ, reporting to the Associate Director, Materials Science. Our R&D Engineers and Scientists are responsible for developing and implementing new product materials and designs, product improvements, and critical component changes for disposable and durable medical devices.

The preferred candidate will have strong technical skills, excellent written and oral skills, and leadership abilities. This candidate should possess a strong capability to interpret and ensure compliance with all local, state, federal and BD safety regulations, quality policies, best practices, and procedures through appropriate communication.

The Senior Scientist, Microbiology, plays a critical role in ensuring the microbiological integrity of products and processes throughout the development lifecycle. This position provides technical leadership in microbiology-related risk assessments, method development, and validation activities, supporting compliance with global regulatory requirements and internal quality standards. The role requires strong collaboration with cross-functional teams, including Platform Product R&D, Regulatory Affairs, and Manufacturing, to deliver safe, effective, and innovative medical devices.

Key Responsibilities:

• Microbiological Risk Management:
  • Lead microbiological risk assessments for new product development and sustaining projects.
  • Define and implement contamination control strategies aligned with ISO 11737, ISO 11135, and related standards.
  • Develop solutions to both unique and routine technical problems related to the assigned projects.
• Method Development & Validation:
  • Provide technical leadership for key aspects of development projects requiring the design and performing of microbiology experiments in the laboratory that includes culture of pathogenic bacteria and fungi, and handling of blood and blood products.
  • Develop and validate microbiological test methods (bioburden, sterility, endotoxin, environmental monitoring).
  • Ensure robustness and compliance of methods with USP, EP, and ISO requirements.
• Sterilization & Cleanliness Support:
  • Partner with sterilization engineers to establish and maintain validated sterilization processes.
  • Support packaging integrity and EO residual testing strategies.
• Regulatory & Quality Compliance:
  • Author and review microbiology-related sections of regulatory submissions (510(k), CE marking, etc.).
  • Ensure adherence to GMP, ISO 13485, and FDA QSR requirements.
• Cross-Functional Collaboration:
  • Provides experimental data and technical input to other scientists within R&D and provides support to other functional groups in pursuit of project objectives.
  • Serve as the microbiology SME in design reviews, hazard analyses, and CAPA investigations.
  • Provide guidance to project teams on microbiological considerations impacting design and manufacturing.
• Continuous Improvement:
  • Identify opportunities to optimize microbiological testing efficiency and reliability.
  • Mentor junior associates and contribute to knowledge-sharing initiatives.

Qualifications:

• Minimum bachelor's degree in microbiology or related field required, advanced degree preferred
• Minimum 4 years of experience in microbiology within medical devices, pharmaceuticals, or related regulated industry.
• Proven expertise in sterilization validation, bioburden control, and microbiological method development.
• Research experience in microbiology, biochemistry or a related field that includes culturing and manipulation of microorganisms.
• Experience in laboratory techniques in microbiology with demonstrated skills in adapting procedures to meet specific objectives and solve problems.
• Strong knowledge of ISO 11737, ISO 11135, USP , , and related standards.
• Understand and follow biosafety practices and use aseptic technique when working in microbiology labs.
• Comprehensive knowledge of the medical device product development process under a quality management system in a regulated environment (ISO 13485, FDA cGMP/cGLP, etc)
• Excellent analytical, problem-solving, and technical writing skills.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment.
• Effective communicator and collaborator across functions and levels.

At BD, we prioritize on-site collaboration because we believe it fosters creativity, innovation, and effective problem-solving, which are essential in the fast-paced healthcare industry. For most roles, we require a minimum of 4 days of in-office presence per week to maintain our culture of excellence and ensure smooth operations, while also recognizing the importance of flexibility and work-life balance. Remote or field-based positions will have different workplace arrangements which will be indicated in the job posting.

For certain roles at BD, employment is contingent upon the Company's receipt of sufficient proof that you are fully vaccinated against COVID-19. In some locations, testing for COVID-19 may be available and/or required. Consistent with BD's Workplace Accommodations Policy, requests for accommodation will be considered pursuant to applicable law.

At BD, we are committed to supporting our associates' well-being, development, and success through a performance-based culture. For this position, BD offers a competitive compensation package along with the following benefits specific to this role:

• Annual Bonus

Health and Well-being Benefits

• Medical coverage

• Health Savings Accounts

• Flexible Spending Accounts

• Dental coverage

• Vision coverage

• Hospital Care Insurance

• Critical Illness Insurance

• Accidental Injury Insurance

• Life and AD&D insurance

• Short-term disability coverage

• Long-term disability insurance

• Long-term care with life insurance

Other Well-being Resources

• Anxiety management program

• Wellness incentives

• Sleep improvement program

• Diabetes management program

• Virtual physical therapy

• Emotional/mental health support programs

• Weight management programs

• Gastrointestinal health program

• Substance use management program

• Musculoskeletal surgery, cancer treatment, and bariatric surgery benefit

Retirement and Financial Well-being

• BD 401(k) Plan

• BD Deferred Compensation and Restoration Plan

• 529 College Savings Plan

• Financial counseling

• Baxter Credit Union (BCU)

• Daily Pay

• College financial aid and application guidance

Life Balance Programs

• Paid time off (PTO), including all required State leaves

• Educational assistance/tuition reimbursement

• MetLife Legal Plan

• Group auto and home insurance

• Pet insurance

• Commuter benefits

• Discounts on products and services

• Academic Achievement Scholarship

• Service Recognition Awards

• Employer matching donation

• Workplace accommodations

Other Life Balance Programs

• Adoption assistance

• Backup day care and eldercare

• Support for neurodivergent adults, children, and caregivers

• Caregiving assistance for elderly and special needs individuals

• Employee Assistance Program (EAP)

• Paid Parental Leave

• Support for fertility, birthing, postpartum, and age-related hormonal changes

Leave Programs

• Bereavement leaves

• Military leave

• Personal leave

• Family and Medical Leave (FML)

• Jury and Witness Duty Leave

Why Join Us?

A career at BD means being part of a team that values your opinions and contributions and that encourages you to bring your authentic self to work. It's also a place where we help each other be great, we do what's right, we hold each other accountable, and learn and improve every day.

To find purpose in the possibilities, we need people who can see the bigger picture, who understand the human story that underpins everything we do. We welcome people with the imagination and drive to help us reinvent the future of health. At BD, you'll discover a culture in which you can learn, grow, and thrive. And find satisfaction in doing your part to make the world a better place.

To learn more about BD visit

Becton, Dickinson, and Company is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We evaluate applicants without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, creed, national origin, ancestry, citizenship status, marital or domestic or civil union status, familial status, affectional or sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, genetics, disability, military eligibility or veteran status, and other legally-protected characteristics.

Required Skills

Optional Skills

Primary Work Location
USA NJ - Franklin Lakes

Additional Locations

Work Shift

At BD, we are strongly committed to investing in our associates-their well-being and development, and in providing rewards and recognition opportunities that promote a performance-based culture. We demonstrate this commitment by offering a valuable, competitive package of compensation and benefits programs which you can learn more about on our Careers Site under Our Commitment to You.

Salary or hourly rate ranges have been implemented to reward associates fairly and competitively, as well as to support recognition of associates' progress, ranging from entry level to experts in their field, and talent mobility. There are many factors, such as location, that contribute to the range displayed. The salary or hourly rate offered to a successful candidate is based on experience, education, skills, and any step rate pay system of the actual work location, as applicable to the role or position. Salary or hourly pay ranges may vary for Field-based and Remote roles.

Salary Range Information
$106,600.00 - $175,900.00 USD Annual