R&D Sr Associate, Germ Protection Virology (Montvale, NJ, US, 07645)

R&D Sr Associate, Germ Protection Virology (Montvale, NJ, US, 07645)

We are Reckitt

Home to the world's best loved and trusted hygiene, health, and nutrition brands. Our purpose defines why we exist: to protect, heal and nurture in the relentless pursuit of a cleaner, healthier world. We are a global team united by this purpose.Join us in our fight to make access to the highest quality hygiene, wellness, and nourishment a right and not a privilege.

​Research & Development​

In Research and Development, we're full of highly skilled talents that include Scientists, Engineers, Medical, Clinical and Regulatory professionals - all working to create a cleaner, healthier world. With nine Centres of Excellence, we continually seek out new opportunities by using science, our entrepreneurial flare and our fearless innovation to develop and enhance our existing portfolio, never compromising on quality or performance.

We do the right thing, always, by ensuring we act with responsibility and integrity, by complying with regulatory legislation across the globe, whilst ensuring our products are safe for our consumers and are to the highest quality.

The size of our organisation means you'll have the opportunity to learn and work in different functions within R&D, giving you exposure to different disciplines, teams and environments. You will also have access to our Research and Development Academy, designed to develop our team and allow you to grow in our great organisation.

About the role

This Senior Associate will serve as a key scientific contributor within the Germ Protection Microbiology & Analytical team, supporting both our innovation pipeline and ongoing pathogen preparedness efforts. The role is structured as a 50/50 mix of hands‑on virology laboratory work and high‑impact scientific/intellectual contributions.
You will work closely with senior scientific leaders to expand our virus capabilities, design robust research programs, strengthen academic connections, and translate virology insights into claims and product innovation. This position will also play a critical role in ensuring continuity of expertise within the team during a planned transition period.

Your responsibilities

• Lead laboratory experimentation including propagation of enveloped and non‑enveloped viruses, assay optimization, viral stock management, and method development.
• Develop and execute virology detection methodologies (culture‑based and non‑culture‑based).
• Support antiviral efficacy testing, data interpretation, and methodology refinement for innovation programs.
• Design study protocols and field research approaches aligned with emerging pathogen trends and scientific needs.
• Strengthen academic and external scientific relationships, including engagement with KOLs and support for publications.
• Translate scientific findings into clear recommendations for claims development and cross‑functional partners (e.g., marketing, regulatory).
• Monitor global pathogen circulation and public health trends to inform research direction.
• Analyze complex datasets using strong statistical reasoning and problem‑solving skills.

The experience we're looking for

• PhD in Virology, Infectious Diseases, Microbiology, or a related field
  (A Master’s with a strong publication record may be considered.)
• Demonstrated hands‑on experience with virus propagation, assay optimization, and cell culture.
• Experience with surrogate virus systems and their propagation techniques.
• Background in virus inactivation mechanisms, non‑culture detection methods, or related specialization.
• Experience evaluating antiviral formulations and interpreting associated efficacy data.
• Familiarity with global virucidal claim support requirements (US/EU/Global).
• Understanding of emerging pathogen behavior and public health relevance (not a data‑science‑focused role).

The skills for success

Scientific rigor, academic connectivity, publication readiness, critical thinking, adaptability, cross‑functional collaboration, claims translation, problem solving, analytical reasoning, statistical interpretation, laboratory excellence, external partnership building, communication skills, scientific writing, innovation mindset, ability to navigate emerging pathogens, public‑health awareness, project ownership, ability to manage shifting priorities, curiosity, stakeholder engagement, business partnering, ability to influence without authority, continuous improvement mindset, strategic thinking, and strong documentation disciplin

What we offer

With inclusion at the heart of everything we do, working alongside our four global Employee Resource Groups, we support our people at every step of their career journey, helping them to succeed in their own individual way.We invest in the wellbeing of our people through parental benefits, an Employee Assistance Program to promote mental health, and life insurance for all employees globally. We have a range of other benefits in line with the local market. Through our global share plans we offer the opportunity to save and share in Reckitt's potential future successes. For eligible roles, we also offer short-term incentives to recognise, appreciate and reward your work for delivering outstanding results. You will be rewarded in line with Reckitt's pay for performance philosophy.

US salary ranges

USD $121,000.00 - $181,000.00

US pay transparency

The base salary range for this role will vary based on experience in job and industry, training and education, skills relevant to the position, and other factors permitted by law. In addition to the base salary, the position is eligible for an annual discretionary bonus, which is subject to change each year.Reckitt offers eligible employees competitive benefits including medical, prescription, dental, vision, and life and disability insurance; paid time off for vacation, sick and Company recognized holidays; a 401(k) plan; 16-week paid parental leave or 26 weeks for the birthing parent; adoption and fertility support; tuition reimbursement; discounts; and much more. Our compensation and benefits packages aim to give our talent the reward, protection, and peace of mind they deserve.If reasonable accommodation is needed to complete your application, please contact [email protected]. Reckitt is committed to the full inclusion of all qualified individuals.

Equality

We recognise that in real life, great people don't always 'tick all the boxes'. That's why we hire for potential as well as experience. Even if you don't meet every point on the job description, if this role and our company feels like a good fit for you, we still want to hear from you.All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to age, disability or medical condition; colour, ethnicity, race, citizenship, and national origin; religion, faith; pregnancy, family status and caring responsibilities; sexual orientation; sex, gender identity, gender expression, and transgender identity; protected veteran status; size or any other basis protected by appropriate law.