At Bristol Myers Squibb, our employees often ask, “Who are you working for?”—a question that fuels collaboration, accountability, and urgency in our work. Our purpose-driven culture inspires us to discover, develop, and deliver innovative medicines to prevail over serious diseases. We offer uniquely interesting and meaningful work, opportunities for growth, and a supportive environment that values inclusion, wellbeing, flexibility, and comprehensive benefits. This is work that transforms the lives of patients, and the careers of those who do it.
HOURLY UNION POSITION — This position is represented by the United Steelworkers (USW) Local #4-438
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Permanent Position – Bacteriologist – 21
Shift Hours: 7am to 3:30pm
Site: New Brunswick
Bldg: B115
Rate: $47.86/hr
Excluded
Classification Description: Bacteriologist (PD) – Level 21
The goal of pharmaceutical development within Product Development is to develop new drug candidates and the processes to manufacture them into commercial realities. This is achieved by designing and conducting a variety of experimental studies using the latest scientific methods and state of the art equipment and instrumentation. The development process is very dynamic with studies performed in both laboratory and process scale-up facilities. Scientific rigor, timeliness, and compliance with all GLP/GMP and federal/state/local regulations are a necessity.
In order for the development process to be successful, there must be excellent collaboration between the professional staff/scientists and union staff. Often, the professional staff/scientist will need to take a hands-on approach during the course of testing as necessary based on sound scientific judgement. Involvement of union staff in the various experimental studies and other processes is determined by the professional staff/scientists on a case-by-case basis because of the non-routine, dynamic nature of the development process.
Work assignments will be based on demonstrated technical competence of the individual technician and the demands of the process. Priorities will be set based on the needs of the PD business. Both written procedures and verbal instructions by a supervisor will be executed with strict attention to safety and quality. Accurate and timely execution and documentation of activities and results are a requirement. Strict adherence to cGLP/GMP, federal, state and local requirements is required. In order to achieve departmental and company goals, collaborative work with other employees (both professional and union) is a requirement. Evaluation of individual performance as compared to job function and BMS core behaviors will be evaluated throughout the year.
EDUCATION REQUIREMENTS:
Bachelors’ degree with a major in biology, or an allied science and coursework in microbiology from an accredited college or university. Must have a minimum of 1 year experience in pharmaceutical microbiology, especially in parenteral and/or aseptic operations. Proficiency in use of computer programs/systems is essential. Bacteriologists may attend internal or external training courses as approved by management in order to maintain their skills and knowledge to remain current with the advances in the field of microbiology.
Laboratory skills training will be implemented to ensure employees receive relevant training to facilitate the performance of their job responsibilities. Interactive training modules (i.e., On-The-Job Training) will be used for training on specific competencies. Competency check may be conducted after training specific to an area will be conducted to evaluate proficiency of the new skill (or module). If required proficiency is not obtained the interactive learning and testing will be repeated. Bacteriologists will be required to demonstrate competence after training as assessed by their management. In the event competence is not demonstrated, re-training will be provided. Required refresher training including laboratory safety and compliance must be kept up to date.
WORKING CONDITIONS
The position will require the employee to work with chemical, radiological and biological agents that may be hazardous to health if mishandled (including agents which may potentially affect the development of a fetus). Assignments will be executed in laboratories or manufacturing/technical areas. Employee will be required to follow all safety procedures and use personal protective clothing/equipment as provided by the company where specified. Disagreeable conditions including odors, heat, noise, etc. may be experienced. Some projects will require working in high containment areas using established handling procedures.
JOB FUNCTION
Performs microbiological testing to ensure that the proper standards of quality are maintained. Performs microbiological, bacterial endotoxin, total organic carbon and conductivity analyses of water system samples. Performs environmental monitoring and water sampling in support of the routine operations and manufacturing. Demonstrates the use of aseptic technique. May support professional staff/scientists in product testing as determined by management on a case-by-case basis. May participate in the analysis and development of new methods/technology in collaboration with the professional staff/scientists as determined by management on a case-by-case basis. Carries out analytical tests and inspections in connection with the investigation of product and environmental monitoring excursions. Evaluates results and submits documentation for approval. Performs routine maintenance and calibration procedures on laboratory instrumentation. Troubleshoots equipment and methods for investigational purposes. Performs laboratory support activities such as stock culture maintenance and laboratory inspections, as assigned.
Responsibilities include maintaining laboratory documentation, samples, and equipment under strict compliance with safety, GMP, federal, state and local regulations. Maintains laboratory notebook (paper or electronic), record/capture records raw data, calculates results and submit results to laboratory supervisor and/or computer database following Good Documentation Practices. May support data review as determined by management on a case by case basis. Responsible for reporting to supervisor any anomalies or irregularities that may occur during the performance of any and all assigned assays. May participate in the revision of SOP’s, training documentation and departmental forms to reflect current laboratory practices under the supervision of professional staff/scientists as determined by management on a case by case basis. Cross -trains to ensure full functionality on all laboratory equipment and methods. Trains other employees in the analytical techniques, SOP’s, GMP’s, administrative and safety procedures in the laboratory as required.
We hire for skills and capabilities, not just credentials – if this role excites you, but doesn’t perfectly match your resume, we encourage you to apply anyway.
Compensation Overview:
The pay range for this position at commencement of employment is expected to be $47.86 per hour. The Bacteriologist position will be covered by the collective bargaining agreement between Bristol Myers Squibb and the United Steel, Paper and Forestry, Rubber, Manufacturing, Energy, Allied Industrial and Service Workers International Union (USW) and its Local 4-438.
For more on benefits, please visit https://careers.bms.com/life-at-bms/.
Benefit offerings are subject to the terms and conditions of the applicable plans then in effect and may include the following: Medical, pharmacy, dental and vision care. Wellbeing support such as the BMS Living Life Better program and employee assistance programs (EAP). Financial well-being resources and a 401(K). Financial protection benefits such as short- and long-term disability, life insurance, supplemental health insurance, business travel protection and survivor support.
How We Work
Where you work matters – because collaboration, innovation and patient impact happen in many settings. Our roles are structured across four work models: site-essential, site-by-design, field-based and remote-by-design. The model assigned to this role is based on its core responsibilities. Learn more at https://careers.bms.com/ways-of-working.
Supporting People with Disabilities
BMS is dedicated to ensuring that people with disabilities can excel through a transparent recruitment process, reasonable workplace accommodations/adjustments and ongoing support in their roles. Applicants can request a reasonable workplace accommodation/adjustment prior to accepting a job offer. If you require reasonable accommodations/adjustments in completing this application, or in any part of the recruitment process, direct your inquiries to [email protected]. Visit careers.bms.com/eeo-accessibility to access our complete Equal Employment Opportunity statement.
Candidate Rights
BMS will consider qualified applicants with arrest and conviction records, pursuant to applicable laws in your area.
For roles based in Los Angeles County only: If you live in or expect to work from Los Angeles County if hired for this position, please visit this page for important additional information: https://careers.bms.com/california-residents/
Data Protection
We will never request payments, financial information, or social security numbers during our application or recruitment process. Learn more about protecting yourself at https://careers.bms.com/fraud-protection.
Any data processed in connection with role applications will be treated in accordance with applicable data privacy policies and regulations.
If this posting is missing required information required by local law or incorrect, contact BMS at [email protected] with the Job Title and Requisition number. Do not send application-related inquiries to this email. To check your application status, please login to your Candidate Home Account.
R1606608 : BacteriologistSkills Required
- Bachelor’s degree in biology or an allied science from an accredited college or university
- Coursework in microbiology
- At least one year of experience in pharmaceutical microbiology
- Experience with parenteral and/or aseptic operations
- Proficiency using computer programs and systems
- Ability to comply with GLP/GMP and federal, state, and local regulations
- Ability to work with hazardous chemical, radiological, and biological agents while following safety procedures
Bristol Myers Squibb Compensation & Benefits Highlights
The following summarizes recurring compensation and benefits themes identified from responses generated by popular LLMs to common candidate questions about Bristol Myers Squibb and has not been reviewed or approved by Bristol Myers Squibb.
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Fair & Transparent Compensation — Pay is considered fair and competitive for the pharmaceutical sector, with many describing compensation as good or better than expected. Feedback suggests base pay combined with incentives contributes to overall satisfaction.
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Healthcare Strength — Health coverage is broad, combining medical, dental, vision, disability, and wellness programs, along with access to on‑site fitness. Feedback suggests employer contributions to health accounts and wellbeing incentives further strengthen perceived value.
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Retirement Support — Retirement savings are reinforced by a strong 401(k) match and additional plan options. This structure is commonly cited as a standout component of total rewards.
Bristol Myers Squibb Insights
What We Do
At Bristol Myers Squibb, we work every day to transform patients’ lives through science. That work inspires some of the most interesting, meaningful, and life-changing careers you’ll experience. Join us and pursue innovative ideas alongside some of the brightest minds in biopharma, collaborating with a team rich in diversity of experiences, and perspectives. We have built a sustainable pipeline of potential therapies and are leveraging translational medicine and data analytics to understand how we can deliver the right medicine to the right patient, at the right time, to achieve the best outcome. Whether in a scientific, business or supporting function, a career at BMS means you’ll be inspired every day to grow and thrive through opportunities that are uncommon in scale and scope. Here, you’ll be on the cutting edge of powerful innovation in oncology, hematology, immunology, cardiovascular disease, and fibrosis, with colleagues united in the mission to help patients. Through the Bristol Myers Squibb Foundation, we also promote health equity and seek to improve health outcomes of populations disproportionately affected by serious diseases and conditions. Our mission is to give new hope to help patients prevail over serious disease – it drives everything we do.








