Merck uses outreach efforts, partnerships to drive awareness of biopharmaceutical career opportunities

Merck, one of the premier leaders in research-intensive biopharmaceuticals, is recognized on a global scale for its development of medicine and vaccines, including vaccines for human papillomavirus (HPV), measles, mumps, and rubella (MMR), COVID-19 and Rotavirus A, all with ties to North Carolina.

The Durham campus, established in 2004, was instrumental in the production of Johnson and Johnson’s COVID-19 vaccine. The Wilson campus, recently expanded, fills and packages RotaTeq vaccines. The two campuses employ 1,500 people and continue to bring economic growth and life science advancements to the Triangle.

The company also uses its great reputation in the life sciences industry to create unique partnerships that raise awareness of career opportunities. One Merck initiative increases awareness of life sciences career paths especially for those from marginalized and underrepresented communities.

In 2021, Merck’s Durham office worked with the Durham Committee on the Affairs of Black People (DCABP) to promote careers in the biopharmaceutical field in the Triangle. Amanda Taylor, an associate vice president and site manager for Merck’s Durham site, said the partnership is invaluable.

“There is such a high demand for talent in the Raleigh-Durham area and we wanted to find unique and innovative ways to connect with prospective employees,” Taylor said. “By tapping into DCABP’s community connections and social media channels to publicize our efforts, we were able to organize community career fairs in September and November of 2021.”

Taylor reported more than 125 people attended the Merck tent at these events. In fact, several of the people who stopped at Merck’s tents to get information about potential opportunities became employed with the company, according to Taylor.

Last Fall, Merck’s Durham site collaborated with OneTen and other local companies to support a workshop focused on resume writing and perfecting interviewing skills.

Additionally, Taylor said Merck is partnering with Durham Public Schools on a career fair planned for spring 2023.

While working to create equity in career opportunities is a vital mission for Merck, the company also understands that there are critical needs now. Merck actively provides both financial and product donations to help promote health equity. Employees are encouraged to volunteer in the community, and the company often provides charitable grants to local nonprofits. That work, according to Taylor, is helping address immediate and critical health and social needs.

Taylor reported that in 2022, more than 1,500 volunteer hours were provided by Merck employees from the Durham site. While they are proud of the achievement, they hope to see the number double this year.

Also, Merck’s Durham office has 10 active Employee Business Resource Groups, which are voluntary efforts led by employees who “aim to foster a diverse, inclusive work environment through culturally-relevant insights,” Taylor said.

“At Merck Durham, we feel strongly that our success is based on the success of those around us,” Taylor said. “If our community is not successful, then we will not be successful. It’s our responsibility as members of the community to give back. We are here to help support and nourish all around us.”

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