The company is not the same since the Schering/Merck merger; they are working hard to hold on to legacy reputations. - Associate Principal Scientist Merck Employee Review

3.0
Aug 18, 2014
Recommend
CEO approval
Business Outlook

Pros

I was fortunate to have my MS degree sponsored by the department. I believe this will help me advance in my career. I worked at Merck for 15+ years the compensation was good, however benefits have eroded. They still have a pension plan and 401K.

Cons

Today at Merck, I do not believe they want to retain employees long term. They do treat you well while you are there, however, it seems you are rewarded if you jump jobs every 2-3 years. This presents a problem when working on product development that may take 3,5, or 10 years. With people constantly changing positions and leaving the company there are few people who have the full institutional knowledge.

Explore other reviews about Merck

5.0
Jul 12, 2026
Recommend
CEO approval
Business Outlook

Pros

Work Life Balance, Benefits, Remote Work

Cons

Easy to stagnate if not being proactive about building skills and networking

4.0
Jun 30, 2026
Recommend
CEO approval
Business Outlook

Pros

Great benefits like medical/dentist/vision, pension, stock option, 401k match. Co workers are excellent, pretty good on site symposiums, lot of diversity clubs/activities. Innovation is extremely welcomed. Diversity in research portfolio. AI/ML is heavily invested to make databases more efficient.

Cons

Micro managing, especially within the biologics department, potentially others. Promotions are limited, and pay bump is poor. Company invests too much in buying companies rather than keeping talent - lay offs let go of great talented people. Merck is afraid of investing into exploratory biology and doesn’t take risk - they even admit they would rather see other companies clinical data or R&D data rather than taking a risk. Although it’s slow going in building new software, current databases are slow and needs much improvement. Extremely poor work/life balance.

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