Merck Job Cuts Continue with 54 Positions Cut at New Jersey Headquarters

Pharmaceutical giant Merck & Co. has announced another round of job cuts at its global headquarters in Rahway, New Jersey, eliminating 54 positions as part of its multiyear cost-cutting initiative.

The latest workforce reduction will occur in two separate phases, scheduled for December 11, 2026, and January 4, 2027. This follows a previous summer reduction affecting 88 employees at the same facility that took effect on September 4.

The staff cuts form part of Merck’s broader corporate strategy to achieve USD 3 billion in annual cost savings by 2027. The sweeping optimisation program aims to prune spending in lower-growth areas and redirect capital toward newer product launches and pipeline development.