Associate Methods Specialist

Job Description

Join Us in Shaping the Future of Animal Health

For over 130 years, we have pioneered groundbreaking science.  Today, we are driven by continuous innovation to develop breakthrough medicines, vaccines and technology. Rooted in direct experience on the farm and in the clinic, we work hand in hand with our customers every step of the way.

As a Methods Specialist, you will be part of a world-class team, contributing directly to the production and testing of veterinary products that improve animal health and welfare globally.  You will collaborate closely with Quality Control, Manufacturing Operations, Bioprocess Technology Solutions, Regulatory Affairs, Statistics, and Analytical Technology Solutions across US sites to align priorities, expectations and deliverables.  Our singular focus is to empower those who care for animals, helping them manage their vital responsibility with confidence.  Because when it comes to animal health, no one sees it like we do.

Role Responsibilities:

• Support complex data analysis and trending to identify non-robust or out-of-specification methods.  Conduct biomaterials assessments, inventory reviews, and document gap analyses to support remediation actions.

• Perform bench-level remediation across multiple test platforms, including live bacterial and virus titration/identification and ELISA for complex multivalent vaccines and in-process materials, working under guidance from senior team members.

• Author method remediation protocols, validation reports, and regulatory submissions for USDA review and approval with oversight from senior staff; update internal and regulatory procedures as required.

• Support post-remediation activities such as change control assessments and verification of sustained method performance.

• Participate in and, when appropriate, lead cross-functional teams for site-to-site analytical method transfer project work, coordinating tasks, timelines and deliverables with support from senior staff.

• Perform gap assessments of site capabilities – technical skills, instrumentation, and laboratory operations – and help implement remediation or training plans to enable successful transfers and ongoing performance.

• Provide hands-on training during method transfers (technical execution and instrumentation use) and oversee transfer documentation protocols, validation reports and supporting documents with support from senior staff.

• Support post-transfer monitoring and support to confirm method robustness and to resolve residual issues.

• Collaborate closely with Quality Control, Manufacturing Operations, Bioprocess Technology Solutions, Regulatory Affairs, Statistics and Analytical Technology Solutions across US sites to align priorities and expectations.

• Use internal project management systems to track progress, manage risks and report metrics with guidance from senior staff.

• Present technical updates, findings and recommend risk mitigations at team and regional meetings as needed.

Education Minimum Requirement:

• Bachelor’s Degree in Biology, Genetics, Immunology, Microbiology, Virology, or a related biological science.

Required Experience and Skills:

• 1-3 years hands-on bench experience with an emphasis on in vitro bioassay development, testing and troubleshooting.

• 1-3 years of experience in animal health environments (Quality Control, R&D and/or Technical Support), with familiarity with USDA regulations and requirements.

• Developing subject matter expertise in at least one bioassay platform (e.g. ELISA, virus titration, HA/HI).

• Developing skill sets in bioassay data analysis, trending and interpretation.

• Strong technical writing skills with ability to learn how to prepare protocols, reports and related laboratory documentation.

• Effective communicator with experience collaborating across functions.

Preferred Experience and Skills:

• Experience performing or troubleshooting analytical methods for complex animal health vaccines and in-process materials.

• Capability to learn how to design and develop methods to meet USDA regulatory expectations.

• Practical knowledge of bioassay experimental design.

• Familiarity with analytical technologies such as imagers and liquid handlers.

• Experience presenting technical results to cross-functional stakeholders.

Required Skills:

Analytical Problem Solving, Analytical Problem Solving, Bioinformatics, Biology, Biomedical Sciences, Business Process Improvements, Change Management, Cost Efficiency, Data Trends, Document Management, Enzyme Linked Immunosorbent Assay (ELISA), Equipment Maintenance, Equipment Set Up, Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP), In Vitro Research, Laboratory Instrumentation, Laboratory Operations, Laboratory Techniques, Machinery Operation, Manufacturing Operations, Performance Monitoring, Process Analytics, Process Improvements, Process Optimization, Production Planning {+ 10 more}

Preferred Skills:

Current Employees apply HERE

Current Contingent Workers apply HERE

US and Puerto Rico Residents Only:

Our company is committed to inclusion, ensuring that candidates can engage in a hiring process that exhibits their true capabilities. Please click here if you need an accommodation during the application or hiring process.

As an Equal Employment Opportunity Employer, we provide equal opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibit discrimination on the basis of race, color, age, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, protected veteran status, disability status, or other applicable legally protected characteristics.  As a federal contractor, we comply with all affirmative action requirements for protected veterans and individuals with disabilities.  For more information about personal rights under the U.S. Equal Opportunity Employment laws, visit:

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We are proud to be a company that embraces the value of bringing together, talented, and committed people with diverse experiences, perspectives, skills and backgrounds. The fastest way to breakthrough innovation is when people with diverse ideas, broad experiences, backgrounds, and skills come together in an inclusive environment. We encourage our colleagues to respectfully challenge one another’s thinking and approach problems collectively.

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The salary range for this role is

$71,900.00 - $113,200.00

This is the lowest to highest salary we in good faith believe we would pay for this role at the time of this posting. An employee’s position within the salary range will be based on several factors including, but not limited to relevant education, qualifications, certifications, experience, skills, geographic location, government requirements, and business or organizational needs.

The successful candidate will be eligible for annual bonus and long-term incentive, if applicable.

We offer a comprehensive package of benefits.  Available benefits include medical, dental, vision healthcare and other insurance benefits (for employee and family), retirement benefits, including 401(k), paid holidays, vacation, and compassionate and sick days. More information about benefits is available at https://jobs.merck.com/us/en/compensation-and-benefits.

You can apply for this role through https://jobs.merck.com/us/en (or via the Workday Jobs Hub if you are a current employee). The application deadline for this position is stated on this posting.

San Francisco Residents Only: We will consider qualified applicants with arrest and conviction records for employment in compliance with the San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance

Los Angeles Residents Only: We will consider for employment all qualified applicants, including those with criminal histories, in a manner consistent with the requirements of applicable state and local laws, including the City of Los Angeles’ Fair Chance Initiative for Hiring Ordinance

Search Firm Representatives Please Read Carefully 
Merck & Co., Inc., Rahway, NJ, USA, also known as Merck Sharp & Dohme LLC, Rahway, NJ, USA, does not accept unsolicited assistance from search firms for employment opportunities. All CVs / resumes submitted by search firms to any employee at our company without a valid written search agreement in place for this position will be deemed the sole property of our company.  No fee will be paid in the event a candidate is hired by our company as a result of an agency referral where no pre-existing agreement is in place. Where agency agreements are in place, introductions are position specific. Please, no phone calls or emails. 

Employee Status:

Regular

Relocation:

No relocation

VISA Sponsorship:

No

Travel Requirements:

10%

Flexible Work Arrangements:

Hybrid

Shift:

1st - Day

Valid Driving License:

No

Hazardous Material(s):

n/a

Job Posting End Date:

09/1/2026

*A job posting is effective until 11:59:59PM on the day BEFORE the listed job posting end date. Please ensure you apply to a job posting no later than the day BEFORE the job posting end date.