Job Description
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.
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.
The Associate Scientist will be part of a highly collaborative team working towards obtaining new swine vaccine licenses. The candidate will work semi-independently as a member of a project team to support development and evaluation of prototype bacterial /viral strains and vaccine platforms. The primary role of this candidate is to perform laboratory activities following established procedures, technologies and methodologies and to assist in development of new assays. The Associate Scientist will assist in the conduct of animal trials involving swine and laboratory animals, and must have the ability to evaluate, summarize and troubleshoot study findings. The candidate will organize and execute one or more general tasks within the department.
Technical – Applies established procedures, technologies and methodologies to complete assignments. Detects deviations, investigates causes and suggests improvements. Supports (sub) projects by performing the development, improvement and/or transfer of new or existing products, production processes or laboratory methods and techniques upon assignment by the supervisor. Organizes, conducts and reports in draft form routine animal experiments. Act as study investigator / supervisor or responsible scientist in routine studies. Laboratory work involves standard bacterial and viral titrations, mammalian cell culture maintenance, bacterial fermentations, programming and operation of lyophilizers and bioreactors, microbiology culture techniques, preparation of media, sterilization techniques, conducting growth kinetics studies, assist in developing/optimizing/validating new assays, preparing and testing study samples, formulating vaccines, and accurate documentation of all laboratory work and results.
(Inter) departmental – Fulfills general tasks within the organization related to safety, compliance, and laboratory maintenance. Interacts closely with fellow scientists within own and other departments.
Supports training of Lab Technicians, trainees and new employees.
Required Education:
B.S. /B.A. degree in Biology, Virology, Bacteriology, Microbiology, Immunology or a related field
Required Experience and Skills:
Ability to conduct research project activities under supervision
Plan project activities and meet timelines
General experience with laboratory techniques
Good communication (verbal and written) and organizational skills and
Computer skills including knowledge of Word, Power Point and Excel
Preferred Experience and Skills:
Experience with viral and bacterial titration assays
Experience working with large animals in vaccine development research or related field
Familiarity with USDA product licensure requirements
Experience using Electronic Lab Notebooks (ELN)
Required Skills:
Analytical Assays, Analytical Assays, Animal Science, Assay, Assay Development, Bacterial Culturing, Biochemistry, Biology, Biophysics, Cell Biology, Cell Culture Techniques, Data Analysis, Drug Discovery Research, Electronic Lab Notebook (ELN), Lab Maintenance, Laboratory Maintenance, Laboratory Management, Laboratory Operations, Laboratory Protocols, Laboratory Research, Laboratory Techniques, Microbiology, Molecular Biology, Pipetting, Scientific Research {+ 4 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:
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.
Learn more about your rights, including under California, Colorado and other US State Acts
The salary range for this role is
$71,900.00 - $113,200.00This 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:
RegularRelocation:
No relocationVISA Sponsorship:
NoTravel Requirements:
10%Flexible Work Arrangements:
Not ApplicableShift:
1st - DayValid Driving License:
NoHazardous Material(s):
N/AJob Posting End Date:
09/16/2026*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.
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