Associate 2, MS&T

ProKidney; Winston-Salem (NC); On-site; USD 60,000 - 80,000; Full time

Job summary

Merck & Co. is seeking an MSAT Research Associate II in Winston-Salem, NC to perform laboratory and manufacturing support activities for cell therapy. This role involves executing laboratory experiments, process monitoring, and maintaining GMP documentation while ensuring product quality.

Qualified candidates should possess an Associate degree with relevant experience or a Bachelor's degree in a related field. Previous laboratory operations and cell culture experience are essential. Candidates are expected to collaborate effectively and contribute to team culture focused on accuracy.

Qualifications

• 4-6 years of experience in relevant fields with an Associate degree or 2-4 years with a Bachelor's.
• Experience in biologics manufacturing, process development, or technical operations.
• Working knowledge of laboratory and cell-processing techniques.

Responsibilities

• Execute standard MSAT experiments and process-support studies.
• Collect and summarize process data including cell count and viability.
• Support process monitoring and GMP documentation.

Skills

Laboratory operations

Cell culture

Collaboration

Data analysis

Education

Associate degree or Bachelor's in Biology, Biochemistry, Bioengineering, Chemical Engineering, Biotechnology

Job description

Position Summary

The MSAT Research Associate II performs standard laboratory and manufacturing‑support activities with increasing independence. The role supports routine process monitoring, technical data collection, experimental execution, and documentation for cell therapy manufacturing processes while developing broader understanding of process performance, product quality, and control requirements. This role supports a GMP cell therapy manufacturing environment and requires work in laboratories, manufacturing areas, cleanrooms, or office settings. The role may involve occasional weekend, evening, or on‑call support depending on manufacturing campaign needs, patient scheduling, and product lifecycle priorities.

Essential Duties & Responsibilities

• Standard Technical Execution
• Execute standard MSAT experiments and process‑support studies using approved procedures.
• Support cell therapy process steps including cell culture, expansion, harvest, wash/concentration, formulation, cryopreservation, and thaw assessment.
• Collect and summarize process data including cell count, viability, growth kinetics, yield, recovery, and in‑process control results.
• Process Monitoring and Quality‑System Support
  • Support routine process monitoring and continued process verification activities.
  • Assist with deviation investigations, CAPAs, change controls, and batch record reviews.
  • Maintain accurate GMP and technical documentation.
  • Support chain of identity, chain of custody, contamination control, aseptic processing, and data integrity requirements.
• Escalation and Cross‑Functional Support
• Escalate abnormal trends, procedural issues, or unexpected results to senior technical staff.
• Contribute data and documentation that support technical assessments, product‑impact evaluations, and lifecycle‑management activities.

Qualifications

• Education/Training
  • Associate degree in Biology, Biochemistry, Bioengineering, Chemical Engineering, Biotechnology, or a related field with 4-6 years of relevant experience, OR a bachelor’s degree in one of these fields with 2-4 years of relevant experience. A bachelor’s degree is preferred.
• Experience
  • Experience in laboratory operations, cell culture, biologics manufacturing, process development, or technical operations.
• Knowledge
  • Working knowledge of standard laboratory and cell‑processing techniques.
  • Basic understanding of GMP, GDP, aseptic technique, and data integrity expectations.
• Skills
  • Ability to perform routine calculations, data summaries, and documentation review.
  • Collaborates effectively within MSAT, Manufacturing, and Quality teams.
  • Builds technical ownership of assigned tasks.
  • Contributes to a team culture focused on accuracy, compliance, and patient impact.
• Certifications/Licenses n/a

ProKidney is an equal employment opportunity employer and does not discriminate against any applicant because of race, creed, color, age, national origin, ancestry, religion, gender, sexual orientation, disability, genetic information, veteran status, military status, application for military service or any other class protected by state or federal law.

Applicants must be eligible to work in the United States without the need for work visa or residency sponsorship.