Associate Methods Specialist

Merck; De Soto (KS); Hybrid; USD 72,000 - 113,000; Full time

Job summary

Merck offers a role as a Methods Specialist contributing to the production and testing of veterinary vaccines and biologics. The position collaborates with Quality Control, Manufacturing Operations, and Regulatory Affairs across US sites to ensure method transfer, remediation, and sustained performance.

The candidate will engage in data analysis, method validation, and regulatory documentation while building expertise in bioassay platforms such as ELISA and virus titration.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in biology or related field.
• 1–3 years bench experience in in vitro bioassay development and testing.
• Experience in animal health environments with USDA familiarity.
• Strong scientific writing and cross-functional collaboration skills.

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.

Skills

ELISA

Bioassay

GMP

Laboratory Operations

Data Analysis

Documentation

Analytical Thinking

Communication

Education

Bachelor’s Degree in Biological Sciences

Tools

Imagers

Liquid Handlers

Job description

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}

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.

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.

Requirements

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: EEOC Know Your Rights EEOC GINA Supplement 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

Salary

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.

Benefits

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.

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.