Associate Methods Specialist

MSD Malaysia; Northern (KY); On-site; USD 72,000 - 113,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Annual bonus

Long-term incentive

Comprehensive benefits

Job summary

Merck & Co., Inc. in Rahway, NJ, USA seeks a Methods Specialist to advance analytical method development and remediation for animal health vaccines.

You will work with cross-functional teams across US sites to ensure method robustness and regulatory compliance. Responsibilities include data analysis, bench testing, documentation, and transfer of methods, with opportunities to lead cross-site projects and contribute to USDA regulatory submissions.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in a biological science.
• 1-3 years bench experience in bioassay development and testing.
• Experience in animal health environments and familiarity with USDA regulations.

Responsibilities

• Perform bench-level remediation across test platforms including ELISA and virus titration.
• Author remediation protocols, validation reports and regulatory submissions for USDA.
• Lead cross-functional teams for site-to-site analytical method transfer projects.

Skills

Analytical Problem Solving

Bioinformatics

Biology

GMP

Data Trends

Document Management

ELISA

Lab Operations

Laboratory Instrumentation

Process Analytics

Education

Bachelor's Degree in Biology, Genetics, Immunology, Microbiology, Virology or related

Tools

ELISA

Virus Titration

HA/HI

Imagers

Liquid Handlers

Validation Reports

Regulatory Submissions

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}

USA 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. 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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

The difference between potential and achievement lies in the spark that fuels innovation and inventiveness; this is the space where we have codified our legacy for over a century. Our success is backed by ethical integrity, forward momentum, and an inspiring mission to achieve new milestones in global healthcare.