Associate Scientist, Biology-Discovery

Merck & Co.; Elkhorn Precinct (NE); On-site; USD 72,000 - 113,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical insurance

Dental insurance

Vision benefits

401(k) retirement plan

Paid holidays & vacation

Sick days

Job summary

Merck & Co. is seeking an Associate Scientist to join the Upstream Process Development team, supporting the development of therapeutic monoclonal antibodies and other biologics.

The role emphasizes hands-on mammalian cell culture using CHO cells, data-driven optimization, and cross-functional collaboration to move candidates from discovery through development. The ideal candidate has a strong lab background, at least 1 year of experience, and a passion for bioprocess engineering and biologics

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Biotechnology, Biochemical Engineering, Bioengineering, Biology, Biochemistry, Chemical Engineering, Pharmaceutical Sciences, or a related scientific discipline.
• Minimum of 1 year of experience in a laboratory environment.
• Aseptic techniques and mammalian cell culture principles.
• Understanding of cell culture equipment design including shaking incubators.
• Strong documentation and data reporting abilities.

Responsibilities

• Conduct mammalian cell culture activities (thawing, expansion, maintenance, CHO cells).
• Execute upstream process development experiments for monoclonal antibody production.
• Monitor culture performance via viable cell density, viability, metabolites, and titer.
• Perform in-process and off-line analytical testing with lab instrumentation.
• Support bioreactor setup, operation, and maintenance across scales.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams for sample testing and data generation.
• Analyze data to identify trends and support process optimization.
• Maintain accurate electronic lab notebook documentation and prepare reports.

Skills

Mammalian cell culture

Aseptic techniques

Bioreactor operation

Data analysis

Documentation & ELN

Education

Bachelor's degree in Biotechnology, Biochemical Engineering, Bioengineering, Biology, Biochemistry, Chemical Engineering, Pharmaceutical Sciences, or related

Tools

Benchtop bioreactors

Excel

GraphPad Prism

ELN software

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.

We are seeking a highly motivated Associate Scientist to join our Upstream Process Development team supporting the development of therapeutic monoclonal antibodies and other biologic products. This is an excellent opportunity for an early-career scientist who is passionate about cell culture, bioprocess development, and biologics manufacturing. In this hands-on laboratory role, you will contribute to the development and optimization of mammalian cell culture processes using stable CHO cell lines for antibody production. You will work closely with cross-functional teams including Cell Line Development, Analytical Development, Formulation Development, and Downstream Process Development to advance innovative therapeutics from discovery through development. The ideal candidate is scientifically curious, eager to learn, detail-oriented, and enjoys working in a collaborative research environment. Training will be provided for selected instrumentation and platform technologies.

Key Responsibilities:

• Conduct mammalian cell culture activities including thawing, expansion, maintenance, and cultivation of CHO cell lines in shake flasks and bioreactors.
• Execute upstream process development experiments to support monoclonal antibody production.
• Monitor cell culture performance through routine sampling and analysis of key process parameters, including viable cell density, viability, metabolites, and product titer.
• Perform in-process and off-line analytical testing using cell counters, bioanalyzers, metabolite analyzers, and other laboratory instrumentation.
• Support bioreactor setup, operation, monitoring, troubleshooting, and maintenance across multiple scales.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams to support sample testing, data generation, and process development activities.
• Analyze and interpret experimental data to identify trends and support process optimization.
• Maintain accurate and timely documentation in electronic laboratory notebooks and prepare technical reports and presentations.
• Ensure compliance with laboratory safety guidelines, standard operating procedures, and data integrity requirements.

Required Education:

• Bachelor's degree in Biotechnology, Biochemical Engineering, Bioengineering, Biology, Biochemistry, Chemical Engineering, Pharmaceutical Sciences, or a related scientific discipline.

Required Experience and Skills:

• Minimum of 1 year of experience working in a laboratory environment.
• Hands on experience with aseptic techniques and mammalian cell culture principles.
• Good understanding of the design principles of commonly used cell culture equipment including the shaking incubators.
• Strong attention to detail and ability to accurately document and organize experimental data.
• Basic data analysis and data visualization skills using software such as Excel, GraphPad Prism, or similar tools.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills.
• Ability to work independently while contributing effectively within multidisciplinary team environment.
• Demonstrated eagerness to learn new techniques and technologies.

Preferred Experience and Skills:

• Experience with CHO cell culture for recombinant protein or antibody production.
• Hands-on experience operating benchtop or pilot-scale bioreactors.
• Experience with cell counting, viability assessment, metabolite analysis, or protein titer measurement.
• Proficiency in laboratory software and data analysis tools relevant to upstream operations
• Industry experience in the CHO cell based upstream process development for biological therapeutics
• Knowledge and experience with different type of cell culture process for recombinant protein or monoclonal antibody production

Required Skills:

• Analytical Biochemistry
• Analytical Biochemistry
• Animal Science
• Antibody Production
• Assay Development
• Biochemistry
• Biological Engineering
• Biologics
• Biology
• Biophysics
• Bioprocess Engineering
• Bioreactors
• Biotechnology
• Cell Biology
• Cell Counting
• Cell Culture Techniques
• Culture Media
• Data Analysis
• Data Documentation
• Downstream Processing
• Electronic Lab Notebook (ELN)
• Independent Thinking
• Laboratory Management
• Laboratory Safety
• Laboratory Techniques {+ 7 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. 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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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

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.

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

Employee Status:

Regular

Relocation:

No relocation

VISA Sponsorship:

No

Travel Requirements:

No Travel Required

Flexible Work Arrangements:

Not Applicable

Shift:

1st - Day

Valid Driving License:

No

Hazardous Material(s):

N/A

Job Posting End Date:

09/18/2026

*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.

Requisition ID:

R416757