Associate Scientist, Clinical Services (Onsite)

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

Benefits offered by this job

Medical, dental, vision benefits

401(k) retirement plan

Paid holidays and vacation

Job summary

Merck is seeking an entry-level Veterinary Associate to join its Laboratory Animal Science Team at the West Point location. The role focuses on study support and veterinary care for research animals, with weekend coverage on a rotating schedule.

On-site, hands-on lab work, strong technical skills, and collaboration with researchers are essential. The position emphasizes animal welfare and compliance with applicable guidelines and regulations.

Qualifications

• Associate degree or 5 years of equivalent experience.
• Experience with animal handling and dosing.
• Certification as Veterinary Technician preferred but not required.
• Demonstrable passion for animal care and welfare.

Responsibilities

• Carry out study support procedures and medical regimens for research animals under supervision.
• Triage weekend emergencies and provide treatment per veterinary guidance.
• Assist in aseptic surgical procedures and postoperative care.
• Perform diagnostic radiography and routine clinical pathology procedures.
• Administer anesthetic agents under veterinarian supervision.
• Maintain accurate records of treatments, inventories, data, and reports.
• Collaborate with investigators, veterinarians, and care staff to support in vivo research.

Skills

Animal handling

Dosing experience

Veterinary Technician certification

Education

Associate's degree

Tools

Imaging equipment

Job description

Our company a global healthcare leader, is currently seeking an entry-level Veterinary Associate to join our collaborative, dynamic, and inclusive Laboratory Animal Science Team at the West Point location. The successful candidate will execute study support and veterinary care for large and small animals supporting various research programs.

This position requires weekend coverage with a Saturday through Wednesday schedule or a Wednesday through Sunday schedule. On-site and hands‑on study‑related lab work will be a crucial part of the role. The role also requires the ability to apply sound technical skills and animal health knowledge to assigned tasks, often with minimal supervision.

Our company's values collaboration, coordination, and communication. We aim to foster an atmosphere of mutual respect and provide a vibrant learning environment where new skills can be honed, and innovative solutions can be explored.

Responsibilities

• Carry out study support procedures and medical treatment regimens for research animals under the guidance of the veterinarian and research staff.
• Triage weekend emergencies and treat as needed per guidance from the veterinarian.
• Assist in or conduct aseptic surgical procedures, suturing, peri and postoperative care.
• Perform diagnostic radiography and specific imaging techniques and conduct routine clinical pathology procedures.
• Administer injectable and inhalation anesthetic agents under the guidance of a veterinarian.
• Maintain accurate, timely, and well‑organized records of animal treatments, procedures, inventories, study data, research protocols, and reports.
• Collaborate effectively as a team player with principal investigators, scientific staff, veterinarians, veterinary technicians, IACUC members, facility managers, and animal care technicians.
• Work cross‑functionally on ongoing in vivo discovery research and development projects.
• Excel in interdisciplinary environments and maintaining strong communication with colleagues from different fields.
• Under supervision, independently recognize study/project hurdles (operational, technical, and scientific) and propose solutions.
• Manage study timelines and objectives, ensure accuracy of study data within corporate databases and project tracking tools.
• Communicate study results and data interpretation to cross‑functional project teams.
• Comply with US and our company‑specific rules and regulations, e.g., Animal Welfare Act, The Guide, 3R principles, FDA and other regulatory bodies.
• Promote and uphold a culture of different and inclusion within the laboratory, actively contributing to an environment where all team members feel respected, included, and can perform at their best.
• Work independently and be proactive in seeking opportunities, while also contributing positively to team dynamics.

Qualifications

• Associate's degree in a relevant field OR 5 years of equivalent industry experience.
• Animal handling and dosing experience.
• Veterinary Technician certification preferred but not required.
• Demonstrable passion for animal care and welfare.
• Technical and scientific skills and a willingness to understand the R&D process.
• Experience with ocular research techniques and imaging equipment.
• Ability to independently recognize challenges (technical, scientific, or study‑related) and provide relevant input for solution/problem solving.
• Proactive, innovative, and solution‑oriented mindset.
• Excellent organizational, interpersonal, and communication skills.
• Demonstrable commitment to fostering a different, fair and inclusive working environment.
• Independence and initiative in seeking new opportunities as well as being a productive team member.
• Commitment to maintaining high safety and regulatory standards.
• Certifications (not required) – e.g., CVT, ASR, ALAT, LAT, LATg, CMAR #MSJR #eligibleforERP.

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.

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.

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

• 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.

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.

Employee Status: Regular.

Relocation: No relocation.

VISA Sponsorship: No.

Travel Requirements: 10%.

Flexible Work Arrangements: Not Applicable.

Shift: Not Indicated.

Valid Driving License: No.

Hazardous Material(s): Hazardous Chemical, Radio active materials.

Job Posting End Date: 08/25/2026.

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.

Our company is a global health care leader with a diversified portfolio of prescription medicines, vaccines and animal health products. 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.