Associate Scientist, Clinical Services (Onsite, Day Shift)

MSD UK; West Point (PA); On-site; USD 72,000 - 113,000; Full time

Job summary

MSD UK is seeking an Entry-Level Veterinary Associate for our West Point, PA location to join the Laboratory Animal Science Team. You will perform on-site, hands-on study tasks and some colony management under supervision, with weekend rotations to support ongoing projects.

The role requires an Associate degree (or 5 years of equivalent experience), animal handling/dosing experience, and a proactive, collaborative mindset.

Qualifications

• Associate degree or 5 years of equivalent experience required.
• Animal handling and dosing experience.
• Willingness to understand the R&D process.
• Independence and initiative in solving problems.
• Commitment to safety and regulatory standards.
• Ability and readiness to work weekends on rotation.
• Certifications (not required) – CVT, ASR, ALAT, LAT, LATg, CMAR.

Responsibilities

• Maintain accurate, timely, and well-organized digital records of research protocols, procedures, study data, inventories, and reports.
• Collaborate effectively as a team with PIs, scientific staff, veterinarians, technicians, IACUC members, facility managers, and animal care staff; work cross-functionally on in vivo projects.
• Carry out research and medical treatment regimens for research animals under Veterinarian guidance.
• Administer injectable and inhalation anesthetics under Veterinarian guidance.
• Maintain accurate records of animal treatments, procedures, inventories, protocols, and reports.
• Under supervision, recognize study hurdles and propose solutions.
• Manage study timelines and ensure data accuracy in corporate databases and project tools.
• Communicate study results and data interpretation to cross-functional teams.
• Comply with Animal Welfare Act and other regulatory requirements; promote inclusivity.
• Work well in a group setting and foster positive team dynamics.

Skills

Animal Biotechnology

Animal Handling

Animal Welfare

Clinical Reporting

Clinical Research

Conducting Experiments

Equipment Validations

Ethical Standards

Good Clinical Practice

Laboratory Documentation

RLATG

Regulatory Compliance

Safety Measures

Toxicity Testing

Lab Equipment Use

Education

Associate's degree or 5 years experience

Job description

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 be integral in executing research study tasks, as well as some routine veterinary and animal colony management tasks. On‑site and hands‑on study‑related lab work will be a crucial part of the role. The role also requires rotational weekend work and the ability to apply sound technical skills to assigned tasks, often with minimal supervision.

Our company 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. If you are interested in contributing to groundbreaking research within a team that prioritizes respect and collaboration, we would love to hear from you.

Responsibilities

• Maintain accurate, timely, and well‑organized digital records of research protocols, procedures, study data, inventories, 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.
• Carry out research and medical treatment regimens for research animals under the guidance of the Veterinarian.
• Administer injectable and inhalation anesthetic agents under the guidance of a veterinarian.
• Maintain accurate, timely, and well‑organized records of animal treatments, procedures, inventories, research protocols, and reports.
• 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 well in a group setting fostering a positive team dynamic.

Qualifications

• Associate's degree in a relevant field Or 5 years of equivalent experience.
• Animal handling and dosing experience.
• Some technical and scientific skills and a willingness to understand the R&D process.
• 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 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.
• Ability and readiness to work weekends on rotation.
• Certifications (not required) – e.g., CVT, ASR, ALAT, LAT, LATg, CMAR

Required Skills

• Animal Biotechnology
• Animal Handling
• Animal Welfare
• Clinical Reporting
• Clinical Research
• Conducting Experiments
• Equipment Validations
• Ethical Standards
• Good Clinical Practice (GCP)
• Laboratory Documentation
• Registered Laboratory Animal Technologist (RLATG)
• Regulatory Compliance
• Safety Measures
• Toxicity Testing
• Use of Laboratory Equipment

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.

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.

Benefits

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.

Employment Details

Employee Status: Regular

Relocation: No relocation

VISA Sponsorship: No

Travel Requirements: 10%

Flexible Work Arrangements: Not Applicable

Shift: 1st - Day

Valid Driving License: No

Hazardous Material(s): Hazardous Chemical, Radioactive materials

Job Posting

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.