Associate Specialist, Engineering

Merck; Durham (NC); On-site; USD 72,000 - 113,000; Full time

Job summary

Merck’s Maurice R. Hilleman Center for Vaccine Manufacturing in Durham, NC seeks an Associate Specialist for the Process Support Lab.

The role focuses on lab-scale vaccine process development, technical transfer support, and post-commercial process enhancements across multiple pipeline programs. The candidate will work in a fast-paced environment, collaborating with cross-functional teams, conducting analytical assays, troubleshooting, and presenting findings to advance the Durham vaccine

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s Degree or higher in Engineering or Sciences with relevant academic experience.
• At least 1 year of relevant experience.
• Strong leadership, interpersonal and communication skills.

Responsibilities

• Provide hands-on support in lab-scale experiments: buffer/media prep, cell/tissue culture, particle isolation, or lyophilization.
• Execute bio-analytical assays for in-process and post-process samples (potency assays, moisture analysis, FTIR, UV/Vis).
• Perform particle isolation, microscope imaging, and particulate analysis to determine origin of particulates for investigations.
• Support design and execution of experiments for process characterization, tech transfer, and qualification studies.
• Execute studies for investigational/developmental projects for Durham vaccine products.
• Troubleshoot equipment and assays as needed.
• Support off-shift or weekend work if needed.
• Author experimental design proposals, technical reports and documents.
• Compile process data and use statistical tools for analysis and monitoring.
• Actively participate on cross-functional manufacturing teams to advance project goals.

Skills

Adaptability

Applied Mathematics

Biochemical Assays

Cell Cultures

Cell Physiology

Chemical Engineering Fundamentals

Chemical Plant Operations

Data Analysis

Interpersonal Communication

Mammalian Cell Culture

Process Optimization

Problem Solving

Teamwork

Education

Bachelor’s Degree or higher in Engineering or Sciences

Job description

Job Description

The Maurice R. Hilleman Center for Vaccine Manufacturing is located in Durham, NC. This state‑of‑the‑art facility established in 2004, manufactures our Company’s lifesaving vaccines in bulk and finished forms. Due to the importance of this facility in our Company’s Vaccine Manufacturing network, the facility has seen rapid growth in production volumes and new employees over the last several years, as well as future anticipated growth as part of the new product vaccine tech transfers to the facility.

Process Support Lab – Associate Specialist Responsibilities

The Process Support Lab at the Durham site is seeking an Associate Specialist with strong interpersonal, communication, and collaboration skills responsible for lab‑scale vaccine process development execution, technical transfer support, and post commercial process enhancements activities for multiple pipeline vaccine programs. The well‑qualified candidate must have analytical, problem‑solving, and communication skills. Furthermore, the candidate will be required to work in a fast‑paced environment. Off‑shift or weekend coverage may occasionally be required to support the technical team, based on project‑specific assignments and/or the vaccine production schedule.

Key Responsibilities May Include But Are Not Limited To

• Provide technical hands‑on support in execution of lab‑scale experiments in at least one of the following areas: buffer/media preparation, cell/tissue culture, particle isolation, or product lyophilization.
• Execute bio‑analytical assays for in‑process and post‑process samples (can include potency assays, metabolite analysis, moisture analysis, FTIR, SEM‑EDS, UV/Vis, etc)
• Perform particle isolation, microscope imaging, and particulate analysis using analytical equipment to determine origin of particulate submissions with quick turnaround to support manufacturing investigations at the site.
• Assist in design and execution of lab experiments to support process characterization, commercial technology transfer, and qualification studies associated with the development and implementation of bulk processes, systems and facilities related to pipeline vaccine bulk products.
• Execute experimental studies as needed for investigational, developmental, or continuous improvement projects for our Company’s existing Durham vaccine products (investigational and/or developmental studies).
• Troubleshoot equipment and assays as needed.
• Ability to support off‑shift or weekend work if needed.
• Author and present experimental design proposals, technical reports and documents.
• Compile process data and employ statistical tools for experimental analysis and process monitoring.
• Actively participate on cross‑functional manufacturing teams to advance project goals and deliverables related to vaccine processes.

Education Minimum Requirement

• Bachelor’s Degree or higher in Engineering or Sciences, with relevant academic experience with at least one (1) year of relevant experience.

Required Experience And Skills

• Strong leadership, interpersonal and communication skills (written and oral).

Preferred Experience And Skills

• Vaccine or biologics manufacturing within an aseptic, cGMP environment
• Hands‑on experience in large molecule manufacturing or bio‑analytical assays.
• Experience designing experiments and authoring technical documentation.
• Solves Technical Problems Independently
• Strong Attention to Detail
• Ability to foster collaborative work environment
• Demonstrated systematic problem‑solving skills

Required Skills

Adaptability, Adaptability, Applied Mathematics, Biochemical Assays, Cell Cultures, Cell Physiology, Chemical Engineering Fundamentals, Chemical Plant Operations, Data Analysis, Engineering Standards, Estimation and Planning, Fast‑Paced Environments, Field Failure Analysis, Interpersonal Communication, Job Descriptions, Mammalian Cell Culture, Manufacturing Scale‑Up, Oral Solid Dosage, Plan of Action and Milestones (POA&M), Primary Cell Culture, Problem Solving, Process Optimization, Professional Engineering, Site Supervision, Teamwork {+ 2 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.

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. 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. 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

1st - Day

Valid Driving License

No

Hazardous Material(s)

N/A

Job Posting End Date

09/24/2026. 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.