Associate Specialist, Quality Control

CamWebDir; Millsboro (DE); On-site; USD 65,000 - 103,000; Full time

Job summary

Merck is seeking a detail‑oriented QA/Animal Testing role focused on GMP compliance and documentation within the Select Agent Program. You will support QC activities, maintain test records, and collaborate with ATS, BTS, QA and Production to ensure accuracy and safety.

The role requires strong written/verbal communication, problem solving, and the ability to manage multiple priorities in a regulated environment. On-site, with varied shifts and potential weekend work.

Qualifications

• Minimum: High School diploma with at least 3 years of relevant experience.
• Preferred: Associate’s degree with 2 years of relevant experience.
• Strong GMP knowledge and good documentation practices.
• Experience with select agent programs and regulatory requirements.

Responsibilities

• Maintain safe testing environment and comply with safety regulations.
• Assist on Select Agent program testing and annual inspections.
• Perform quality control animal testing and related documentation.
• Manage test schedules, sample distribution, and animal acquisition.
• Identify process improvements to enhance efficiency and accuracy.

Skills

Coordinate

Adaptability

Data Analysis

Communication

Problem Solving

Root Cause Analysis

Laboratory Instrumentation

Education

High School diploma with at least 3 years of relevant experience

Associate’s degree with 2 years of relevant experience

Tools

SAP

Reliance systems

Job description

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.

Primary Responsibilities (include but are not limited to):

• Consistently demonstrate safe work habits and maintain a safe testing environment by complying with all safety regulation and company policies.
• Assist QC Specialist to maintain Select Agent Program, participating in Annual Inspections
• Perform quality control animal testing, animal husbandry (including some weekend work) and facility maintenance within the Select Agent Program
• Maintain accurate and concurrent documentation, including test records, logbooks, training programs and equipment monitoring
• Act as Primary Investigator on Select Agent program testing protocol, conducting annual review and routine re-writes.
• Assist QC Specialist to maintain test schedules, sample distribution and animal acquisition to support animal-based testing
• Identify and implement process improvements to enhance efficiency and accuracy.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams including ATS, BTS, QA and Production.
• Communicate effectively with colleagues and stakeholders.
• Adapt quickly to shifting priorities and new challenges, maintaining a positive and proactive attitude.
• Trend animal use across Animal Testing facilities.

Education Requirement:

• Minimum: High School diploma with at least 3 years of relevant experience.
• Preferred: Associate’s degree with 2 years of relevant experience

Preferred:

• Ability to manage multiple priorities, scheduling and prioritizing tasks for efficiency.
• Familiarity with animal care or handling
• Strong understanding of GMP regulations and good documentation practices.
• Effective written and verbal communication skills.
• Strong problem solving and troubleshooting abilities.

Required Experience and Skills:

• Ability to manage multiple priorities, scheduling and prioritizing tasks for efficiency.
• Familiarity with animal care or handling
• Strong understanding of GMP regulations and good documentation practices.
• Effective written and verbal communication skills.
• Strong problem solving and troubleshooting abilities.

Preferred Experience and Skills:

• In-depth knowledge of GMP/GLP practices.
• Familiarity with Select Agent Program and Regulatory Requirements.
• Proficiency in root cause analysis tools
• Experience using SAP and Reliance systems.

Required Skills:

• Ability to Coordinate
• Ability to Coordinate
• Adaptability
• Analytical Instrumentation
• Analytical Method Development
• Analytical Problem Solving
• Bioburden Testing
• Chemical Analysis
• Cleaning Equipment
• Communication
• Competency Management
• Critical Thinking
• Data Analysis
• Efficiency Improvements
• Karl Fischer Titrations
• Laboratory Instrumentation
• Laboratory Techniques
• Microbiology Research
• Multitasking
• Proactive Thinking"Procedure Adherence
• Process Improvements
• Proper Documentation
• Recordkeeping
• Root Cause Identification {+ 9 more}

Preferred Skills:

• Ability to Coordinate
• Adaptability
• Analytical Instrumentation
• Analytical Problem Solving
• Bioburden Testing
• Communication
• Critical Thinking
• Data Analysis
• Laboratory Instruments
• Laboratory Techniques
• Multitasking
• Proactive Thinking
• Procedure Adherence
• Process Improvements
• Recordkeeping

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.

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.

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

Learn more about your rights, including under California, Colorado and other US State Acts

The salary range for this role is $65,100.00 - $102,500.00

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: 10/2/2026*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.