Associate Specialist, Quality Control

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

Benefits offered by this job

Medical

Dental

Vision healthcare and other insurance

Retirement benefits including 401(k)

Paid holidays

Vacation

Compassionate and sick days

Job summary

Merck & Co., Inc. in the United States seeks a Quality Control Associate Specialist to perform advanced laboratory procedures and animal-based testing supporting veterinary biological release under GMP and SOP.

You will work with SAP and Reliance systems, collaborate across QA, Production, and regulatory teams, and help maintain Select Agent Program compliance while upholding documentation standards.

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.

Responsibilities

• Maintain safe testing environment and comply with safety policies.
• Assist QC Specialist to maintain Select Agent Program and inspections.
• Perform quality control animal testing and husbandry per GMP.
• Document test records, logbooks, training, and equipment monitoring.
• Collaborate with ATS, BTS, QA and Production to improve processes.

Skills

Coordinate

Adaptability

Analytical Instrumentation

Analytical Method Development

Bioburden Testing

Data Analysis

Root Cause Identification

Multitasking

Documentation

Education

High School diploma

Associate’s degree

Tools

SAP

Reliance

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.

The Quality Control Associate Specialist is responsible for performing advanced laboratory procedures and animal-based testing to support release of veterinary biologicals in compliance with strict governmental and company guidelines. This role involves working with a variety of technical equipment and requires adherence to Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP) and Standard Operating Procedures (SOP). The specialist must have a thorough understanding of scientific principles behind testing procedures and the materials being evaluated (e.g., virus, bacteria, cell line, poultry).

Primary Responsibilities

• 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.

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.

#MSJR 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}

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 $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.

Benefits

• medical
• dental
• vision healthcare and other insurance benefits (for employee and family)
• retirement benefits, including 401(k)
• paid holidays
• vacation
• compassionate and sick days

More information about benefits is available at https://jobs.merck.com/us/en/compensation-and-benefits.

Search Firm Representatives Please Read Carefully Merck & Co., Inc., Rahway, NJ, USA, also known as Merck Sharp & Dohme LLC, Rahway, NJ, USA, does not accept unsolicited assistance from search firms for employment opportunities. All CVs / resumes submitted by search firms to any employee at our company without a valid written search agreement in place for this position will be deemed the sole property of our company. No fee will be paid in the event a candidate is hired by our company as a result of an agency referral where no pre-existing agreement is in place. Where agency agreements are in place, introductions are position specific. Please, no phone calls or emails.

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 job posting end date.

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

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.