Associate Specialist, Quality Control

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

Benefits offered by this job

Medical coverage

Dental coverage

Vision care

401(k)

Paid holidays

Vacation

Sick days

Job summary

Merck in Millsboro, DE seeks a Quality Control Associate Specialist to perform advanced lab procedures and animal-based testing under GMP guidelines. The role requires meticulous documentation, compliance with SOPs, and collaboration with QA, Production, and other teams.

The ideal candidate has 3+ years of relevant experience or an Associate’s degree with related work, and is capable of managing multiple priorities while maintaining strict safety and quality standards.

Qualifications

• Must have GMP knowledge and good documentation practices.
• Experience with animal care/handling preferred.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills.

Responsibilities

• Perform advanced laboratory procedures to support release of veterinary biologicals.
• Maintain accurate documentation and test records.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams to ensure GMP compliance.
• Contribute to Select Agent Program testing and inspections.
• Identify process improvements to enhance efficiency and accuracy.

Skills

GMP Regulations

Documentation

Communication

Multitasking

Analytical Instrumentation

Analytical Method Development

Root Cause Analysis

Data Analysis

Problem Solving

Adaptability

Process Improvements

Education

High School diploma with 3 years experience

Associate's degree

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.

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 (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

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

Preferred Skills:

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

Requisition ID: R418570

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.

• medical
• dental
• vision healthcare
• 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.

We are proud to be a company that embraces the value of bringing together talented, 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

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.