Associate Technician, Operations

Merck & Co.; Durham (NC); On-site; USD 43,100 - 67,800; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical benefits

401(k) retirement plan

Paid holidays & vacation

Job summary

Merck & Co. in Durham, NC, is seeking an Associate Technician to support end‑to‑end drug substance operations, including biotech culture growth, harvest, lyophilization, and product inspection. This role emphasizes teamwork, safety, and strict documentation.

You will participate in daily huddles, assist with equipment setup and troubleshooting, and support Kaizen events and quality programs. A strong grounding in aseptic principles and ability to lift 50 lbs are required.

Qualifications

• Must pass and maintain aseptic gowning qualifications.
• Computer literacy including browsers, e‑mail, spreadsheets, and word processing.
• Must be able to lift 50 lbs, bend, stoop, squat, crawl, twist, climb ladders, and wear a respirator.
• Shift: Mon‑Fri, day shift 06:00–14:30; some overtime may be required.

Responsibilities

• Supports operations through PPQ, licensure, and ramp up of facility.
• Identifies and addresses compliance, environmental, safety, and process deviations as appropriate.
• Active participation in team meetings and kaizen events; supports lean six sigma, quality, safety or environmental initiatives.
• Maintains detailed knowledge of equipment and processes; ensures accurate record-keeping and housekeeping.

Skills

Written and verbal communications

Aseptic gowning qualifications

Computer literacy

Lift 50 lbs / respirator

Teamwork

Education

Associates Degree in science or related field

BioWork Certificate

Tools

MES

SAP

DeltaV

GLIMS

Job description

Job Description

This role is within an end‑to‑end facility which includes the processing of drug substance, drug product – including biotech culture growth, harvest, lyophilization, product inspection, utilities, and warehouse.

Our ability to excel depends on the integrity, knowledge, imagination, skill, and teamwork of people like you. We strive to create an environment of mutual respect, encouragement, and teamwork. As part of our global team, you’ll have the opportunity to collaborate with talented and dedicated colleagues while developing and expanding your career.

Responsibilities

Project Support

• Supports team as operations expert through PPQ, licensure and ramp up of facility.
• Identifies and addresses compliance, environmental, safety, and process deviations as appropriate while coordinating with appropriate personnel.
• Actively participate in team meetings HAZOPS, waste walkthroughs, 5S, kaizen events, or any other operations, lean six‑sigma, quality, safety or environmental training/initiatives as required.

Operational Expertise

• Competent execution and ownership to meet production targets for area within responsibility including:
  • Attending and escalation of concerns or needs at daily huddles and as needed
  • Cleaning, setup, operation and troubleshooting of equipment and facilities
  • Maintenance and transportation of consumable and material inventories
  • Maintenance of excellent record‑keeping and housekeeping
• Drives culture of continuous improvement. Implements and raises ideas to increase success of group.
• Participates on and/or performs activities to support technical and OPEX functions such as Kaizen events, ad‑hoc sampling, or protocol execution.
• Maintains detailed knowledge of equipment and processes.
• Identifies and addresses compliance, environmental, safety, and process deviations as appropriate while notifying appropriate personnel.

Education Minimum Requirement

• High School Diploma/GED or higher

Required Experience and Skills

• Demonstrated written and verbal communications skills
• Must be able to successfully pass and maintain aseptic gowning qualifications. Aseptic gowning requires that all skin and hair be covered through wearing the following: beard/mustache cover, hair net, hood and facemask, goggles, jumpsuit, gloves, and boots.
• Computer literacy (internet browsers, e‑mail, spreadsheets, word processing)
• Must be willing and able to lift 50 lbs, bend, stoop, squat, crawl, twist, climb ladders, and wear a respirator
• This position will be Mon‑Fri, day shift (06:00 – 14:30). Some overtime may be required as business needs dictate.
• Successful completion of TB titer and Chest X‑ray are required.

Preferred Experience and Skills (General)

• Minimum Associates Degree in science or related field
• BioWork Certificate (working in an FDA or similar regulated industry)
• Applicable mechanical and project management experience
• Experience with automated systems (MES, SAP, DeltaV, GLIMS, or similar)
• Experience with on‑the‑floor cGMP manufacturing and familiarity with regulatory requirements and Good Documentation Practices (GDP)
• Demonstrated ability to work both independently and as a part of a team

Associate Technician Experience – Supporting Drug Substance Operations

• Aseptic Behaviors
• Aseptic Techniques & Manipulations
• cRAB/Isolator Experience
• Environmental Monitoring
• Report review/approval and batch record review

Salary range: $43,100 – $67,800. 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.

This position may be eligible for an 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.

This role requires working the 1st day shift, Monday through Friday (06:00 – 14:30). No relocation, no visa sponsorship, and no travel required. A valid driving license is not required.

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 and 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.