Biomaterials Program Lead

MSD Malaysia; De Soto (KS); Hybrid; USD 129,000 - 203,000; Full time

Job summary

Merck & Co., Inc. seeks a Biomaterials Program Lead to provide technical and program leadership for biomaterials used in animal health biologics.

Responsibilities include knowledge management, inventory strategy, replacement sourcing, equivalence qualification, and regulatory reporting for USDA review. Experience in at least one biological method platform, strong technical writing, and collaboration across Manufacturing, QC, QA, Regulatory Affairs, R&D, and suppliers are essential.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in a biological science or closely related discipline.
• Minimum of 7 years of experience in USDA-regulated animal health biologics.
• Minimum of 5 years of experience qualifying and preparing biomaterials-related technical documentation for regulatory review.
• Subject matter expertise in at least one biological method platform such as immunoassays or cell-based methods.

Responsibilities

• Lead biomaterials knowledge management including documentation of production history, characterization, inventory status, and qualification status.
• Manage biomaterials inventory strategy including reorder levels, usage trends, lead times, expiry risks, and replacement triggers.
• Lead replacement biomaterials planning through outsourcing, vendors, and internal sourcing options.
• Coordinate equivalence qualification studies to support USDA approval.
• Support method remediation when biomaterial changes impact test methods.
• Prepare technical reports, qualification summaries, and regulatory support documents for USDA review.

Skills

Leadership

Biomaterials

Cross-Functional Teamwork

Method Development

Technical Writing

Biological Assays

Education

Bachelor’s in Biological Science

Job description

Job Description

The Biomaterials Program Lead will provide technical and program leadership for the lifecycle management of critical biomaterials used in animal health biologics production and testing. This role is responsible for biomaterials knowledge management, inventory and reorder strategy, replacement sourcing, equivalence qualification, method remediation, QC transfer support, and preparation of USDA-ready technical reports.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead biomaterials knowledge management, including documentation of production history, characterization, inventory status, qualification status, and method dependencies.
• Manage biomaterials inventory strategy, including reorder levels, usage trends, lead times, expiry risks, and replacement triggers.
• Lead replacement biomaterials planning through outsourcing, commercial vendors, and internal sourcing options.
• Design, coordinate, and document equivalence qualification studies for replacement biomaterials to support USDA approval.
• Lead or support method remediation when biomaterial changes or performance issues impact biological test methods.
• Coordinate transfer of biomaterials and remediated methods to QC laboratories, ensuring documentation and readiness expectations are met.
• Prepare technical reports, qualification summaries, scientific justifications, and regulatory support documents for USDA review.
• Partner cross-functionally with Manufacturing, QC, QA, Regulatory Affairs, R&D, and external suppliers.

Minimum Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in a biological science, such as Biology, Microbiology, Genetics, Virology, or a closely related discipline.
• Minimum of 7 years of experience in USDA-regulated animal health biologics.
• Minimum of 5 years of experience qualifying and preparing biomaterials-related technical documentation for regulatory review.
• Subject matter expertise in at least one biological method platform, such as immunoassays, cell-based methods, or other relevant biological test systems.
• Strong technical writing skills with the ability to prepare clear, science-based, regulator‑ready reports and justifications.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience working with USDA.
• Experience with regulated quality systems.
• Experience with method validation and transfer.
• Experience collaborating across Manufacturing, QC, QA, Regulatory Affairs, R&D, and external organizations.

Required Skills

• Adaptability
• Analytical Method Transfer
• Animal Health Care
• BioAssay
• Biological Assessments
• Biological Testing
• Biologics
• Biomaterials
• Bioproduction
• Cross-Functional Teamwork
• Leadership
• Method Development
• Method Validation
• Microbiological Test
• Quality Control (QC)
• Technical Problem‑Solving
• Test Method Validation
• USDA Regulations

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 $129,000.00 - $203,100.00 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.

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 successful candidate will be eligible for annual bonus and long-term incentive, if applicable.

Job Posting End Date: 10/21/2026 *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.

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 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: Domestic VISA Sponsorship: No Travel Requirements: 10% Flexible Work Arrangements: Hybrid Shift: 1st - Day Valid Driving License: Yes Hazardous Material(s): N/A

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.