Biotech Drug Substance Operations Technician

Merck & Co.; Durham (NC); On-site; USD 43,000 - 68,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Annual bonus

Long-term incentive

Medical benefits

Job summary

Merck & Co. in the United States is seeking an Associate Technician to support Drug Substance operations across biotech culture growth, harvest, lyophilization, and product inspection.

The role emphasizes adherence to cGMP, safety, and quality while collaborating with a global team. You will work on the floor performing cleaning, setup, operation, and maintenance of equipment, participate in Kaizen events, and contribute to continuous improvement initiatives.

Qualifications

• Demonstrated written and verbal communications skills.
• Must pass aseptic gowning qualifications with required PPE.
• Computer literacy (email, browsers, spreadsheets, word processing).
• Must lift 50 lbs and wear a respirator.
• Mon-Fri day shift 06:00–14:30; some overtime may be required.
• TB titer and Chest X-ray completion required.
• Occasional use of respirator/Powered Air Purifying Respirator for specific tasks.

Responsibilities

• Supports team as operations expert through PPQ, licensure and ramp up of facility.
• Identifies and addresses compliance, environmental, safety, and process deviations; coordinates with relevant personnel.
• Participates in HAZOPS, waste walkthroughs, 5S, kaizen events, and other operations/quality training.
• Executes and owns tasks to meet production targets within area; maintains equipment, setup, cleaning, and inventory.
• Drives continuous improvement and participates in Kaizen events, ad-hoc sampling, or protocol execution.
• Maintains detailed knowledge of equipment and processes; notifies personnel for deviations.

Skills

Written and verbal communication

Aseptic gowning qualifications

Computer literacy

Physical ability to lift 50 lbs

Willingness to work overtime

Education

High School Diploma or GED

Tools

MES

SAP

DeltaV

GDP knowledge

Job description

Merck & Co. in the United States is seeking an Associate Technician to support Drug Substance operations across biotech culture growth, harvest, lyophilization, and product inspection.

The role emphasizes adherence to cGMP, safety, and quality while collaborating with a global team. You will work on the floor performing cleaning, setup, operation, and maintenance of equipment, participate in Kaizen events, and contribute to continuous improvement initiatives.