Entry-Level Lab Animal Vet Research Associate

Merck; West Point (PA); On-site; USD 87,000 - 137,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical insurance

Dental insurance

Vision insurance

401(k) retirement plan

Paid holidays

Vacation

Compassionate and sick days

Job summary

Merck in West Point, PA is seeking an Entry-Level Veterinary Associate to join our Laboratory Animal Science Team. On-site, hands-on work includes study execution and routine colony management, with weekend rotation and minimal supervision.

You will maintain digital records, support cross-functional teams, and assist with animal care and treatments under a veterinarian's guidance while upholding safety and regulatory standards.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in a relevant field.
• Animal handling and dosing experience.
• Some technical and scientific skills and a willingness to understand the R&D process.
• Ability to independently recognize challenges and provide input for solutions.
• Proactive, innovative, solution-oriented mindset.
• Excellent organizational, interpersonal, and communication skills.
• Commitment to fostering a diverse and inclusive working environment.
• Independence and initiative in seeking opportunities while being a productive team member.
• Commitment to high safety and regulatory standards.
• Ability and readiness to work weekends on rotation.
• Certifications (not required) – e.g., CVT, ASR, ALAT, LAT, LATg, CMAR

Responsibilities

• Maintain accurate, timely, and well-organized digital records of research protocols, procedures, study data, inventories, and reports.
• Collaborate with investigators, scientific staff, veterinarians, and IACUC members on in vivo projects.
• Carry out research and medical treatment regimens for research animals under a veterinarian's guidance.
• Administer injectable and inhalation anesthetic agents under a veterinarian's guidance.
• Maintain records of animal treatments, procedures, inventories, and reports.
• Identify study hurdles and propose solutions.
• Manage study timelines and data accuracy in databases and tracking tools.
• Communicate results and data interpretation to cross-functional teams.
• Comply with applicable laws and company policies (Animal Welfare Act, The Guide, 3R, FDA).
• Promote an inclusive culture within the laboratory and support a collaborative environment.
• Work well in a group to maintain a positive team dynamic.

Skills

Animal Handling

Animal Welfare

Biotechnology Research

Blood Specimen Collection

Clinical Development

Clinical Research

Clinical Sciences

Detail‑Oriented

Equipment Validations

Laboratory Documentation

Proper Documentation

RLATG

Regulatory Compliance

Safety Measures

Use of Laboratory Equipment

Education

Bachelor's degree

Tools

CVT

ASR

ALAT

LAT

LATg

CMAR

Job description

Merck in West Point, PA is seeking an Entry-Level Veterinary Associate to join our Laboratory Animal Science Team. On-site, hands-on work includes study execution and routine colony management, with weekend rotation and minimal supervision.

You will maintain digital records, support cross-functional teams, and assist with animal care and treatments under a veterinarian's guidance while upholding safety and regulatory standards.