Quality Control Technician I

Merck & Co.; Swiftwater (Monroe County); On-site; USD 55,000 - 85,000; Full time

Job summary

Merck & Co. seeks a QC Virology technician to support routine and non-routine testing in the QC Virology PCU. Responsibilities include performing viral assays, maintaining cell cultures, and ensuring data integrity in compliance with GMP.

The role requires a biology degree, hands-on virology experience, aseptic technique, and strong documentation skills. Weekend/holiday shifts and vaccination are required.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in biological sciences with at least 1 year of relevant experience.
• Hands-on experience with cell culture and virology techniques is highly desirable.
• Familiarity with aseptic technique and biosafety procedures.
• Analytical thinking and problem-solving abilities.
• Strong organizational and communication skills with good documentation practices.
• Ability to work independently and in a team environment.
• Vaccination and weekend/holiday work requirements for testing needs.

Responsibilities

• Perform general viral assays including cell culture, plaque assays, egg-based assays, or other tests as assigned.
• Maintain cell cultures used in viral testing and ensure accuracy of results.
• Demonstrate proficiency with lab electronic systems and data entry.
• Maintain laboratory safety, cleanliness, and inventory of supplies.
• Attend and contribute to team, department, and safety meetings.
• Participate in training activities and ongoing competency checks.
• Interpret test results, identify deviations, and escalate issues as needed.
• Document results, manage waste disposal, and perform related duties.

Skills

Cell culture

Virology techniques

Aseptic technique

Analytical thinking

Documentation

Teamwork

Computer literacy

Attention to detail

Independent work

Communication

Education

Bachelor's degree in biological sciences

Job description

This position supports the execution of routine and non-routine testing in the QC Virology PCU to ensure the safety, potency, and purity of biological products in compliance with Federal Regulations, cGMP, and *** policies and procedures. This position requires the individual to compliantly perform viral assays as scheduled, analyze results, maintain data integrity and good documentation, and ensure adherence to Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP).

JOB RESPONSIBILITIES

• Perform general viral assays including cell culture, plaque assays, egg-based assays, etc. or other tests as assigned.
• tests maintain cell cultures used in viral testing
• Demonstrate knowledge and proficiency of functions within lab electronic systems
• Assist with maintaining safety and compliance of the laboratory including cleaning laboratories, equipment, and ancillary areas and inventory of lab supplies
• Attend/Contribute to scheduled team, department, and safety meetings
• Participate in training activities
• Interpret test results, identify deviations, and elevate issues as needed
• Documentation, waste disposal, cleaning of laboratories, and all other activities as assigned

REQUIREMENTS

• Bachelor's degree in biological sciences such as microbiology, virology, biochemistry, or related field with a minimum 1 year experience
• Hands‑on experience with cell culture, and virology techniques is highly desirable
• Familiarity with aseptic technique and biosafety procedures
• Analytical thinking and problem‑solving abilities
• Strong organizational and communication skills
• Computer literacy and ability to learn technical systems
• Strong attention to detail and documentation practices
• Ability to work independently and in a team environment
• Additional Requirements:
• Must receive required vaccinations to be eligible for this position
• Position will involve weekend and/or holiday work depending on testing needs
• As a healthcare company and a vaccine manufacturer, *** has an important responsibility to protect individual and public health. All US based roles require individuals to be fully vaccinated against COVID-19 as part of your job responsibilities.

*** Inc. and its U.S. affiliates are Equal Opportunity and affirmative action employers committed to a culturally diverse workforce. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race; color; creed; religion; national origin; age; ancestry; nationality; marital, domestic partnership or civil union status; sex, gender, gender identity or expression; affectional or sexual orientation; disability; veteran or military status or liability for military status; domestic violence victim status; atypical cellular or blood trait; genetic information (including the refusal to submit to genetic testing) or any other characteristic protected by law.