Scientist, Clinical Services (on-site)

MSD; Upper Gwynedd Township (Montgomery County); On-site; USD 87,000 - 137,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Annual bonus

Long-term incentive

Benefits package

Job summary

MSD in West Point, PA is seeking a Scientist to execute in vivo studies in rodents and non-rodents while advancing data stewardship and digital workflow improvements. The role emphasizes hands-on animal research, clinical care, and cross-functional collaboration.

Ideal candidates have a Bachelor’s in a related field, 1 year in vivo experience, and familiarity with Benchling/Power BI, study management software, and script coding to automate data compilation. This is an on-site position.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in a related scientific field is required.
• At least 1 year of hands-on in vivo experience in biotech/pharma/CRO.
• Understanding of biologics and peptide therapeutics; translates strategies to study designs.
• Proficiency with electronic lab notebooks and data visualization tools.
• Ability to write code/scripts to automate data compilation.

Responsibilities

• Execute in vivo studies with veterinary support and welfare compliance.
• Write basic code and build dashboards to monitor study metrics.
• Manage study timelines and cross‑site collaboration; maintain records.

Skills

Animal Handling

Animal Welfare

Biotechnology Research

Blood Specimen Collection

Data Analysis

In Vivo Studies

Laboratory Documentation

Project Tracking

Team Communication

Tissue Collection

Use of Lab Equipment

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Animal Science, Biology, Biotechnology, Bio-Engineering, Data Science, or a closely related scientific discipline

Tools

Benchling

Power BI

Study Management Software

Coding scripts

Job description

Job Description

We are seeking a highly motivated and skilled Scientist to join our collaborative, dynamic, and inclusive Laboratory Animal Resources (LAR) team in West Point, PA. This role is ideal for an industry-experienced professional with a strong foundation in in vivo sciences and a passion for leveraging digital tools to optimize laboratory workflows.

As a Scientist, you will play an integral role in executing in vivo research studies in both rodents and non-rodents and supporting critical discovery and basic science programs. Beyond traditional hands‑on veterinary and colony support, you will act as a key champion for data stewardship, process optimization, and digital transformation within the department. This position offers a vibrant learning environment with significant opportunities to hone your technical skills, contribute to cutting‑edge therapeutic programs, and lead operational improvements.

Responsibilities

1. In-Vivo Study Execution & Veterinary Support

• Technical Execution: Perform hands‑on technical aspects of discovery and basic science animal studies with minimal supervision. To include administering test articles via various routes, conducting blood sampling, and performing tissue collections.
• Surgical & Anesthetic Care: Administer injectable and inhalation anesthetic agents under veterinary guidance. Assist in and conduct pre‑surgical preparations, aseptic surgical procedures, and intensive perioperative care.
• Clinical Care: Carry out prescribed medical treatment and research regimens for study animals under the direction of the attending veterinarian.
• Welfare Standards: Ensure the highest standards of animal care and welfare, complying strictly with USDA, the Animal Welfare Act, The Guide, the 3Rs principles, FDA regulations, and internal company policies.

2. Digital Stewardship, Coding & Data Analytics

• Data Integration & Coding: Write basic code/scripts to merge study data from multiple sources. Build, maintain, and share clear, interactive dashboards (such as Power BI) to streamline daily scheduling and monitor team performance metrics.
• Electronic Data Capture: Serve as an enterprise-minded data steward by utilizing cloud‑based electronic data capture and study management platforms (e.g., Benchling, Signals) to ensure high data quality, standardization, and immediate accessibility.
• Process Optimization: Proactively identify operational and technical hurdles in daily workflows. Propose and implement digital and procedural solutions to streamline workflows, reduce manual rework, and modernize study execution.

3.Study Operations & Cross-Functional Collaboration

• Project Tracking: Manage study timelines, coordinate scheduling, and ensure the accuracy of all study data within corporate databases and tracking systems.
• Cross-Site Alignment: Work fluidly across our research network to share knowledge, align methodologies, and ensure consistency in study execution and digital practices.
• Scientific Communication: Clearly communicate study progress, operational challenges, and data interpretations to cross‑functional project teams and supervisors. Maintain accurate, timely, and well‑organized records of animal treatments, study data, procedures, inventories, research protocols, and reports.
• On‑Site Requirement: This is a fully on‑site, research‑based role located at our West Point, PA facility. Daily in‑person attendance is required to perform critical hands‑on laboratory tasks.

Qualifications

Minimum education required

Bachelor’s degree in Animal Science, Biology, Biotechnology, Bio-Engineering, Data Science, or a closely related scientific discipline.

Required experience and skills

• Industry Experience: Minimum of 1 year of hands‑on experience in an in‑vivo laboratory setting (biotech, pharmaceutical, or CRO environment preferred).
• In‑Vivo Competency: Demonstrated proficiency in rodent and/or non‑rodent handling, dosing techniques, and tissue collection. Demonstrable passion for animal care and welfare.
• Biologics Understanding: An applied understanding of biologics and peptide therapeutics, with the ability to help translate program strategies into fit‑for‑purpose study designs.
• Digital & Technical Aptitude: Proven experience using modern electronic lab notebooks (e.g., Benchling), study management software, or data visualization tools (e.g.,Power BI). Ability or strong willingness to write code/scripts to automate data compilation.
• Scientific Curiosity & Growth Mindset: Eager to learn new technical and scientific skills, with a strong desire to develop a comprehensive understanding of the end‑to‑end drug discovery and pharmaceutical R&D process.
• Problem‑Solving Mindset: A proactive, solution‑oriented approach with the ability to work independently, recognize study/operational hurdles, and propose constructive resolutions.
• Communication & Teamwork: Strong interpersonal and written communication skills, with a track record of working successfully in highly collaborative, cross‑functional team environments.
• Work Schedule Flexibility: Ability and willingness to work a rotating shift that includes weekends and holidays as required.

Preferred/Desirable Qualifications

Professional certifications in veterinary technology or laboratory animal science (e.g., CVT, ASR, ALAT, LAT, LATg, CMAR).

Required Skills

Animal Handling, Animal Welfare, Biotechnology Research, Blood Specimen Collection, Data Analysis, Ethical Standards, In Vivo Studies, Laboratory Documentation, Project Tracking, Researching, Scientific Research, Team Communication, Technical Knowledge, Tissue Collection, Use of Laboratory Equipment

Preferred Skills

Current Employees apply HERE

Current Contingent Workers apply HERE

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. Please click here if you need an accommodation during the application or hiring process.

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:

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.

Learn more about your rights, including under California, Colorado and other US State Acts

The salary range for this role is

$87,300.00 - $137,400.00

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.

The successful candidate will be eligible for 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. More information about benefits is available at https://jobs.merck.com/us/en/compensation-and-benefits.

You can apply for this role through https://jobs.merck.com/us/en (or via the Workday Jobs Hub if you are a current employee). The application deadline for this position is stated on this posting.

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