Scientist, Laboratory Animal Resources (On-site)

1596 MRL San Francisco, LLC; South San Francisco (CA); On-site; USD 108,000 - 170,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical, dental, vision

401(k) retirement plan

Paid holidays and vacation

Job summary

MSD in South San Francisco is seeking a Scientist to support in vivo studies and provide high-quality animal care within our drug discovery programs. The role involves coordinating animal studies, dosing, sample collection, and data documentation, with weekend/holiday rotation.

A BS or MS in Biology and 2+ years in in vivo work are preferred. You will work with veterinarians, maintain records, and contribute to regulatory readiness and study timelines.

Qualifications

• Minimum of 2 years in a Research in vivo field.
• Demonstrated in vivo research experience including handling, dosing, sample collection, anesthesia and surgical procedures.
• ALAT, AAALAS certification preferred (not mandatory).

Responsibilities

• Contribute to execution of in vivo studies in rodents including animal ordering, compound administration, dosing, surgical procedures, observations, sampling, and tissue collection.
• Manage study timelines and maintain accurate records of animal treatments, study data, procedures, inventories, protocols and reports.
• Carry out research and medical treatment regimens for research animals under Veterinarian guidance including weekends and holidays.
• Work independently and be proactive while supporting team dynamics.
• Support inspections readiness, safety initiatives, cost containment, efficiency and lean practices.

Skills

Animal Handling

Animal Science

Biology

Blood Specimen Collection

Data Recording

Drug Development

Surgical Procedures

Tissue Collection

Laboratory Documentation

Life Science

Veterinary Technology

Education

B.S./M.S. in Biology or related field

Job description

Job Description Our Research Laboratories in South San Francisco is focused on driving discovery research. Our multi-disciplinary discovery research site offers state-of- the-art resources to explore the most promising science combined with our Company’s world-class Research and Discovery expertise in small molecules and biologics. Located within the heart of the Bay area’s biomedical community, research conducted in the new laboratories spans exploratory biology through early clinical development and is an integral part of our Company’s powerful world-class network of drug and vaccine discovery. We are inspired by the belief that a research-focused enterprise dedicated to scientific excellence can create medicines and vaccines that save and improve lives. Every employee is building on our proud legacy of scientific breakthrough. Our ability to impact the lives of patients worldwide relies on the integrity, creativity, humility and scientific acumen of our team. We are creating a diverse organization that is inspired by invention and founded on a culture of respect and collaboration.

At our Research Labs, you’ll have the opportunity to expand your knowledge and skills through partnership with talented and dedicated colleagues while advancing your career.

The Scientist position under the guidance of Laboratory Animal Veterinarians will provide study support and world class animal care to impact drug development and discovery and improve human health. Study support encompasses conducting all aspects of a study including meeting with investigators, ordering animals, compound formulation and administration, sampling, tissue collection, body scores or weights, coordinating the use of imaging modalities, sampling processing, shipping and receiving compounds or samples, as well as some routine veterinary and animal colony management tasks. The ideal candidate should be team oriented, value workplace partnership and can work with minimal to no supervision. The role also requires rotation weekend/holiday work and the ability to apply sound technical skills to assigned tasks.

Key Responsibilities:

• Contribute to execution of in vivo studies in rodents including animal ordering, compound administration, dosing (all routes with emphasis on intravenous), surgical procedures, clinical observations, sampling, and tissue collection.
• Manage study timelines and maintain accurate, timely, and well-organized records of animal treatments, study data, procedures, inventories, research protocols, and reports.
• Carry out research and medical treatment regimens for research animals under the guidance of the Veterinarian including weekends and holidays.
• Work independently and be proactive in seeking opportunities, while also contributing positively to team dynamics.
• Support activities and in the areas of inspection readiness, safety initiatives, cost containment, efficiency, productivity, energy conservation, waste minimization, operational excellence, and lean practices.
• Learn new procedures to support other in vivo studies and vivarium operations as needed.

Education:

B.S. or M.S. in Biology or related field

Required Experience and Skills:

• Minimum of (2) years in a Research in vivo field.
• Demonstrated in vivo research experience including handling, dosing, sample collection, anesthesia and surgical procedures.
• Demonstrable passion for animal care and welfare.
• Ability to follow procedures and thoroughly document data collection results.
• Competency to independently recognize challenges (technical, scientific, or study-related) and provide relevant input for solution/problem solving.
• Proactive, innovative, and solution-oriented mindset.
• Excellent organizational, interpersonal, and communication skills.
• Ability to work independently and with a team.
• Willing to work weekends and holidays on rotation.

Preferred Experience and Skills:

• ALAT, AAALAS certification

Required Skills:

• Animal Handling
• Animal Science
• Biology
• Blood Specimen Collection
• Data Recording
• Drug Development
• Ethical Standards
• In Vivo Models
• In Vivo Studies
• Laboratory Animal Sciences
• Laboratory Documentation
• Life Science
• Surgical Procedures
• Tissue Collection
• Veterinary Technology

Preferred Skills:

• Registered Laboratory Animal Technologist (RLATG)

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

The primary location for this posting is: USA - California - South San Francisco (Grand Ave)

Where required by law, the compensation range for this role is provided below. The salary range for the primary location of this role is: $108,000.00 - $170,100.00 This range reflects the Company's reasonable expectation of the base salary applicable to this role at the time of 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.

Additional location(s): Please note the salary range above applies to the Primary Location of the position. Where a role has other listed locations, different compensation guidelines may apply. You may find the salary ranges for additional locations below. If the salary range is not listed for the location you are applying to, our Talent Acquisition team will provide further information to you relevant to your location.

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.

Employee Status: Regular Relocation: Domestic VISA Sponsorship: No Travel Requirements: 10% Flexible Work Arrangements: Not Applicable Shift: 1st - Day Valid Driving License: No Hazardous Material(s): potent compounds

Job Posting End Date: 11/18/2026 *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.

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.