Senior Specialist, Biotechnology Solutions (Tech Ops)

MSD; Elkhorn Precinct (NE); On-site; USD 117,000 - 184,000; Full time

Job summary

Merck in Elkhorn, NE seeks a Sr. Specialist in Biosafety and Biotechnology Solutions to support production, process development, tech transfers, and business initiatives. The role collaborates with Operations, QC/QA, and R&D, leading investigations and process improvements while promoting safety and a learning culture.

Required: 5+ years in vaccine bioprocessing or related fields, strong biosafety knowledge, and excellent communication. Master/PhD preferred; on-site work with travel.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in a biological science, engineering, chemistry, biochemistry or related field.
• Master’s degree or PhD in a related discipline is preferred.
• 5+ years’ experience in vaccine bioprocessing, vaccine production support, or vaccine process development.
• Strong knowledge of biosafety, aseptic technique and best practices.
• Excellent analytical, problem-solving, and decision-making skills.
• Strong communication skills, both written and verbal.

Responsibilities

• Lead production investigations and support daily technical activities within production, implementing process improvements.
• Provide guidance on product impact from technical/compliance deviations with minimal supervision.
• Understand and lead process development capabilities within the Biotechnology Solutions development lab.
• Create an open culture of learning, acceptance, and respect within the team and across departments.

Skills

Biologics

Bioprocess

CMC Biologics

Coaching

Collaboration

Problem Solving

Process Development

Upstream Processing

Vaccine Manufacturing

Education

Bachelor’s degree in a biological science

Master’s degree or PhD preferred

Job description

Job Description

The Sr. Specialist in Biosafety and Biotechnology Solutions (BTS) is responsible for supporting production troubleshooting and optimization, vaccine process development, tech transfers and key business initiatives at the Elkhorn Animal Health site. This position sits within the BTS organization and reports to the Site BTS Director/Lead at Elkhorn, NE; while also collaborating closely with the other teams such as Operations, Quality Control, Quality Assurance, Analytical Testing Development, Maintenance, Planning and R&D

Key Responsibilities

• Lead production investigations and support daily technical activities within production, implementing process improvements.
• Provide guidance on product impact from technical or compliance deviations with minimal supervision.
• Understand and lead process development capabilities within the Biotechnology Solutions development lab.
• Collaboration and Culture:
  • Create an open culture of learning, acceptance, and respect within the team and across departments.
  • Promote a culture of safety and biosafety awareness throughout the organization.

Minimum Qualifications & Skills:

Education:

• Bachelor’s degree in a biological science, engineering (general, chemical, biological, biochemical), chemistry, biochemistry or a related field.
• Master’s degree or PhD in a related discipline is preferred.

Experience & Skills:

• 5+ years’ experience in vaccine bioprocessing, vaccine production support, or vaccine process development, with demonstrated expertise in laboratory safety and risk assessment.
• Strong knowledge of biosafety, aseptic technique and best practices.
• Excellent analytical, problem-solving, and decision-making skills.
• Strong communication skills, both written and verbal, with the ability to convey complex information clearly to audiences.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a multidisciplinary team.
• Enthusiasm for continuous learning and imparting knowledge to others.

Preferred Skills and experience:

• Prior experience supporting an FDA or USDA-regulated manufacturing environment.
• Previous operations management experience
• Lean and Six Sigma skills.
• Statistical math skills using Minitab.
• Previous people management experience

Required Skills:

Biologics, Bioprocess Engineering, Bioprocesses, CMC Biologics, Coaching, Collaboration, Problem Solving, Process Development (PD), Process Improvements, Upstream Processing, Vaccine Manufacturing

Preferred Skills:

Leadership

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.

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

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.

Salary Range

$117,000.00 - $184,200.00

The successful candidate will be eligible for annual bonus and long-term incentive, if applicable.

Benefits

• medical
• dental
• vision healthcare and other insurance benefits (for employee and family)
• retirement benefits, including 401(k)
• paid holidays
• vacation
• compassionate and sick days

More information about benefits is available at https://jobs.merck.com/us/en/compensation-and-benefits

Employee Status:

Regular

Relocation:

No relocation

VISA Sponsorship:

No

Travel Requirements:

10%

Flexible Work Arrangements:

Not Applicable

Shift:

1st - Day

Valid Driving License:

Yes

Hazardous Material(s):

N/A

Job Posting End Date:

10/20/2026

A job posting is effective until 11:59:59PM on the day BEFOREthe listed job posting end date. Please ensure you apply to a job posting no later than the day BEFORE the job posting end date.