Senior Specialist, Biotechnology Solutions (Tech Ops)

Merck; Omaha (NE); On-site; USD 117,000 - 184,000; Full time

Job summary

Merck & Co., Inc. in Elkhorn, NE—part of the Merck family—seeks a Sr. Specialist in Biosafety and Biotechnology Solutions.

This role supports production troubleshooting, vaccine process development, tech transfers, and key initiatives at the Elkhorn Animal Health site. Collaborate with Operations, Quality, R&D, and more to advance biosafety and process improvements. Ideal candidates have 5+ years in vaccine bioprocessing or development, strong aseptic techniques, and excellent problem-solving

Qualifications

• Bachelors in biological sciences or related field (engineering/chemistry options acceptable).
• Master's or PhD preferred in related discipline.

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.
• Promote a culture of safety and biosafety awareness across the organization.

Skills

Vaccine bioprocessing

Biosafety

Laboratory safety

Analytical problem-solving

Communication skills

Independent worker

Team collaboration

Education

Bachelor's degree in biological sciences or related

Master's degree or PhD preferred

Tools

Minitab

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

• 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.

Requirements

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

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 Representatives Please Read Carefully

Merck & Co., Inc., Rahway, NJ, USA, also known as Merck Sharp & Dohme LLC, Rahway, NJ, USA, does not accept unsolicited assistance from search firms for employment opportunities. All CVs / resumes submitted by search firms to any employee at our company without a valid written search agreement in place for this position will be deemed the sole property of our company. No fee will be paid in the event a candidate is hired by our company as a result of an agency referral where no pre-existing agreement is in place. Where agency agreements are in place, introductions are position specific. Please, no phone calls or emails.

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 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.

Requisition ID

R420511

Compensation & Benefits

The salary range for this role is $117,000.00 - $184,200.00. 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.