Technician, Operations

Merck; De Soto (KS); On-site; USD 49,000 - 77,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical benefits

401(k)

Paid holidays

Vacation days

Sick days

Job summary

Merck & Co., Inc. in Desoto, Kansas, is seeking a 1st Shift Fermentation Technician to join the Antigen Manufacturing Team.

This role centers on large-scale antigen production, aseptic handling, and culture scale-up within GMP manufacturing. You will operate stainless-steel fermenters, support downstream concentration steps, and maintain precise GMP-compliant documentation while collaborating to meet daily production schedules.

Qualifications

• 6+ months experience in a manufacturing environment.
• GMP documentation practices.
• Strong work ethic and attendance.
• Proficient computer skills.
• Clear verbal and written communication.
• Time management to meet deadlines.
• Ability to work independently and in a team.

Responsibilities

• Handle aseptic material and culture scale-up within fermentation.
• Operate stainless-steel fermenters and processing vessels.
• Support downstream processing for concentration using hollow fiber filters.
• Perform filter cleaning, sterilization, and handling of materials.
• Maintain accurate GMP-compliant documentation.

Skills

Analytical problem solving

Biological manufacturing

Chemistry

Cleanroom gowning

Documentation

Manufacturing

Production scheduling

Product quality assurance

Machinery operation

GMP operations

Education

High school diploma or GED

Associate's degree in science or equivalent

Job description

Job Description

For over 130 years, we have pioneered groundbreaking science. Today, we are driven by continuous innovation to develop breakthrough medicines, vaccines and technology. Rooted in direct experience on the farm and in the clinic, we work hand in hand with our customers every step of the way.

For over 130 years, we have pioneered groundbreaking science. Today, we are driven by continuous innovation to develop breakthrough medicines, vaccines and technology. Rooted in direct experience on the farm and in the clinic, we work hand in hand with our customers every step of the way.

Summary, Focus And Purpose

A 1st Shift Fermentation Technician position is available within our Antigen Manufacturing Team, at our Company's Animal Health (AH) facility in Desoto Kansas, located near the Kansas City metropolitan area. The Animal Health facility is part of the global Animal Health Manufacturing Division network and a key contributor to the manufacturing of animal health products. We are expanding operations in the manufacturing of vaccines and biologics for large and companion animals, and leveraging an experienced and innovative team-oriented work environment using fermentation and cell culture platforms. Team members work with a "Safety First, Quality Always" mindset while striving for continuous improvement to ensure products of the highest quality, working within one of the manufacturing operation teams requires the ability to work independently while also part of a team to contribute to the daily completion and schedule adherence of production activities.

Key Functions

• Work Independently and as a Team member with Integrity | Precision | Accomplishment | Motivational Ambition | Respect | Inclusion
• Follow and comply with Manufacturing Directions and Standard Operating Procedures, along with applicable Corporate, Company, and Regulatory Policies
• Responsible for large scale antigen production and processing in accordance with GMP (Good Manufacturing Practices)
• Primary daily tasks will include aseptic material handling and culture scale up. Preparation and operation of stainless-steel fermenters and processing vessels. This position will also require supporting downstream processing steps for concentration using hollow fiber filters. Filter cleaning, including sterilization and handling of formaldehyde.
• Attention to detail to achieve a consistent error‑free execution of daily job tasks

Education

• Required | High school diploma or GED
• Preferred | Associate's degree within a science discipline or equivalent

Experience | Skills | Knowledge

Required

• 6+ months experience working in manufacturing environment
• Good concurrent and complete documentation using Good Manufacturing Practices
• Good work ethic and attendance behavior
• Proficient computer skills
• Principled verbal and written communications
• Demonstrate basic skills in effective time management to meet given deadlines
• Work effectively and efficiently both individually and with team members

Preferred

• Demonstrated experience working within a GMP manufacturing environment
• Good comprehension of aseptic procedures
• Experience with single use gamma radiated materials

Shift and Hours

• Monday to Friday | 1st Shift 7:00AM to 3:30 PM

#MSJR

The salary range for this role is: $48,600 - $76,600

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.

Required Skills

Analytical Problem Solving, Analytical Problem Solving, Biological Manufacturing, Chemistry, Cleanroom Gowning, Competency Management, Computer Literacy, Contract Manufacturing, Documentation Preparation, GMP Operations, Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP), Industry Regulation, Laboratory Processes, Machinery Operation, Manufacturing, Manufacturing Documentation, Manufacturing Quality Control, Operational Quality, Packaging Operations, Pharmaceutical Manufacturing, Product Improvements, Production Management, Production Scheduling, Product Quality Assurance, Proper Documentation {+ 9 more}

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.

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

• No Travel Required

Flexible Work Arrangements

• Not Applicable

Shift

• 1st - Day

Valid Driving License

• No

Hazardous Material(s)

• n/a

Job Posting End Date

• 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: R422320