Vaccine Process Lab Associate Specialist

Merck; Durham (NC); On-site; USD 72,000 - 113,000; Full time

Job summary

Merck’s Maurice R. Hilleman Center for Vaccine Manufacturing in Durham, NC seeks an Associate Specialist for the Process Support Lab.

The role focuses on lab-scale vaccine process development, technical transfer support, and post-commercial process enhancements across multiple pipeline programs. The candidate will work in a fast-paced environment, collaborating with cross-functional teams, conducting analytical assays, troubleshooting, and presenting findings to advance the Durham vaccine

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s Degree or higher in Engineering or Sciences with relevant academic experience.
• At least 1 year of relevant experience.
• Strong leadership, interpersonal and communication skills.

Responsibilities

• Provide hands-on support in lab-scale experiments: buffer/media prep, cell/tissue culture, particle isolation, or lyophilization.
• Execute bio-analytical assays for in-process and post-process samples (potency assays, moisture analysis, FTIR, UV/Vis).
• Perform particle isolation, microscope imaging, and particulate analysis to determine origin of particulates for investigations.
• Support design and execution of experiments for process characterization, tech transfer, and qualification studies.
• Execute studies for investigational/developmental projects for Durham vaccine products.
• Troubleshoot equipment and assays as needed.
• Support off-shift or weekend work if needed.
• Author experimental design proposals, technical reports and documents.
• Compile process data and use statistical tools for analysis and monitoring.
• Actively participate on cross-functional manufacturing teams to advance project goals.

Skills

Adaptability

Applied Mathematics

Biochemical Assays

Cell Cultures

Cell Physiology

Chemical Engineering Fundamentals

Chemical Plant Operations

Data Analysis

Interpersonal Communication

Mammalian Cell Culture

Process Optimization

Problem Solving

Teamwork

Education

Bachelor’s Degree or higher in Engineering or Sciences

Job description

Merck’s Maurice R. Hilleman Center for Vaccine Manufacturing in Durham, NC seeks an Associate Specialist for the Process Support Lab.

The role focuses on lab-scale vaccine process development, technical transfer support, and post-commercial process enhancements across multiple pipeline programs. The candidate will work in a fast-paced environment, collaborating with cross-functional teams, conducting analytical assays, troubleshooting, and presenting findings to advance the Durham vaccine