Associate Scientist, Biology-Discovery Full-time NEW

Associate Scientist

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.

Our singular focus is to empower those who care for animals, helping them manage their vital responsibility with confidence. Because when it comes to animal health, no one sees it like we do.

The Associate Scientist will be part of a highly collaborative team working towards obtaining new swine vaccine licenses. The candidate will work semi-independently as a member of a project team to support development and evaluation of prototype bacterial/viral strains and vaccine platforms. The primary role of this candidate is to perform laboratory activities following established procedures, technologies and methodologies and to assist in development of new assays. The Associate Scientist will assist in the conduct of animal trials involving swine and laboratory animals, and must have the ability to evaluate, summarize and troubleshoot study findings. The candidate will organize and execute one or more general tasks within the department.

Technical – Applies established procedures, technologies and methodologies to complete assignments. Detects deviations, investigates causes and suggests improvements. Supports (sub) projects by performing the development, improvement and/or transfer of new or existing products, production processes or laboratory methods and techniques upon assignment by the supervisor. Organizes, conducts and reports in draft form routine animal experiments. Act as study investigator / supervisor or responsible scientist in routine studies. Laboratory work involves standard bacterial and viral titrations, mammalian cell culture maintenance, bacterial fermentations, programming and operation of lyophilizers and bioreactors, microbiology culture techniques, preparation of media, sterilization techniques, conducting growth kinetics studies, assist in developing/optimizing/validating new assays, preparing and testing study samples, formulating vaccines, and accurate documentation of all laboratory work and results.

(Inter) departmental – Fulfills general tasks within the organization related to safety, compliance, and laboratory maintenance. Interacts closely with fellow scientists within own and other departments.

Supports training of Lab Technicians, trainees and new employees.

Required Education:

• B.S. /B.A. degree in Biology, Virology, Bacteriology, Microbiology, Immunology or a related field

Required Experience and Skills:

• Ability to conduct research project activities under supervision
• Plan project activities and meet timelines
• General experience with laboratory techniques
• Good communication (verbal and written) and organizational skills and
• Computer skills including knowledge of Word, Power Point and Excel

Preferred Experience and Skills:

• Experience with viral and bacterial titration assays
• Experience working with large animals in vaccine development research or related field
• Familiarity with USDA product licensure requirements
• Experience using Electronic Lab Notebooks (ELN)

Required Skills:

Analytical Assays, Animal Science, Assay, Assay Development, Bacterial Culturing, Biochemistry, Biology, Biophysics, Cell Biology, Cell Culture Techniques, Data Analysis, Drug Discovery Research, Electronic Lab Notebook (ELN), Lab Maintenance, Laboratory Maintenance, Laboratory Management, Laboratory Operations, Laboratory Protocols, Laboratory Research, Laboratory Techniques, Microbiology, Molecular Biology, Pipetting, Scientific Research

Preferred Skills:

The salary range for this role is $71,900.00 – $113,200.00

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.

You can apply for this role through https://jobs.merck.com/us/en (or via the Workday Jobs Hub if you are a current employee). The application deadline for this position is stated on this posting.

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: No

VISA Sponsorship: No

Travel Requirements: 10%

Flexible Work Arrangements: Not Applicable

Shift: 1st – Day

Valid Driving License: No

Hazardous Material(s): N/A

Job Posting End Date: 09/16/2026

*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.