Senior Methods Specialist, Analytical Technology Support

Join Us in Shaping the Future of Animal Health

Our Animal Health Global Manufacturing teams are focused on reducing the cost of goods to enable the delivery of cost-effective, life-changing vaccines for our customers and patients. At our Midwest site(s) you will be part of a world-class team driving hands-on analytical method development and robust site-to-site method transfers that support the production and testing of veterinary products worldwide.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead and execute hands-on method development and improvement activities at the bench across multiple bioassay platforms (e.g., ELISA, virus titration, HA/HI). Design experiments, run assays, analyze results, and implement technical fixes to improve accuracy, precision, sensitivity, and robustness.
• Plan and manage site-to-site analytical method transfers: develop transfer plans, perform parallel testing, document equivalency, troubleshoot discrepancies, and close transfer gaps to achieve successful adoption.
• Perform complex data analysis and trending to identify non-robust methods and root causes; partner with data analytics and statistics to guide experimental design and acceptance criteria.
• Write and maintain technical documents to support transfers and development efforts, including protocols, SOPs, validation reports, and technical summaries suitable for QC and regulatory review.
• Lead cross-functional project teams and coordinate with stakeholders across Quality Control, Operations, Bioprocess Technology Solutions, Regulatory Affairs, and Analytical Technology Solutions across five U.S. sites.
• Use internal systems to manage project plans, track milestones and risks, and report progress to site and regional leadership.
• Present technical findings, status updates, and risk-mitigation plans to team, site, and regional stakeholders.
• Mentor and train QC staff on new or transferred methods to ensure reproducible implementation and ongoing compliance.

Qualifications:

Education Minimum Requirement: Bachelor's degree in Biology, Immunology, Microbiology, Virology, or a related biological science.

Required Experience and Skills:

• 3–5 years' hands-on bench experience developing, validating, and transferring analytical methods within a QC or analytical lab (in vitro bioassays emphasized).
• Demonstrated project management experience leading analytical method transfers and improvement projects across multiple sites.
• Subject matter expertise in at least one bioassay platform (e.g., ELISA, virus titration, HA/HI) with practical experience executing assays and troubleshooting instrumentation and assay performance.
• Proven ability to perform bioassay data analysis, trending, and interpretation; able to translate data into concrete technical actions and acceptance criteria.
• Strong technical writing skills for protocols, validation reports, and technical documentation.
• Proven cross-functional collaboration skills, including experience working with QC, Manufacturing, Regulatory, and R&D teams and coordinating activities across multiple locations.
• Detail-oriented, proactive, and able to balance bench-level work with project leadership responsibilities.

Preferred Skills and Experience:

• Experience with method development focused on USDA requirements and animal health processes.
• Familiarity with automated imagers, liquid handlers, and other analytical technologies used to scale and transfer methods.
• Experience designing experiments for bioassays and working with statistical acceptance criteria.
• Experience presenting technical data to cross-functional stakeholders and leadership.

What We're Looking For

• Individuals who demonstrate execution excellence through effective problem-solving and critical thinking.
• Those who embrace an entrepreneurial mindset, taking initiative and ownership of their work.
• Those who adapt with agility and resilience in a dynamic, fast-paced environment.
• Those who uphold a safety-first mindset, ensuring the well-being of themselves and their colleagues.
• Those who embrace ambiguity and adapt with resilience.

Why Join Us?

• Be part of a transformative organization that will shape the future of animal health.
• Work with a dynamic and experienced team.
• Contribute to cutting-edge research and manufacturing of large-molecule vaccines and biologic products.
• Help us meet growing global demand for our portfolio of animal health solutions.

Employee Status: Temporary (Fixed Term)

Relocation: No

VISA Sponsorship: No

Travel Requirements: 25%

Flexible Work Arrangements: Hybrid

Shift: 1st - Day

Valid Driving License: Yes

Hazardous Material(s): N/A

Required Skills: Analytical Method Development, Analytical Method Transfer, Analytical Problem Solving, Assay Development, Collaboration, Communication, ELISA Techniques, ELISA Test, High-Throughput Assays, Laboratory Testing, Manufacturing Technologies, Method Development, Parallel Testing, Professional Presentation, Project Management, Protocol Development, Technical Transfer, Throughput Optimization, Writing

Preferred Skills: Bioassay Design, USDA Regulations

Requisition ID: R363925

The salary range for this role is $94,300.00 - $148,500.00. 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.