Entry Level Animal Science Jobs in Nebraska (NOW HIRING)

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.
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.
We are seeking a highly motivated entry-level Associate Scientist to support bioanalytical activities, including ELISA-based assay execution and pharmacokinetic (PK) sample analysis. This position will contribute to early-stage and preclinical veterinary or biological product development by generating reliable quantitative data to support PK and immunogenicity studies.
Key Responsibilities:

• Perform ELISA-based assays for quantification of proteins (e.g., antibodies, biomarkers, cytokines) in biological matrices such as serum and plasma
• Support pharmacokinetic (PK) sample analysis, including sample preparation, dilution, and plate-based assays
• Execute experiments following standard operating procedures (SOPs) and study protocols
• Analyze and interpret assay data using software such as SoftMax Pro, Prism, or similar tools
• Generate standard curves, sample concentration calculations and tabulated summaries
• Maintain accurate and detailed electronic laboratory notebook (ELN) documentation
• Assist in assay qualification, optimization, and troubleshooting
• Ensure compliance with GLP/GCP and internal quality standards (as applicable)
• Support method validation activities and data review
• Serve as Study Investigator for laboratory procedures
• Read scientific literature as assigned by supervisor
• Make project-oriented presentations in team meetings
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams including bioanalytical scientists and project team members

Required Qualifications:

• Bachelor's degree in Biochemistry, Biology, Immunology, or related scientific field
• 2 years of laboratory experience (academic lab experience acceptable)
• Hands-on experience with ELISA or other plate-based immunoassays
• Basic understanding of pharmacokinetics (PK) principles
• Strong attention to detail and ability to follow protocols precisely
• Good data analysis and organizational skills
• Ability to work effectively in a team-oriented, cross-functional lab environment

Preferred Qualifications:

• Internship or lab experience in a bioanalytical, CRO, or biotech/pharma setting
• Exposure to PK/ADA (anti-drug antibody) assays
• Experience with plate readers and bioanalytical software tools
• Knowledge of GLP or regulated bioanalysis

Key Skills:

• ELISA assay setup, execution, and troubleshooting
• Pipetting accuracy and laboratory best practices
• Data analysis and curve fitting
• Time management and multitasking
• Scientific documentation and communication

Work Environment:

• Laboratory-based role involving routine bench work
• Handling of biological samples using proper safety procedures

Required Skills:
Animal Science, Animal Science, Assay, Assay Development, Biochemical Assays, Biochemistry, Biophysics, Biostatistics, Cell-Based Assays, Cell Biology, Cell Culture Techniques, Cytokines, Data Analysis, Enzyme Linked Immunosorbent Assay (ELISA), Immunoassays, Immunochemistry, Immunology, Immunotherapy, Laboratory Documentation, Laboratory Techniques, Microbiology, Molecular Biology, Pipetting, Sample Analysis, Scientific Writing {+ 1 more}
Preferred Skills:
Current Employees apply HERE
Current Contingent Workers apply HERE
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.
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:
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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
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
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):
NA
Job Posting End Date:
09/10/2026
*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.