Manufacturing Associate Jobs in Gardner, KS (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.
The Associate Specialist, Engineering (Biotechnology Solutions) provides technical support for vaccine and biologics process development and manufacturing within a multidisciplinary environment. This role collaborates cross-functionally with Bioprocess Technology Solutions, Manufacturing, Engineering, Quality, and Research & Development (R&D) to support the development, scale-up, and commercialization of new veterinary products.
Associate Specialist will contribute to process development, technology transfer, and continuous improvement initiatives while ensuring alignment with safety, quality, compliance, and operational excellence standards.
Primary Responsibilities

• Contribute as a team member to the development and scale-up of bioprocesses, including microbial, viral, and cell culture systems, as well as downstream purification and final formulation of vaccines and biologics.
• Support technology transfer activities from development into manufacturing, ensuring processes are robust, scalable, and compliant with operational requirements.
• Participate in process development and optimization efforts to meet product quality, safety, consistency, and cost-effectiveness targets.
• Support technical investigations, validation activities, and continuous improvement initiatives, applying a structured and data-driven approach to problem-solving.
• Analyze and troubleshoot issues by considering multiple perspectives, including safety, compliance, process, equipment, and operational factors, to identify root causes and implement solutions.
• Collaborate cross-functionally with teams such as Manufacturing, Quality Control (QC), R&D, Regulatory, and Technical Services to enable scientific decision-making and project execution.
• Contribute to the evaluation, introduction, and implementation of new technologies to support product and process improvements.
• Support project management activities, including development of project charters, timelines, deliverables, risk identification, and mitigation plans.
• Track and communicate project status, risks, and key milestones to stakeholders; escalate issues proactively as needed.
• Develop, review, and maintain technical documentation, including protocols, reports, validation documents, and change control records, in compliance with regulatory and internal standards.
• Ensure compliance with GMP, USDA, and other applicable regulatory requirements, and support inspection readiness activities.
• Apply standardized engineering and process tools, and support design and execution of experimental studies at laboratory and/or manufacturing scale.
• Demonstrate strong collaboration across global and cross-functional teams, contributing to team effectiveness and knowledge sharing.
• Support environment, health, and safety (EHS) initiatives and continuous improvement efforts within the department.
• Provide training, guidance, and mentorship to junior staff or trainees as needed.
• Participate in off-shift or weekend work, as required to support operations or project timelines.

Education Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in Chemical Engineering, Biotechnology, Biochemical Engineering, Biology, Biochemistry, Microbiology, or a related discipline (required)
• Master's degree or PhD in a relevant field (preferred)

Required Experience and Skills

• Experience in biopharmaceutical or vaccine process development, R&D, or manufacturing environments
• Strong technical writing, documentation, and communication skills
• Demonstrated project management and organizational capabilities
• Ability to work effectively in cross-functional and multidisciplinary teams
• Strong problem-solving skills with a hands-on and data-driven approach
• Understanding of GMP requirements and regulated environments
• Ability to manage competing priorities and deliver results within defined timelines

Preferred Experience and Skills

• Experience with bioprocess scale-up and technology transfer
• Knowledge of vaccine manufacturing processes
• Working knowledge of USDA regulatory requirements
• Familiarity with process monitoring, statistical analysis, and data interpretation

Core Competencies

• Technical expertise in bioprocessing and manufacturing sciences
• Collaboration and teamwork across functions and geographies
• Execution excellence with strong attention to detail
• Adaptability and continuous learning mindset
• Integrity and commitment to safety, quality, and compliance

Required Skills:
Biochemistry, Biochemistry, Biological Engineering, Cell Cultures, Chemical Engineering, Data Analysis, Detail-Oriented, Engineering Standards, Equipment Maintenance, Estimation and Planning, Field Failure Analysis, GMP Compliance, Identifying Risks, Mammalian Cell Culture, Manufacturing Processes, Manufacturing Quality Control, Mentorship, Microbiology, Pharmaceutical Sciences, Process Design, Process Improvements, Product Formulation, Regulatory Requirements, Scientific Problem Solving, Statistical Analysis {+ 2 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.
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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:
10%
Flexible Work Arrangements:
Not Applicable
Shift:
1st - Day
Valid Driving License:
No
Hazardous Material(s):
n/a
Job Posting End Date:
08/24/2026
*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.