Merck & Co, Inc

Associate Specialist, Quality Control

Merck & Co, Inc$65K — $102K *
Pharmaceuticals & Biotech
Less than 5 years of experience
Job Overview by Ladders

Qualifications

  • B.A./B.S. degree in Science or Engineering
  • Knowledge of continuous improvement principles
  • Experience operating routine laboratory equipment
  • Knowledge of regulatory and cGMP principles
  • Ability to interpret Quality Policies and Testing Procedures

Responsibilities

  • Support continuous improvement and implement laboratory changes
  • Ensure accurate completion of tasks, identifying root causes when needed
  • Lead Tier I and Tier II activities as required
  • Demonstrate knowledge of product performance and testing
  • Promote inclusivity within the team culture
  • Respond to audit observations effectively
  • Coordinate testing activities within the work team
  • Test and interpret results of various pharmaceutical components

Benefits

  • Promotes a culture of inclusivity and teamwork
  • Opportunities for skills development and feedback integration
  • Collaborative work environment that values diverse perspectives
  • Emphasis on continuous improvement and compliance
Full Job Description
Job Description

Essential functions include, but are not limited to:

Employee must show ability to perform routine assignments and develops competence by performing structured work assignments. Ability to use existing procedures to perform routine testing. Requires knowledge and exposure to fundamental laboratory instrumentation, theories, principles, and concepts. Receives instruction, guidance, and direction from others and also seeks advice/information from others when addressing serious business issues that may impact other functions. Builds and promotes the team's effectiveness through actions that demonstrate respect and appreciation for diverse perspectives. Demonstrates understanding of customer needs, requirements, and expectations. Seeks new ways to improve services to customers. Speaks up on tough issues and expresses views and ideas at the right time while actively encouraging team members to make suggestions and share ideas. Works to develop new skills and abilities. Readily accepts performance feedback and incorporates this feedback into future performance. Assists other team members, including helping with developmental activities. Learns to use new problem-solving tools to surface and solve issues. Applies general knowledge of company business developed through education and past experience. Ability to interpret Quality Policies, Guidelines and Testing Procedures for daily application. Understands and applies regulatory/compliance requirements, including GMP, NDA, and related regulations, and has the ability to interpret those regulations for implementation in the workplace. Possesses a basic knowledge of theories, practices, and procedures in the Quality Control discipline, including the knowledge and understanding of pharmaceutical testing. Active with developing technical writing capabilities and is able to compile straightforward investigations and procedures and recommend scientifically sound corrective actions. Possesses a basic knowledge and ability to operate lab instrumentation required to complete job responsibilities. Uses existing procedures to perform routine testing. Ability to independently respond to basic requests for data and trending of data. Communicates information and asks questions to check for understanding. Develops small scale presentations and presents to own work team or small groups with the assistance of others. Has limited decision-making authority and works within technical guidelines / direction to achieve objectives and meet deadlines. Accountable for technical contribution to work or project team. Requires moderate to little supervision.

PRIMARY ACTIVITIES

Primary activities include, but are not limited to:

1. Supports continuous improvement and supports sustainability of implemented changes. Identifies and implements continuous improvement changes within the laboratory.

2. Ensures work is completed right first time. Participates in root cause and corrective action identification and documents investigations.

3. Participates and leads, when required, Tier I and Tier II activities.

4. Demonstrates working knowledge of product performance and testing methodology.

5. Provides an environment conducive with the 12 Inclusive Behaviors, actively promotes an inclusive culture and leads by example.

6. Responds to and remediates audit observations.

7. Demonstrates working knowledge of equipment and ensures proper usage of equipment occurs.

8. Participates in coordination of testing activities within work team.

9. Tests and interprets results for any of the following: raw materials, active pharmaceutical ingredients, water, microbial limit testing, & finished pharmaceutical products.

10. Maintains compliance by following corporate policies/guidelines and local SOP's.

11. Interprets compendial and internal monographs, NDAs, and company Quality Standards.

12. Provides analytical support for cleaning validations, laboratory support requests, equipment validations, method transfers, and API Stability Packaging Description (ASPD).

13. Assures laboratory compliance by adhering to cGMP, CFR, and other agency regulations.

14. Revises laboratory procedures as required.

15. Demonstrates leadership by maintaining a safe workplace and identifying actions to prevent safety incidents in the laboratory.

16. Maintains 5S organization throughout the laboratory and identifies improvement opportunities.

17. Participates in project activities designed to improve the business operation of the laboratory, the compliance posture of the laboratory, the skills and capabilities of the laboratory, etc.

18. Performs any other work as assigned by Manager.

Education Requirements
  • B.A./B.S. degree (preferably in Science or Engineering)


Required Skills
  • Knowledge of continuous improvement principles.
  • Experience operating routine laboratory equipment including but not limited to: Karl Fisher, pH meter, conductivity meter, UV, etc.
  • Knowledge of regulatory and cGMP principles.


Preferred Skills
  • Experience operating laboratory equipment: HPLC, dissolution apparatus, FTIR, NIR, etc.
  • Experience utilizing Empower.
  • Experience utilizing GLIMS.
  • Execution of root cause analysis.
  • Background in technical writing including but not limited to: updating of standard operating procedures and writing quality notifications.
  • Knowledge of Tier processes.
  • Experience executing 5S principals.


Required Skills:
Adaptability, Adaptability, Analytical Instrumentation, Analytical Method Development, Analytical Problem Solving, Bioburden Testing, Chemical Analysis, Code of Federal Regulations, Corrective Action Management, Customer Service Improvement, Data Analysis, Karl Fischer Titrations, Laboratory Instrumentation, Laboratory Safety, Laboratory Techniques, Lab Testing Equipment, Microbiology Research, Performance Feedback, Pharmaceutical Testing, Quality Control Management, Quality Process Development, Regulatory Compliance, Service Improvement, Standard Operating Procedure (SOP), Teamwork {+ 2 more}

Preferred Skills:

Current Employees apply HERE

Current Contingent Workers apply HERE

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):
flammable materials

Job Posting End Date:
07/1/2026
*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.

About Merck & Co, Inc

Schering-Plough Corporation is a major U.S.-based manufacturer of pharmaceuticals. It operates in three segments: Prescription Pharmaceuticals, Animal Health, and Consumer Health Care. Schering-Plough develops products targeting on allergy, cancer, hepatitis, cardiovascular, central nervous system, respiratory system, and more.  It was founded in 1851 by Ernst Christian Friedrich Schering as Schering AG in Germany. Schering-Plough manufactured several pharmaceutical drugs, the most well-known of which were the allergy drugs Claritin and Clarinex, an anti-cholesterol drug Vytorin, and a brain tumor drug Temodar. It also developed drugs targeting on central nervous system and the respiratory system. Schering Plough also owned and operated the major foot care brand name Dr. Scholl's and the skin care line Coppertone. These also became a part of the new company. Schering-Plough was a full member of the European Federation of Pharmaceutical Industries and Associations (EFPIA), a membership which is also maintained by the new Merck.

Merck & Co, Inc Careers

Join the visionary team at Merck & Co, Inc, a global leader in healthcare dedicated to advancing the world of medicine. As part of our professional community, you'll find dynamic job opportunities that foster innovation and leadership across various fields. Merck & Co, Inc is not just a company; it's a place where you can make a difference.

Work You’ll Do

At Merck & Co, Inc, we are committed to improving global health through groundbreaking research and innovative healthcare solutions. Our team is at the forefront of developing new therapies and vaccines that significantly impact public health worldwide. By joining us, you will collaborate with some of the brightest minds in the industry, using your skills to contribute to projects that save and improve lives around the globe.

Explore Career Paths

Whether you're seeking an internship, a graduate opportunity, or a professional position, Merck & Co, Inc offers a range of career paths in environments that promote rapid professional growth and development. Explore job opportunities in research, digital transformation, manufacturing, and more, all while benefiting from a culture that supports diversity and inclusion.

Innovate and Lead

Merck & Co, Inc is an ideal environment for those who lead with curiosity and the drive to innovate. Our leadership is committed to fostering a culture where inventive thinking and collaboration are encouraged, making it a perfect place for professionals who seek to make an impact through their work.

Develop Your Skills

With Merck & Co, Inc, you are not just getting a job; you're gaining access to unparalleled career development opportunities. Enhance your skills through diverse training programs, workshops, and continuous learning courses designed to help you grow at every stage of your career.

Benefits and Culture

We understand that our employees are our greatest asset, which is why we offer competitive benefits designed to support the health and well-being of you and your family. From comprehensive health care coverage and retirement plans to flexible working conditions and wellness programs, our benefits package is designed to meet the diverse needs of our team members.

Join Our Team

Ready to advance your career at Merck & Co, Inc? Search open positions that match your skills and interests. We are continuously hiring and looking for passionate, creative, and solution-driven team players. Prepare your resume, sharpen your interview skills, and become part of a company that's dedicated to making a difference.

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Learn more about Merck & Co, Inc
Size
68,000 employees
Market Cap
$282.6 billion
Industry
Net Income
$7 billion
Founded
1668
5 Year Trend
+4.1%
Revenue
$47.9 billion
NASDAQ

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