Merck & Co, Inc

QC Instrument Specialist

Merck & Co, Inc$87K — $137K *
Pharmaceuticals & Biotech
Less than 5 years of experience
Job Overview by Ladders

Qualifications

  • Bachelor's degree in Chemistry, Biochemistry, Engineering or related field
  • Minimum 2 years of experience in a regulated laboratory environment
  • Familiarity with analytical instrumentation used in QC labs
  • Exposure to GMP environments and quality management systems
  • Experience with laboratory IT systems and electronic data management

Responsibilities

  • Support procurement and installation of laboratory instruments
  • Assist in the development and execution of commissioning protocols
  • Prepare and review documentation for instrument qualification
  • Coordinate with cross-functional teams for commissioning activities
  • Execute maintenance and calibration of laboratory instrumentation
  • Ensure compliance with quality systems and documentation requirements
  • Liaise with teams for training and continuous improvement initiatives

Benefits

  • Opportunity for career growth in a regulated environment
  • Hands-on experience with a range of analytical instruments
  • Collaboration with cross-functional teams
  • Contribution to continuous improvement initiatives
  • On-site position fostering team collaboration
Full Job Description
Job Description

Reporting to the QC lead for Instrumentation & Digital Systems, the Quality Control Instrument Specialist will support the start-up and ongoing operation of new laboratory facilities by assisting with the procurement, commissioning, qualification, and lifecycle management of analytical instrumentation. This role ensures that laboratory instruments are maintained in a validated and calibrated state to support analytical testing in compliance with regulatory and quality standards.

Key Accountabilities:

New Facility & Laboratory Start-Up:
  • Support the procurement and installation of laboratory instrumentation, including coordination with vendors and internal stakeholders
  • Assist with the development and execution of instrument commissioning and qualification (IQ/OQ/PQ) protocols
  • Prepare and review supporting documentation for instrument qualification activities to ensure the highest standards of execution including SOPs, maintenance plans, equipment classifications, and qualification documentation
  • Coordinate with Quality Assurance (QA), Information Technology (IT), and Global Engineering Services (GES) functions to ensure commissioning and qualification activities are completed on schedule to support operational readiness
  • Support interaction with qualification services providers and external laboratory support groups


Post Go-Live Instrument Lifecycle Management:
  • Execute maintenance and calibration activities in accordance with established schedules and regulatory expectations
  • Ensure all laboratory instrumentation is maintained in a fully validated and calibrated state in support of analytical testing
  • Support the instrument management quality system, including documentation of instrument status, deviations, and change controls
  • Assist with troubleshooting instrument issues and coordinating repairs with vendors
  • Maintain inspection readiness of all laboratory instruments and systems at all times


Quality & Compliance:
  • Support the development and maintenance of instrument-related SOPs, work instructions, and quality system documentation in compliance with cGMP, biosafety, corporate policies, and regulatory requirements
  • Ensure compliance with Data Integrity and Good Documentation Practices requirements related to laboratory instrumentation
  • Support and/or lead equipment troubleshooting and related deviations, CAPAs, and change controls
  • Participate in internal audits and support health authority inspections as needed


Collaboration & Development:
  • Liaise with cross-functional teams including our research division, IT, Quality Assurance, and Engineering
  • Support training activities for laboratory personnel on instrument operation and maintenance
  • Contribute to continuous improvement initiatives for instrumentation processes


Qualifications / experience

Education
  • Bachelor's degree in Chemistry, Biochemistry, Engineering, or a related scientific discipline.


Experience
  • Minimum 2 years of industry experience in a regulated laboratory environment (pharmaceutical, biotech, or related industry)
  • Experience with analytical instrumentation commonly used in QC laboratories (e.g., HPLC/UPLC, plate readers, mass spectrometers, analytical balances, etc.)
  • Familiarity with instrument qualification (IQ/OQ/PQ) and calibration principles
  • Exposure to GMP environments and quality management systems is required
  • Experience with core laboratory & quality systems including Empower, Softmax Pro, GLIMS, LabX, MODA, Biovia, SAP, Veeva, etc.


Core competencies and skills
  • Strong attention to detail and documentation practices
  • Strong critical thinking skills and troubleshooting capabilities
  • Good organizational and time management skills
  • Ability to work collaboratively in a team environment
  • Basic understanding of Data Integrity principles
  • Familiarity with laboratory IT systems and electronic data management
  • Effective written and verbal communication skills


Additional Info:
  • Location: Wilmington Delaware (On-Site)
  • Travel: Ability to travel ~10% of the time


Required Skills:
Analytical Instrumentation, Analytical Testing, Antibody Drug Conjugates (ADC), Critical Thinking, Data Integrity, Driving Continuous Improvement, GMP Compliance, Laboratory Documentation, Laboratory Safety, Mass Spectrometry (MS), Quality Control Documentation, Quality Systems Documentation, Regulatory Requirements, Teamwork, Technical Writing, Troubleshooting, Use of Laboratory Equipment

Preferred Skills:

Current Employees apply HERE

Current Contingent Workers apply HERE

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):
Yes

Job Posting End Date:
07/28/2026
*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.

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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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