Associate Scientist, Biology-Discovery

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 Associate Scientist to join our Formulation Development team supporting the research and development of therapeutic veterinary monoclonal antibodies and other biologic products. This is an excellent opportunity for an early-career scientist with a strong chemistry, biochemistry, pharmaceutical sciences, or related background who is interested in protein formulation, analytical characterization, and biologics product development. In this hands-on laboratory role, you will contribute to formulation screening, stability studies, analytical testing, and the development of robust formulations for veterinary therapeutic antibodies. You will work closely with cross-functional teams including Early Discovery Research, Upstream Process Development, Downstream Process Development, Analytical and Bioassay Development, and Manufacturing Team to advance veterinary biologics from research through development. The ideal candidate is scientifically analytically minded, detail-oriented, and comfortable working with laboratory instruments and quantitative data. Training will be provided for selected instrumentation and platform technologies.

• →Prepare formulation buffers, excipient solutions, standards, and samples using accurate weighing, pH adjustment, dilution, filtration, and solution-handling techniques.
• →Execute formulation screening and optimization studies for monoclonal antibodies, including evaluation of pH, buffer systems, salts, surfactants, stabilizers, protein concentration, and other formulation variables.
• →Conduct forced-degradation, accelerated-stability, freeze-thaw, agitation, light-exposure, and other stress studies to assess product quality and formulation robustness.
• →Perform routine analytical testing using techniques such as UV-Vis spectroscopy, protein concentration measurement, pH, osmolality, appearance, turbidity, particle assessment, chromatography, electrophoresis, and thermal stability analysis, as available.
• →Support evaluation of monoclonal antibody physicochemical stability, including aggregation, fragmentation, oxidation, deamidation, charge heterogeneity, precipitation, and particle formation.
• →Operate, calibrate, troubleshoot, and maintain formulation and analytical laboratory equipment in accordance with established procedures.
• →Analyze and interpret experimental data, identify trends, compare formulation conditions, and communicate scientifically supported conclusions and recommendations.
• →Maintain accurate and timely documentation in electronic laboratory notebooks and prepare study summaries, technical reports, protocols, and presentations.
• →Collaborate with cross-functional teams while following laboratory safety requirements, standard operating procedures, and data integrity expectations.

• Bachelor's degree in Chemistry, Biochemistry, Pharmaceutical Sciences, Chemical Engineering, Biotechnology, Bioengineering, or a related scientific discipline.

• Experience working in a chemistry, biochemistry, pharmaceutical, analytical, or biologics laboratory environment.
• Strong foundation in chemistry, including solution preparation, concentration calculations, pH and buffer concepts, dilution, and basic physicochemical principles.
• Hands-on experience with common analytical laboratory techniques and instruments, with the ability to follow methods and generate reliable quantitative data.
• Strong attention to detail and ability to accurately document, organize, review, and interpret experimental results.
• Basic data analysis and visualization skills using software such as Excel, GraphPad Prism, or similar tools.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills.
• Ability to work independently while contributing effectively within a multidisciplinary team environment.
• Demonstrated eagerness to learn new formulation, analytical, and protein characterization techniques.

The following qualifications are preferred but not required:

• One to two years experience with formulation development or stability assessment of proteins, monoclonal antibodies, vaccines, or other biologic products.
• Hands-on experience with analytical techniques such as SEC-HPLC/UPLC, ion-exchange chromatography, capillary electrophoresis, SDS-PAGE, dynamic light scattering, differential scanning fluorimetry, or related methods.
• Experience assessing protein concentration, purity, aggregation, charge variants, thermal stability, particles, viscosity, osmolality, or other formulation-relevant attributes.
• Working knowledge of protein chemistry, colloidal stability, chemical degradation pathways, and the role of common biopharmaceutical excipients.
• Industry or academic research experience supporting biologics formulation development, analytical development, or product characterization.

Current Employees apply HERE

Current Contingent Workers apply HERE

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:

EEOC Know Your Rights

EEOC GINA Supplement​

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

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.