Associate Specialist, Engineering

MSD

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Closes in 4 days

Quick summary

Work type
On-site
Location
Durham, NC
Salary
$71,900–$113,200 / yr
Posted
3 days ago
Freshness
Confirmed live today
Closes
Sep 24, 2026 (soon)

Market check

Salary context

Below market

How this pay compares to similar roles

Similar $135k
This role $93k
$61k most similar roles pay here $176k

This role pays less than 92% of similar roles. Most pay $109,962–$159,462 — the shaded band above. At the midpoint, this role pays about $93k versus about $135k for comparable roles.

Based on 240 similar postings.

Employer

About MSD

MSD (Merck Sharp & Dohme) is the international name for Merck & Co., a major U.S.-based pharmaceutical company.

MSD currently has 32 open roles on FindRole.

Listed pay typically runs $117,000–$184,200 across 32 roles with salary data.

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At a glance

TL;DR · Associate Specialist, Engineering

The Associate Specialist, Engineering joins the Process Support Lab team to execute lab-scale vaccine process development, technical transfer support, and post-commercial process enhancements for multiple pipeline programs. This role involves performing hands-on experiments in areas such as buffer and media preparation, cell or tissue culture, particle isolation, and product lyophilization. The individual will conduct bio-analytical assays including potency, metabolite, moisture, FTIR, SEM-EDS, and UV/Vis analyses to support manufacturing investigations. Key responsibilities include troubleshooting equipment, designing experiments for process characterization, and compiling data using statistical tools for analysis. Required skills include expertise in mammalian cell culture, chemical engineering fundamentals, and pharmaceutical manufacturing within cGMP environments. The role focuses on solving technical problems related to vaccine production, including large molecule manufacturing, process optimization, and the development of bulk processes for pipeline products.

What you'll do

  • Provide hands-on support for lab-scale experiments including buffer preparation, cell culture, and product lyophilization.
  • Execute bio-analytical assays for in-process and post-process samples such as potency, metabolite, and moisture analysis.
  • Perform particle isolation and microscope imaging to investigate manufacturing issues with quick turnaround times.
  • Design and execute lab experiments to support process characterization and commercial technology transfers.
  • Conduct experimental studies for investigational, developmental, and continuous improvement projects for existing products.
  • Troubleshoot equipment and assays as needed to ensure smooth laboratory operations.
  • Author technical reports, experimental design proposals, and other required documentation.
  • Compile process data and use statistical tools for experimental analysis and monitoring.

What we're looking for

  • Bachelor’s Degree or higher in Engineering or Sciences.
  • Strong leadership, interpersonal, and communication skills (written and oral).
  • Experience with vaccine or biologics manufacturing within an aseptic, cGMP environment (preferred).
  • Hands-on experience in large molecule manufacturing or bio-analytical assays (preferred).
  • Experience designing experiments and authoring technical documentation (preferred).
  • Ability to work in a fast-paced environment and perform off-shift or weekend work as needed.
  • Proficiency in data analysis, problem solving, and laboratory techniques such as cell culture or buffer preparation.

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