Job Description
BTS Scientist - Specialist
2-Year Fixed Term ContractwithCompetitive Remuneration
Opportunity toupskill and growin advanced vaccine and bioprocess science working withcutting-edge technologiesandglobal experts
Based in Upper Hutt New Zealand contributing locally while collaborating with our global Animal Health network
Join atrusted global-leading Animal Health organisationwhere your work directly supports thereliable supply of life-saving vaccines for animals worldwide
Biotechnology Solutions (BTS) within Animal Health improves commercial vaccine processes and leads projects across manufacturing and quality. BTS Upper Hutt (UPH) develops immunological analytical and biological methods to test antigens and vaccines designs production processes for bacterial antigens and vaccine formulations for new research and development (R&D) vaccines and manages technology transfers. The team works closely with Manufacturing Quality R&D Regulatory and Supply Chain colleagues worldwide.
The BTS Scientist - Specialist sits in the Animal Health Science and Technology department (Manufacturing Division) and reports to the BTS Lead Upper this role you improve develop and troubleshoot antigen and vaccine testing and control methods manage projects or key deliverables and support production processes for antigens and vaccines. You play a critical role in securing compliant reliable and cost-effective antigen and vaccine supply to meet customer and market needs.
You take ownership set high standards for yourself and others and are accountable for successful delivery. You communicate clearly and use your influencing and negotiation skills to gain support for ideas and drive action.
What You Must have
Responsibilities include but are not limited to:
Lead and improve processes and projects
Anticipate and solve complex product process production and operational performance problems using Quality System tools and generating corrective and preventive action (CAPA) options selecting based on business need and practicality
Lead large site and off-site projects using project management processes and tools including technology development and technology transfer projects and support technology transfers to the site
Challenge local processes and procedures to eliminate waste and drive continuous improvement
Take subsystem ownership of multiple complex Environmental Health and Safety (EHS) and Quality Assurance (QA) standards
Design execute and communicate scientific work
Collaborate across a multidisciplinary global network
Plan execute and report trials and experiments related to investigational projects process development and vaccine production from seeding stage to completion including transport studies where required
Drive technology development and new alternatives for current processes providing scientific and technical expertise on production-related topics
Report and present project progress results and recommendations clearly to stakeholders
Collaborate across a multidisciplinary global network
Work in a multidisciplinary environment with local and international colleagues from Manufacturing Quality R&D Regulatory and Supply Chain
Interact closely with fellow scientists and specialists within own and other departments networking with subject matter experts (SMEs) and colleagues across the site and the wider network
Lead or contribute to On-Point and 8-Step problem-solving activities as applicable
What You Must Have
Science degree preferably in biological science such as microbiology immunology biochemistry
A strong team player with excellent communication organisational and interpersonal skills able to operate in a matrix good manufacturing practice (GMP) biopharma biological and vaccine manufacturing environment
Specialist skills in Immunology or Microbiology focused on antigen/protein and vaccine method development
Advanced project management skills
Demonstrated experience in developing optimizing and qualifying immunological and biological methods to measure antigens and vaccines with expertise in designing and developing in vitro methods
Strong laboratory skills with demonstrated ability in methods and technologies for biological and immunological processes for example protein measurement vaccine potency testing immunology methods for antigen detection such as ELISA fast protein liquid chromatography (FPLC) or affinity chromatography and cell-based toxicity assays
Working knowledge of bacterial fermentation and vaccine formulation
Expert academic working and thinking level in Immunology Protein Biology Biotechnology Microbiology or equivalent
Experience in a biopharmaceutical production or bioprocessing environment
Working knowledge of GMP-regulated biological and pharmaceutical manufacturing environments
Theoretical and practical knowledge of upstream and downstream processing technologies for biopharmaceuticals at laboratory and manufacturing scale
Ability to balance detail with overall perspective analyse complex situations and find pragmatic effective solutions
Hands-on scientist able to cope with temporary stress and deadlines
Fluent in English spoken and written
What You Can Expect
Autonomyon complex vaccine and process challenges with strongsupportfrom BTS Manufacturing Quality and R&D
Avisible impactful rolewhere yourproblem-solvingdirectly supports reliable antigen and vaccine supply
Broadexposureacross the vaccine lifecycle creating futurecareerandskill developmentopportunities
Acollaborative multidisciplinary team thatshares knowledgeencourages innovationandvalues your ideas
We are proud to be a company that embraces the value of bringing talented and committed people together. The fastest way to breakthrough innovation is when ideas come together in an inclusive environment. We encourage our colleagues to respectfully challenge one anothers thinking and approach problems collectively. We are an equal opportunity employer committed to fostering an inclusive workplace.
Required Skills:
Analytical Instrumentation Data Analysis ELISA Techniques Equipment Maintenance Experimentation GMP Environments Immunology Inventory Management Laboratory Processes Microbiology Personal Initiative Pharmaceutical Biotechnology Project Management Science Scientific Research Teamwork Technical Writing Vaccine ManufacturingPreferred Skills:
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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:
Temporary (Fixed Term)Relocation:
VISA Sponsorship:
Travel Requirements:
Flexible Work Arrangements:
Not ApplicableShift:
Valid Driving License:
Hazardous Material(s):
Job Posting End Date:
03/13/2026*A job posting is effective until 11:59:59PM on the day BEFOREthe listed job posting end date. Please ensure you apply to a job posting no later than the day BEFORE the job posting end date.
Required Experience:
IC
Merck & Co., Inc., Kenilworth, New Jersey, USA is known as “Merck” in the United States, Canada & Puerto Rico. We are known as “MSD” in Europe, Middle East, Africa, Latin America & Asia Pacific. We are a global biopharmaceutical leader with a diverse portfolio of prescription medicine ... View more