Senior Operations Technician, Cell Culture

Job Description

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.

Our Manufacturing Operations teams are the people that make our products. We work in the manufacturing plants with a “Safety First, Quality Always” mindset striving for continuous improvement. We work in the local plant connected to our global manufacturing network to ensure the highest quality of raw materials, intermediates, and finished products.

We are recruiting for a Senior Operations Technician position. The Senior Operations Technician, in conjunction with the execution routine production activities, will primarily support the team by driving completion of process work, sampling, documentation, material transfers, and assisting with training. The Senior Operations Technician also supports continuous improvement, transfer of new products, and may assist with deviations and change management.

The basic purpose of this position is to provide expert support for our Company Animal Health antigen production operations at our site in De Soto, Kansas.  This position provides technical and operations support to ensure that manufacturing schedules are met in a compliant manner with safety, quality, and regulatory requirements.  Responsibilities include that antigen products specifications are met prior to release for compliance to product Outlines, United States Department of Agriculture 9 Code of Federal Regulations, and cGMP. The scope of support includes every manufacturing stage from raw materials through final antigen product.

Our current opening is for the following shift:  

Monday – Friday, 7:00 AM -3:30 PM

Responsibilities:

Models Company leadership principles and inclusive behaviors

Provides coaching and supports skills development and process capabilities within their team

Supports effective feedback and coaching within the team during the Performance Management cycle

Providing appropriate task-based training

Safety Compliance

Demonstrates a strong compliance mind-set (EHS and Quality) and continuously sets a high standard for themselves and others

Follows safe operating instructions for all tasks and equipment

Ensures that the right tools and equipment specified for the task are available and utilized

Ensures that the correct personal protective equipment required is available and utilized

Follow up any reported defects or workplace hazards immediately

Report all accidents, incidents and near misses within 24 hours and to participate in investigation and identification of effective corrective and preventative actions

Quality Compliance

On-time completion of Quality compliance tasks in relation to Deviation, CAPA and Change Control management.

Quality Assurance including cGMP, RFT and good documentation practices and provides coaching to others.

Change Manager and Stakeholder for change management activities within Production.

Supports the update, review and approval of GMP documentation including, but not limited to: SOP’s | MD’s | Qualification Protocols | New product/product transfer documentation

Productivity and Financial

Supports the Daily, Weekly and Monthly schedule adherence of production activities within their department

Build and maintain strong collaborations with different stakeholders throughout the Site Operations such as BTS, Engineering, Quality and R&D

Supports the Manufacturing Operations Teams in creating a culture of continuous improvement and leads by example

Represents Manufacturing Operations in the execution of the project portfolio and improvement initiatives

Supports initiatives for stabilizing and improving production processes

Assures effective application of Lean Six Sigma, Project Management and Change Management Tools

Supports Manufacturing Operations key productivity metrics by investigating and solving operations issues with appropriate techniques and skills

Contributing to a data driven decision making process and visualizing problems, progress and results

Recognizes and investigates opportunities for financial savings

Education Requirements:

Required | High School Diploma plus three (3)+ years of experience working in a Pharmaceutical Manufacturing role

Preferred | BSc Degree in a relevant scientific discipline plus experience working within a Pharmaceutical Manufacturing role

Experience Requirements:

​Strong knowledge of Good Manufacturing Practices demonstrated within applicable manufacturing environment

Efficient and effective attention to detail, achieve consistent error-free implementation of daily job assignments and complete documentation using Good Documentation Practices and be able to identify opportunities for process improvement and employ basic problem-solving skill

Principled verbal and written communications

Follow and comply with Manufacturing Directions, Standard Operating Procedures, Company/Corporate/Regulatory Policies

Demonstrate basic skills in effective time management to meet given deadlines and complete basic laboratory procedures

Ability to work effectively with team members and show initiative to assist others on the team

Proficient computer skills including Microsoft Word and Excel

Experience using quality improvement tools and continuous improvement processes and site quality metrics

Knowledge of system-controlled material usage through ERP environments such as SAP

 

Preferred Experience:

Degree in Microbiology, Biotechnology, Immunology or similar

Experience working in a manufacturing environment and using large scale filtration and separation techniques

Knowledge of aseptic processes used in manufacturing

#MSJR

The salary range for this role is:

$59,100 - $93,000

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.

Required Skills:

Cell Cultures, Change Management, GMP Compliance, Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP), Immunoassays, Immunochemistry, Immunology, Lean Six Sigma (LSS), Organizational Performance Management, Pharmaceutical Manufacturing, Problem Solving, Six Sigma

Preferred Skills:

Biotechnology, Detail-Oriented, Documentations, Hiring, Initiative Activity, Laboratory Testing, Mammalian Cell Culture, Microbiology, Monoclonal Antibodies, Operations Support, Policy Management, Process Flow, Process Improvements, Product Manufacturing, Quality Improvement, Safe Operation, Standard Operating Procedure (SOP), Teamwork, Technology Platforms, Time Management, Vaccine Administration, Veterinary Medicine, Written Communication

Current Employees apply HERE

Current Contingent Workers apply HERE

US and Puerto Rico Residents Only:

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

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):

n/a

Job Posting End Date:

08/18/2026 *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.

Requisition ID:R410274