Pharmaceutical Operations Technician (Batching)

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.

This first shift, Monday to Friday 7:00am - 3:30pm, Technician position is available at the Animal Health facility in De Soto, Kansas, located near Kansas City metropolitan area. The DeSoto facility is expanding operations to manufacturing vaccines and biologics for large and companion animals. Leveraging an experienced and innovative team environment, the key technologies at the site are biologics production using fermentation and cell culture platforms, filling and packaging.

The De Soto facility is part of our global Animal Health Manufacturing Division network and is a key contributor to the manufacturing of animal health products.

Working within one of the manufacturing operations teams you will be expected to be able to work independently and as part of the team to contribute to the daily completion and schedule adherence of production activities. The antigen manufacturing operation is made up of teams that carry out the production activities for the preparation and sterilization of equipment, preparation and sterilization of media components, fermentation of bacterial antigens, downstream processing of bacterial antigens and serial batching of antigens to blend the final vaccines prior to sterile filling.

The Batching Department is accountable for the large scale manufacture of Equine, Bovine and Swine vaccines produced at the site in accordance with GMP (Good Manufacturing Practices). Primary activities include equipment and vessel preparation and sterilization, staging and blending of antigens and adjuvents that constitute a vaccine blend and sampling procedures for serial batches.

The position requires someone who can demonstrate a good attention to detail and achieve a consistent error-free execution of daily job tasks, be able to complete documentation using Good Documentation Practices and be able to identify opportunities for process improvement and employ basic problem-solving skills.

Education:

• High School Diploma or equivalent required

• AS or BS degree in the sciences preferred

Required Experience and Skills:

• Excellent communication skills - both oral and written.

• Ability to follow/comply with Manufacturing Directions, Standard Operating Procedures, Company/Corporate/Regulatory Policies.

• Ability to demonstrate basic skills in effective time management to meet given deadlines.

• Demonstrated success working effectively with team members and showing initiative to support others on the team when needed.

• Proficient computer skills including MS Word and MS Excel.

Preferred Experience and Skills:

• One (1)+ years of pharmaceutical experience or two (2)+ years of manufacturing experience.

• A good comprehension of aseptic processes used in manufacturing.

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

#MSJR

Required Skills:

Analytical Problem Solving, Cell Cultures, Computer Literacy, Data Entry, Detail-Oriented, Equipment Maintenance, GMP Documentation, Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP), Mammalian Cell Culture, Manufacturing Documentation, Manufacturing Environments, Manufacturing Operations, Manufacturing Quality Control, Media Preparation, Meeting Deadlines, Pre-Production Planning, Primary Cell Culture, Process Improvements, Proper Documentation, Quality Improvement, Regulatory Compliance, Safety Practices, Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) Writing, Sterilizing Equipment, Working Independently

Preferred Skills:

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:

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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:

05/26/2026

*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.