Fermentation Technician - Operations

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.

We are seeking a Growth and Improvement minded Fermentation Technician that can help drive our Strategic Operating Priorities.

• Invent | Pursue the Most Promising Internal and External Science to Address Significant Unmet Medical Needs
• Execute | Prioritize Resources Behind Our Key Growth Drivers (Oncology, Vaccines, Select Specialty Areas, Animal Health) While Optimizing Our Base Business)
• Adapt | Develop Our People, Culture and Business Model to Evolve with a Dynamic Landscape
• Talent | We are committed to providing an inclusive and welcoming environment with supporting leadership behaviors because having a high-performing, engaged workforce is critical to our ability to deliver innovative solutions to patients and customers around the world
• Values and Standards | Our Steadfast Commitment to Our Values and Standards will Continue to Guide Us as We Take on New Challenges and Will Always be Fundamental to Our Success – They are a Competitive Advantage for Us

Summary, Focus and Purpose

A 1st Shift Fermentation Technician position is available within our Antigen Manufacturing Team, at our Company's Animal Health (AH) facility in Desoto Kansas, located near the Kansas City metropolitan area. The Animal Health facility is part of the global Animal Health Manufacturing Division network and a key contributor to the manufacturing of animal health products.

We are expanding operations in the manufacturing of vaccines and biologics for large and companion animals, and leveraging an experienced and innovative team-oriented work environment using fermentation and cell culture platforms. Team members work with a "Safety First, Quality Always" mindset while striving for continuous improvement to ensure products of the highest quality, working within one of the manufacturing operation teams requires the ability to work independently while also part of a team to contribute to the daily completion and schedule adherence of production activities.

Key Functions

• Work Independently and as a Team member with Integrity | Precision | Accomplishment | Motivational Ambition | Respect | Inclusion
• Follow and comply with Manufacturing Directions and Standard Operating Procedures, along with applicable Corporate, Company, and Regulatory Policies
• Responsible for large scale antigen production and processing in accordance with GMP (Good Manufacturing Practices)
• Primary daily tasks will include aseptic material handling and culture scale up. Preparation and operation of stainless-steel fermenters and processing vessels. This position will also require supporting downstream processing steps for concentration using hollow fiber filters. Filter cleaning, including sterilization and handling of formaldehyde.
• Attention to detail to achieve a consistent error-free execution of daily job tasks

Education

• Required | High school diploma or GED
• Preferred | Associate's degree within a science discipline or equivalent

Experience | Skills | Knowledge

Required

• 6+ months experience working in manufacturing environment
• Good concurrent and complete documentation using Good Manufacturing Practices
• Good work ethic and attendance behavior
• Proficient computer skills
• Principled verbal and written communications
• Demonstrate basic skills in effective time management to meet given deadlines
• Work effectively and efficiently both individually and with team members

Preferred

• Demonstrated experience working within a GMP manufacturing environment
• Good comprehension of aseptic procedures
• Experience with single use gamma radiated materials

Shift and Hours

• Monday to Friday | 1st Shift 7:00AM to 3:30 PM

#MSJR

The salary range for this role is: $48,600 - $76,600

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:

Analytical Problem Solving, Analytical Problem Solving, Biological Manufacturing, Chemistry, Cleanroom Gowning, Competency Management, Computer Literacy, Contract Manufacturing, Documentation Preparation, GMP Operations, Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP), Industry Regulation, Laboratory Processes, Machinery Operation, Manufacturing, Manufacturing Documentation, Manufacturing Quality Control, Operational Quality, Packaging Operations, Pharmaceutical Manufacturing, Product Improvements, Production Management, Production Scheduling, Product Quality Assurance, Proper Documentation {+ 9 more}

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:

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:

10/22/2026

*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.