Job Description:

• BTS Scientist

• Specialist

• 2-Year Fixed Term Contract with Competitive Remuneration

• Opportunity to upskill and grow in advanced vaccine and bioprocess science, working with cutting-edge technologies and global experts

• Based in Upper Hutt, New Zealand, contributing locally while collaborating with our global Animal Health network

• Join a trusted, global-leading Animal Health organisation where your work directly supports the reliable 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 Hutt. In 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

• Autonomy on complex vaccine and process challenges, with strong support from BTS, Manufacturing, Quality and R&D

• A visible,impactful role where your problem-solving directly supports reliable antigen and vaccine supply

• Broad exposure across the vaccine lifecycle, creating future **career **and skill development opportunities

• A collaborative, multidisciplinary team that shares knowledge, encourages innovation and values 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 another’s 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 Manufacturing

Preferred Skills: Current Employees apply HERE

Current Contingent Workers apply HERE

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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 Applicable

Shift: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 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.