BTS Associate Scientist

Job Title: BTS Associate Scientist – Specialist (2‑Year Fixed Term Contract) Location: Upper Hutt, New Zealand. Opportunity to upskill and grow in advanced vaccine and bioprocess science, working with cutting‑edge technologies and global experts. This position is with Merck & Co., Inc., an animal health organization supporting the reliable supply of life‑saving vaccines worldwide. Responsibilities Develop a strong working knowledge of assigned projects and workstreams, contributing to related activities as required. Work closely with project leads and stakeholders to plan, deliver, monitor, and report on assigned activities, escalating risks and issues when needed. Communicate clearly and effectively to maintain alignment, encourage collaboration, and support timely decision‑making. Contribute to On‑Point, 8‑Step Problem Solving, and continuous improvement initiatives, taking ownership of defined actions where appropriate. Collaborate with colleagues locally and globally across BTS, Manufacturing, Quality, R&D, Regulatory, and Supply Chain. Contribute to trials, experiments, method development, and process development through accurate execution, documentation, and reporting. Support vaccine process development, technology development, and technology transfer by completing assigned tasks and preparing technical documentation. Qualifications Bachelor’s degree or equivalent in Immunology, Protein Biology, Biotechnology, Microbiology, or a related field. Demonstrated critical thinking and analytical skills. Strong team player with clear communication, organisational, and interpersonal skills. Able to work effectively in a matrix GMP biopharma/biological/vaccine manufacturing environment with appropriate guidance. Developing project management skills, with the ability to plan, organise, and track assigned work to meet agreed timelines. Knowledge and developing experience in immunological and biological methods used to measure antigens and vaccines, including method execution, data review, and documentation. Familiarity with developing and executing in‑vitro methods to measure antigens and vaccines, with support from technical leads or senior scientists as required. Experience in ELISA method development, including assay design support, optimisation, execution, data review, and documentation in a regulated laboratory environment. Experience or exposure to a biopharmaceutical production, laboratory, bioprocessing, or other regulated environment. Developing working knowledge of GMP, GDP, data integrity, and EHS expectations in a regulated biological/pharmaceutical manufacturing environment. Foundational theoretical and practical understanding of upstream and downstream processing technologies for biopharmaceuticals at laboratory or manufacturing scale. Ability to work accurately and with attention to detail, while understanding how assigned tasks contribute to broader project or site outcomes. Ability to analyse routine technical information, identify anomalies, and escalation appropriately with proposed next steps where possible. Hands‑on scientist able to execute assigned laboratory or technical activities safely, accurately, and within agreed timelines. Fluent in English, with the ability to write clear technical notes, protocols, records, and reports. 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. Exposure to biopharmaceutical production or bioprocessing in a regulated laboratory or manufacturing environment. Broader understanding of upstream and downstream processing. A collaborative, multidisciplinary team that shares knowledge, encourages innovation and values your ideas. We are an equal opportunity employer, committed to fostering an inclusive workplace. #J-18808-Ljbffr