Associate Scientist, Clinical Services (Onsite, Day Shift)

Our company, a global healthcare leader, is seeking an Entry-Level Veterinary Associate to join our collaborative, dynamic, and inclusive Laboratory Animal Science Team at the West Point location. The successful candidate will play an integral role in executing research study tasks and routine veterinary and animal colony management. This on-site, hands-on role requires rotational weekend work and the ability to apply sound technical skills with minimal supervision. We foster an atmosphere of mutual respect and provide a vibrant learning environment where new skills can be honed and innovative solutions explored.

About the role

You will collaborate with principal investigators, scientific staff, veterinarians, veterinary technicians, IACUC members, facility managers, and animal care technicians on in vivo discovery research and development projects. The role involves executing research and medical treatment regimens for research animals under veterinary guidance, maintaining accurate records, and ensuring compliance with regulatory standards.

Responsibilities

• Maintain accurate, timely, and well-organized digital records of research protocols, procedures, study data, inventories, and reports.
• Collaborate effectively as a team player with cross-functional teams on ongoing in vivo discovery research and development projects.
• Carry out research and medical treatment regimens for research animals under the guidance of a veterinarian.
• Administer injectable and inhalation anesthetic agents under veterinary supervision.
• Maintain accurate records of animal treatments, procedures, inventories, research protocols, and reports.
• Independently recognize study/project hurdles (operational, technical, and scientific) and propose solutions under supervision.
• Manage study timelines and objectives, ensuring accuracy of study data within corporate databases and project tracking tools.
• Communicate study results and data interpretation to cross-functional project teams.
• Comply with U.S. and company-specific rules and regulations, including the Animal Welfare Act, The Guide, 3R principles, FDA, and other regulatory bodies.
• Promote and uphold a culture of diversity and inclusion within the laboratory, fostering an environment where all team members feel respected and included.
• Work collaboratively in a group setting to maintain a positive team dynamic.
• Perform rotational weekend work as required.

Requirements

• Associate's degree in a relevant field or 5 years of equivalent experience.
• Animal handling and dosing experience.
• Technical and scientific skills with a willingness to understand the R&D process.
• Ability to independently recognize challenges (technical, scientific, or study-related) and provide relevant input for solutions.
• Proactive, innovative, and solution-oriented mindset.
• Excellent organizational, interpersonal, and communication skills.
• Demonstrable commitment to fostering a diverse and inclusive working environment.
• Independence and initiative in seeking new opportunities while being a productive team member.
• Commitment to maintaining high safety and regulatory standards.
• Ability and readiness to work weekends on rotation.

Preferred Certifications

• CVT, ASR, ALAT, LAT, LATg, CMAR (not required).

Skills

• Required: Animal Biotechnology, Animal Handling, Animal Welfare, Clinical Reporting, Clinical Research, Conducting Experiments, Equipment Validations, Ethical Standards, Good Clinical Practice (GCP), Laboratory Documentation, Regulatory Compliance, Safety Measures, Toxicity Testing, Use of Laboratory Equipment.
• Preferred: Registered Laboratory Animal Technologist (RLATG).

Pay

The salary range for this role is $71,900.00 – $113,200.00. An employee’s position within the salary range will be based on factors including relevant education, qualifications, certifications, experience, skills, geographic location, government requirements, and business needs. The successful candidate will be eligible for annual bonus and long-term incentive, if applicable.

Benefits

We offer a comprehensive package of benefits, including:

• Medical, dental, vision, and other insurance benefits (for employee and family).
• Retirement benefits, including 401(k).
• Paid holidays, vacation, compassionate, and sick days.

More information about benefits is available at https://jobs.merck.com/us/en/compensation-and-benefits.

Schedule

• 1st shift (day).
• Rotational weekend work required.
• 10% travel requirements.

Requisition ID: R412367