Scientist, Laboratory Animal Resources (On-site)

Merck • South San Francisco, CA

1d • $108,000 - $170,100 • Onsite

About The Position

The Scientist, Laboratory Animal Resources position is based at the company’s South San Francisco research laboratories, which conduct discovery research from exploratory biology through early clinical development. Under the guidance of Laboratory Animal Veterinarians, the Scientist provides study support and animal care to advance drug development and discovery. Study support includes coordinating with investigators, ordering animals, formulating and administering compounds, sampling and tissue collection, recording body scores or weights, coordinating imaging, processing samples, and shipping or receiving compounds and samples. The role also includes routine veterinary and animal-colony management tasks.

The successful candidate is team-oriented, values workplace partnership, and can work with minimal to no supervision. The role requires sound technical skills, rotation weekend and holiday work, and willingness to learn procedures supporting other in vivo studies and vivarium operations. This is an on-site role in South San Francisco, with a first-shift schedule and 10% travel requirements. The position may involve potent compounds.

Requirements

• Bachelor of Science or Master of Science in Biology or a related field.
• At least 2 years of experience in a research in vivo field.
• Demonstrated in vivo research experience, including animal handling, dosing, sample collection, anesthesia, and surgical procedures.
• Demonstrable passion for animal care and welfare.
• Ability to follow procedures and thoroughly document data collection results.
• Ability to independently recognize technical, scientific, or study-related challenges and provide relevant input for problem solving.
• Proactive, innovative, and solution-oriented mindset.
• Excellent organizational, interpersonal, and communication skills.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team.
• Willingness to work weekends and holidays on rotation.

Nice To Haves

• ALAT certification.
• AAALAS certification.
• Registered Laboratory Animal Technologist (RLATG).

Responsibilities

• Contribute to rodent in vivo studies, including animal ordering, compound administration, dosing by all routes with emphasis on intravenous dosing, surgical procedures, clinical observations, sampling, and tissue collection.
• Manage study timelines and maintain accurate, timely, and organized records of animal treatments, study data, procedures, inventories, research protocols, and reports.
• Carry out research and medical treatment regimens for research animals under Veterinarian guidance, including on weekends and holidays.
• Work independently and proactively seek opportunities while contributing positively to team dynamics.
• Support inspection readiness, safety initiatives, cost containment, efficiency, productivity, energy conservation, waste minimization, operational excellence, and lean practices.
• Learn new procedures to support other in vivo studies and vivarium operations as needed.
• Meet with investigators and support study coordination, including compound formulation, sample processing, imaging coordination, and shipping and receiving compounds or samples.
• Perform routine veterinary and animal colony management tasks.

Benefits

• Medical, dental, and vision healthcare benefits and other insurance benefits for employees and family.
• Retirement benefits, including 401(k).
• Paid holidays.
• Vacation.
• Compassionate and sick days.
• Eligible for annual bonus and long-term incentive, if applicable.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level