Associate Specialist (m/f/d) External Laboratory QC

Overview

We are seeking a detail-oriented Associate Specialist (m/f/d) External Laboratory QC to support the quality oversight of external and contract laboratories during a maternity leave cover period starting on 1 March for 12 months. This role ensures that externally generated analytical data meets internal quality standards, regulatory expectations, and cGMP requirements. You will act as a key interface between internal Quality teams and external laboratories, ensuring data integrity, investigation management, and consistent quality performance.

Responsibilities

• Primary QC contact for external and contract laboratories, ensuring clear communication, quality alignment, and compliance with cGMP requirements
• SME for external laboratory analytical testing and methods, providing technical oversight and guidance on laboratory practices
• Lead and manage external laboratory investigations, including OOS, OOT, invalid results, and atypical trends, through to compliant closure
• Review, assess, and trend externally generated analytical data in accordance with cGMP and ALCOA+ data integrity principles
• Monitor and evaluate external laboratory performance, including deviation trending, KPI tracking, and quality metrics
• Support audits, inspections, and regulatory interactions related to contract laboratories, representing QC as required

Qualifications

• Degree or equivalent qualification in Life Sciences, Chemistry, Biotechnology, Pharmacy, or a related scientific discipline
• Experience working in a GMP-regulated pharmaceutical or biotechnology environment
• Strong hands-on experience with external or contract laboratory management and oversight
• Solid understanding of analytical testing (biological and/or chemical) performed by third-party laboratories
• Practical experience with deviation management, CAPA, and change control, particularly involving external partners
• Experience supporting batch release activities using externally generated QC data is highly desirable
• Experience with SAP and electronic Quality Management Systems
• Proficient in English and German

Our Benefits

• Flexible working hours (37.5 hours/week) and an attractive company pension scheme
• Competitive salary package 13 monthly salaries + holiday pay + target bonus
• 30 days holiday entitlement
• Hybrid working model (up to 50 % remote)
• Internal training and promotion opportunities
• International co-operations
• Training on the job
• Contributing your own ideas to the process design
• Insights into the development of medicinal products
• Corporate benefits and free car parking
• Working across borders (20 days per year)
• Paid Parental Time Off (PPTO)

We are proud to be a company that embraces the value of bringing diverse, talented, and committed people together. The fastest way to breakthrough innovation is when diverse 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 and diverse workplace. People with severe disabilities and their equivalents will be given preference if they are equally qualified.

Required Skills

Accountability, Analytical Testing, Batch Releases, Biopharmaceuticals, Biotechnology, Chemical Analysis, Chemistry, Detail-Oriented, GMP Compliance, GMP Laboratory, Integrity Management, Laboratory Analysis, Laboratory Information Management System (LIMS), Nondestructive Testing (NDT), Pharmaceutical Biology, Quality Control Inspection, Quality Control Management, Quality Engineering, Quality Improvement Programs, Quality Process Development

Preferred Skills

Current Employees apply HERE • Current Contingent Workers apply HERE

Additional Information

Search Firm Representatives Please Read Carefully: Merck & Co., Inc., Rahway, NJ, USA, does not accept unsolicited assistance from search firms for employment opportunities. All CVs/resumes submitted by search firms without a valid written search agreement will be the sole property of the company. No fee will be paid where no pre-existing agreement is in place. Please, no phone calls or emails.

Employee Status: Project Temps (Fixed Term) • Relocation: No relocation • VISA Sponsorship: No • Travel Requirements: 10% • Flexible Work Arrangements: Not Applicable • Shift: Not Indicated • Valid Driving License: No • Hazardous Material(s): N/A

Job Posting End Date: 02/20/2026

Requisition ID: R