Associate Specialist Quality Control Microbiology

Job Description

Are you excited to be part of building a cutting‑edge quality control facility in Boxmeer? Within our fast‑growing global Animal Health network, you’ll help bring impactful innovations to the market. Are you ready to make your mark in a rapidly evolving environment?

For our Animal Health location in Boxmeer, we are currently recruiting an Associate Specialist Quality Control Microbiology.

Welcome to our team

Our production facilities in Boxmeer are part of our global Animal Health production network and manufacture and package animal health products according to Good Manufacturing Practice (GMP) standards. We are currently investing in a new EU‑ and FDA‑compliant manufacturing facility and quality control laboratory in Boxmeer to bring our latest animal health innovations to market. Once fully operational (expected in 2030), the facility will create approximately 80–100 FTE jobs.
It will include dedicated warehouse, manufacturing, quality, and packaging & labeling teams to deliver high‑quality and compliant products. To accelerate delivery of robust, compliant, and future‑proof Quality Systems that enable safe and compliant product manufacturing, we are looking for an Associate Specialist Quality.

Purpose of the role

The purpose of this role is to support and deputize for the Lab Manager by ensuring smooth and compliant daily quality control laboratory operations. This includes oversight of planning, execution, review, and approval of test results, and serving as a subject matter expert for quality control deviations, CAPAs, and GMP‑related changes.
The role provides essential GMP support to the quality control organization by coordinating and driving compliance‑focused projects that safeguard the integrity of laboratory processes.

Beyond operational responsibilities, the role ensures high‑quality execution of quality control activities through strong project management, clear prioritization, and effective communication to align and guide stakeholders. It translates a quality‑driven mindset into practical daily practices and supports others in adopting these standards.
Success in this role requires solid digital literacy, a strong client‑ and end‑user‑focused approach, proactive and flexible communication, and a collaborative, team‑oriented attitude. Demonstrating a flawless integrity mindset in all decisions and actions is fundamental to ensuring consistent compliance and operational excellence.

Tasks and responsibilities

• Act as subject matter expert for the quality control microbiological laboratory and manage daily operations.
• Perform quality control testing and investigations, including impact assessments (product, process, validation), Root Cause Analysis (RCA), and preparation of investigation protocols and deviation reports.
• Manage quality control microbiology‑related changes (e.g., microbiological procedures), including writing and updating documents and associated analysis data sheets/CJAs.
• Coordinate and manage documentation related to deviations, CAPAs, and quality control projects in compliance with site SOPs, company guidelines, and regulatory requirements.
• Participate in site audits, regulatory inspections, and corporate audits, including providing SME support in the preparation of audit responses.
• Attend and lead TIER meetings.
• Conduct and support stability studies.
• Adhere to all GxP and safety guidelines. Write, review, and modify technical reports, instructions, and procedures within the relevant discipline(s).
• Guide quality control personnel on quality‑related issues and ensure implementation of quality improvements, procedures, and guidelines.
• Participate in cross‑functional and global teams.
• Actively contribute to corporate safety, health, and environmental policies, demonstrating a personal commitment to safe, healthy, and environmentally responsible working practices.

What we ask

• Bachelor’s degree (HBO or HLO) in (Bio)Chemistry, Microbiological Sciences, or a related scientific field, or comparable work experience.
• More than 3 years of relevant quality control experience in the pharmaceutical industry.
• Knowledge and experience with quality and compliance guidelines and cGMP (EU and preferably US FDA).
• Knowledge of industry guidance and regulations for Microbiological Methods Validation, Equipment Qualification, Quality Control, Quality (Management) Systems, Documentation, quality control Deviations/CAPA, and Change Controls.
• Technical expertise in microbiological testing techniques (bioburden, endotoxin, environmental monitoring).
• Experience with Technical Writing, Root Cause Analysis, FMEA, CAPA establishment, and Lean Six Sigma.
• Strong project management and prioritization skills, supported by effective communication abilities.
• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills in Dutch and English.
• Experience with documentation systems and preferably with LIMS.

What we offer

The opportunity to step into a new, hands‑on position where you’ll work independently, collaborate across functions and take on real leadership responsibilities. Our benefits are very competitive, and the summary below will give you an idea of what you can expect.

• Competitive salary based on your knowledge and experience.
• 3% year-end payment and an annual bonus based on personal and company performance.
• At least 35.5 days of paid leave.
• Travel allowance and a solid pension scheme.
• A high-quality company restaurant offering fresh and healthy options daily.
• Excellent accessibility: the train station is located directly at our main entrance and there is ample parking available.
• A contribution toward your personal sports membership to support your vitality.
• A beautiful private park on the premises, ideal for a walk, break, or moment of relaxation.
• Mental well-being support through Lyra Health for you and your family members.
• Access to a dedicated prayer and meditation room.
• Extensive development opportunities thanks to the size of the site and the presence of many disciplines and global departments represented in Boxmeer.
• A workplace within an organization that is continuously growing and evolving.

For questions about this vacancy

Please send an email including the vacancy number and job title to the following email address: RecruitmentNL@MSD.com.

Applications can only be submitted through our career site.

Animal Health

Our Animal Health Division is a trusted global leader in veterinary medicine, dedicated to preserving and improving health, well-being, and performance of animals and the people who care for them. We are a global team of professionals working together to make a positive difference in animal care and the world’s food supply and have a deep sense of responsibility towards our customers, consumers, animals, society, and our planet.

Through our commitment to The Science of Healthier Animals®, we offer veterinarians, farmers, pet owners and governments one of the widest ranges of veterinary pharmaceuticals, vaccines and health management solutions and services as well as an extensive suite of digitally connected identification, traceability and monitoring products. We invest in dynamic and comprehensive R&D resources and a modern, global supply chain. We are present in more than 50 countries, while our products are available in some 150 markets.

Required Skills:

GMP Compliance, Good Laboratory Practices (GLPs), Keen Observation, Laboratory Safety Protocols, Prioritization, Project Management, QC Microbiology, Quality Control Management, Quality Management, Technical Procedures

Preferred Skills:

Current Employees apply HERE

Current Contingent Workers apply HERE

Search Firm Representatives Please Read Carefully 
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:

Regular

Relocation:

VISA Sponsorship:

Travel Requirements:

Flexible Work Arrangements:

Not Applicable

Shift:

Valid Driving License:

Hazardous Material(s):

Job Posting End Date:

03/31/2026

*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.