Senior Scientist I

Merrick & Company, an employee-owned company, is seeking an experienced Scientist in Biosafety and Laboratory Operations to join our growing team. The person would become a crucial part of a key Merrick growth initiative in Life Sciences, Biosafety & Biosecurity, and Laboratory Operations markets. This position is open for work in Manhattan, KS, remote work, or work in an established Merrick office.

The Scientist must be capable of coordinating and supporting a multi-faceted series of projects related to laboratory operations, operational planning, biosafety & biosecurity, regulatory compliance, and the integration of consensus standards (e.g., ANSI, ASHRAE), manufacturers use instructions, and industry best practices. This person would support the Science & Technology team with duties and coordination as part of a team of scientists, engineers, and subject matter experts. The position will work interactively with other teams responsible for laboratory design, commissioning, and operational planning, development of laboratory IT and IS systems, and development of laboratory programs (e.g., clinical, diagnostic, and research safety, bio risk management, small to large animal laboratory issues, etc.). This position requires the ability to not only be proficient in biosafety, but also clinical and research laboratory operations with an understanding of how laboratory activities, controls, and equipment function to support the containment and isolation of laboratory hazards. This person will support development of high-level technical products and deliverables, problem solving and planning for high-visibility projects, and as such must possess excellent communication skills. This position requires a high level of demonstrated effectiveness in working with federal and state entities, regulators, and academic, clinical, and academic administrators, internal team members and outside consulting team members.

The successful candidate will be required to interface with a broad spectrum of clients, and Federal, Local and State government contacts for Life Sciences projects located anywhere within the US. High travel (75%) may be required.

Salary range for this position is $125,400 to $147,500 depending on experience.

• Provide strategy, development, execution, and technical knowledge for project deliverables related to laboratory operations, biological risk identification, assessment, characterization, management, exposure assessment and control, general safety, occupational hygiene, health and environmental management, animal care and use and regulatory compliance.
• Possess strong oral and written communications and interpersonal skills to effectively interface with clients and team members to
• Ensure adherence to project quality of deliverables, products, and schedule
• Address issues related to the interface of laboratory operations, compliance, and operational planning
• Prepare complex studies, reports, plans, specifications, and other products for project deliverables.
• Support document preparation to aid clients in obtaining and maintain regulatory registrations and permits.
• Support document preparation to aid clients in obtaining and maintain required certifications
• and accreditations (College of American Pathologists, Joint Commissioning, and AAALAC).
• Support proposal development and marketing initiatives.
• Support leadership to ensure that project schedules and budgets are met and communicate with leadership any issues and concerns.
• Exercise initiative, judgment, and knowledge commensurate with the responsibilities of the position.
• Adopt and apply all Merrick policies and procedures and to apply them on assignments.
• Educate clients on pertinent regulations, consensus standards, manufacturers use instructions, and best practices concerning their laboratories, operations, safety programs, hazard control systems, biocontainment, equipment, hazardous materials storage, waste treatment and disposal processes, and all associated documents and records.

• Applicant must be a U.S. Citizen.
• This position may require vaccination as mandated by client polices
• Applicants must be willing to travel up to 50% domestically and internationally as needed to support client projects
• Required skills and knowledge:
• Technical
• Master's degree or higher in a science related field from an accredited program.
• Minimum of five (5) years of experience in laboratory operations, biosafety, & biosecurity. Previous experience in high- and maximum-containment laboratories (CL/BSL-3 or higher) is required.
• Must have technical knowledge of regulatory requirements regarding biosafety, OSHA, Animal Welfare Act, Select Agents, FAA, EPA, and DOT.
• Technical knowledge of clinical laboratory compliance standards (CLIA, CAP, and TCJ) is preferred.
• Technical knowledge of consensus standards (e.g., ANSI, ASHRAE, NFPA) is preferred
• Experience performing laboratory assessments for biological, chemical, and physical hazards for all laboratory containment levels for human, animal, and plant materials.
• General awareness of clinical laboratory operations and hazards associated with diagnostic, clinical microbiology, chemistry, blood bank, histopathology, and gross sectioning is preferred.
• General awareness of laboratory operations and hazards associated with academic laboratories (e.g., chemistry, biology, microbiology) is preferred
• Ability to coordinate the collection of data from laboratory assessments to determine gaps and needs to meet design requirements.
• Computer Skills: Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Project, etc.).
• Computer Skills: Adobe acrobat professional
• Ability to work on multiple projects which includes resourcing, tracking, follow-up and follow-through to project completion.
• Well-organized, detail-oriented, and self-motivated professional with strong verbal and written communication skills.
• Strong desire to work in a team environment.
• Flexibility/adaptability to work in a fast-paced environment.

• Credentialed biosafety professional
• Advanced degree in the life and/or biological sciences (M.S. or Ph.D.)
• Past support of a Federal Select Agent Program entity
• IBC and IACUC member or administrator
• Experience in:
• GLP compliance
• GMP compliance
• BSL-4 laboratory operations
• Laboratory IT and IS systems
• Animal laboratory programs
• Cybersecurity
• Database management
• Environment of Care committee member or participant
• Clinical laboratory operations
• General environment of care surveillance
• Clinical risk assessment and management

• Employee Owned - all eligible U.S. employees have an Employee Stock Ownership Account.
• Robust Employee Referral Program.
• Annual performance and compensation reviews.
• Professional Training and Development.
• Employee Recognition Awards.
• Peer Mentor Program
• And Much More!

• Apply online only. No e-mail, hard copy or third-party resumes accepted.
• At Merrick, every resume is carefully reviewed by our team of experienced human recruiters-never by AI. We are committed to a fully human-centered hiring process, ensuring each candidate receives thoughtful, personalized attention at every stage.
• Merrick & Company offers a competitive compensation and benefits package which includes health insurance, dental and vision coverage, 401(k), and paid time off (PTO).
• Merrick is an Equal Opportunity Employer, including disability/vets.
• Employment with Merrick is contingent upon completion of a pre-employment background check, MVR check, and drug screen.