Job Description Who we are…? For more than a century, our organisation has been inventing for life, bringing forward medicines and vaccines for many of the world's most challenging diseases. Today, our organisation continues to be at the forefront of research to deliver innovative health solutions and advance the prevention and treatment of diseases that threaten people and animals around the world. Your Apprenticeship Which team will I be working in? As an apprentice, you will be working within our Quality Control team within our Animal Health division. This role is based at our Milton Keynes site. Our Animal Health division is a trusted global leader in veterinary medicine, dedicated to the health and well-being of animals. 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. We offer one of our industry’s most innovative portfolio of products, services and technologies that serve to prevent, treat, and control diseases across all major farm and companion animal species. Our Quality Control team ensures every single raw material, intermediate and finished product is tested to demonstrate that it has been manufactured, processed, packaged, stored, and distributed aligned with our incredibly high standards of quality and meets all regulatory requirements. Partnering across our internal manufacturing facilities, external contract manufacturers and suppliers we create an interdependent global manufacturing network committed to deliver a compliant, reliable supply to customers and patients on time, every time, across the globe. What will my job responsibilities look like? Our 24-Month Junior Laboratory Technician Apprenticeship offers an excellent opportunity for those eager to take their first steps into a career as a laboratory scientist. You will get the opportunity to collaborate and support on a variety of projects throughout your apprenticeship programme that will support you in your learning and achieving your qualifications. A Laboratory Technician apprentice will get the opportunity to learn: Utilize specified laboratory equipment and perform laboratory tasks using scientific techniques and methods. Adhere to safety protocols and follow quality procedures to maintain a safe work environment. Learn how to effectively produce, analyse, and interpret scientific information and data. Identify problems and apply appropriate quality management systems to investigate causes and implement solutions. Conduct testing of intermediate and finished products in accordance with Good Manufacturing Practice and relevant pharmacopoeia requirements. Perform microbiology testing, including bioburdens, plate reading, sterility testing, growth promotion, and inactivation’s, as per Standard Operating Procedures. Report deviations in the Quality Management System and complete non-investigative records. Additionally, you will gain a comprehensive understanding of our organization's structure, products, services, and the sector in which we operate. You will learn about the role of the Quality Control team and how it aligns with our business strategy. Familiarity with our systems, tools, and processes will be essential to effectively carry out your tasks. What qualification will I be studying during my apprenticeship? You will be studying towards the Level 3 Laboratory Technician Apprenticeship. You will also be studying towards a BTEC Level 3 Diploma in Applied Sciences which is an externally recognized qualification and awards UCAS points. How will the apprenticeship be structured? You will spend 4 days a week working as an employee within the Quality Control team and 1 day a week studying towards your qualification. Your studies will be conducted virtually (so you do not need to travel to the college/provider to study). As you approach the end of your studies, you will then participate in what’s called the ‘End Point Assessment’. You will be required to travel to a facility to participate in in-person exams. We will provide assistance in providing travel and accommodation. What you’ll need (Technical Requirements): A passion for science You will have completed your A-levels You will have completed your GCSE’s or equivalent studies including level 2 English and Math Other Considerations The role may require standing or sitting for long hours each workday On-site presence throughout Monday to Friday What are the eligibility requirements for this apprenticeship? We abide by the eligibility requirements laid out for apprenticeship funding by the UK Department of Education. Notably: You must have eligible residency status and the right to work in the UK Be 16 years old or older You must not be in full time education, or enrolled in or have completed an education course higher than the level offered in this apprenticeship. Non-UK nationals must have lived in the UK for at least three years on the first day of starting the apprenticeship You cannot be undertaking another apprenticeship. Start Date: Jan 2025 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: Intern/Co-op (Fixed Term) Relocation: VISA Sponsorship: Travel Requirements: Flexible Work Arrangements: Not Applicable Shift: Valid Driving License: Hazardous Material(s): Job Posting End Date: 11/24/2024 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.