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- Tasks: Join our team to produce bacterial vaccines and gain hands-on experience in pharma.
- Company: Leading pharmaceutical company focused on innovative vaccine production.
- Benefits: Competitive pay, mentorship, and structured onboarding for career growth.
- Why this job: Kickstart your career in a high-impact biomanufacturing environment with real responsibilities.
- Qualifications: Bachelor’s in Science/Biology/Biotechnology preferred; A-Levels considered.
- Other info: Fixed-term role in Milton Keynes with potential for weekend shifts.
The predicted salary is between 30000 - 42000 ÂŁ per year.
Production Technician – Bacterial Vaccines
Location: Milton Keynes
Contract: Fixed-term, up to 2 years. Start: ASAP or by agreement
Launch your career in pharma with real hands‑on experience. Our Integrated Production Team manufactures bacterial vaccines at scale for cattle, sheep, and chickens. This up‑to‑two‑year role is perfect for:
- Recent graduates ready to build a career in the pharmaceutical industry
- Early‑career professionals seeking structured development and GMP exposure
- Operations/production technicians who want to step into the world of vaccines and bioprocessing
About the Role
You’ll help produce antigens from large‑scale anaerobic fermentations and support downstream concentration, purification, and blending activities. Working to cGMP standards, you’ll rotate through core tasks, build practical skills, and contribute to safe, compliant, and efficient operations. You’ll report to the Area Lead Technician and collaborate across IPT1.
What You’ll Do
- Manufacture intermediates (media and antigen) to the production schedule under local Regulatory and GMP requirements
- Prepare, stage, operate, and maintain a range of mechanical and laboratory equipment (including fermentation vessels)
- Follow SOPs with strong Good Documentation Practices (GDP)
- Participate in the Site Tier Process and daily operations huddles
- Use MPS tools and methodology to support investigations and implement CAPAs
- Contribute to continuous improvement and safe‑by‑choice culture
- Take part in company‑sponsored training and development activities
- Demonstrate inclusive behaviours and teamwork across shifts/functions
What You’ll Learn
- End‑to‑end exposure to large‑scale anaerobic fermentation and bacterial antigen processing
- Practical GMP, GDP, aseptic techniques, and inventory control concepts
- Root‑cause problem solving, CAPA, and lean/MPS tools in a regulated environment
- Cross‑functional collaboration in a high‑impact biomanufacturing setting
About You
Education: Bachelor’s (or equivalent) in Science/Biology/Biotechnology preferred; A‑Levels (or equivalent) with strong interest in a scientific field also considered
Beneficial (not essential): experience in a production laboratory or manufacturing environment
Knowledge/skills:
- Working knowledge of cGMP and inventory control concepts
- Understanding of fermentation principles and operation of fermentation vessels
- Familiarity with aseptic techniques and procedures
- Experience with large‑scale bacterial antigen processing is a plus
Attributes: detail‑oriented, safety‑minded, eager to learn, collaborative, and disciplined in documentation
Why This Role
- Ideal entry point into pharmaceutical manufacturing with structured onboarding
- Mentorship from experienced technicians and leads
- Real responsibility in a high‑quality, compliant environment
- Exposure to bioprocessing and vaccine operations that accelerates career growth
- Competitive pay and benefits
Contract Details
- Fixed‑term contract up to two years
- Full‑time role based on‑site in Milton Keynes
- Shift or weekend work may be required to meet the production schedule
Closing date for applications: 30/11/2025
Required Skills: Accountability, Biological Sciences, Biotechnology, Computer Literacy, Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP), Manufacturing Operations, Pharmaceutical Production
Employee Status: Temporary (Fixed Term)
Job Posting End Date: 12/1/2025
Requisition ID: R372467
Operations Technician- fixed term in Milton Keynes employer: Merck Gruppe - MSD Sharp & Dohme
Contact Detail:
Merck Gruppe - MSD Sharp & Dohme Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Operations Technician- fixed term in Milton Keynes
✨Tip Number 1
Get to know the company! Research their values, mission, and recent projects. This will help you tailor your conversations and show that you're genuinely interested in being part of their team.
✨Tip Number 2
Network like a pro! Reach out to current or former employees on LinkedIn. Ask them about their experiences and any tips they might have for landing the role. Personal connections can make a huge difference!
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare for the interview by practising common questions related to operations and GMP standards. Think about how your skills align with the job description and be ready to share specific examples from your experience.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen. Plus, it shows you’re serious about joining our team and ready to dive into the world of vaccines and bioprocessing.
We think you need these skills to ace Operations Technician- fixed term in Milton Keynes
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV reflects the skills and experiences that match the Operations Technician role. Highlight any relevant coursework or projects from your degree that align with GMP, fermentation principles, or bioprocessing.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Use your cover letter to tell us why you're passionate about working in the pharmaceutical industry. Share specific examples of how your background makes you a great fit for our Integrated Production Team.
Showcase Your Attention to Detail: Since this role requires strong documentation practices, make sure your application is free from typos and errors. This shows us that you’re detail-oriented and take pride in your work.
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to submit your application through our website. It’s the best way for us to receive your details and ensures you’re considered for the role as quickly as possible!
How to prepare for a job interview at Merck Gruppe - MSD Sharp & Dohme
✨Know Your GMP Basics
Before heading into the interview, brush up on your Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP) knowledge. Be ready to discuss how these standards apply to the production of bacterial vaccines and why they are crucial in a pharmaceutical setting.
✨Show Your Team Spirit
This role emphasises collaboration, so be prepared to share examples of how you've worked effectively in teams. Highlight any experiences where you contributed to a project or helped solve a problem collectively.
✨Demonstrate Your Eagerness to Learn
The company values candidates who are eager to learn and grow. Be sure to express your enthusiasm for gaining hands-on experience in bioprocessing and your willingness to take part in training and development activities.
✨Prepare for Technical Questions
Expect questions about fermentation principles and the operation of fermentation vessels. Brush up on your technical knowledge and be ready to explain how you would approach tasks related to the production schedule and equipment maintenance.
