Senior Specialist, Learning & Development

Learning & Development Senior Specialist

Merck & Co., Inc., Rahway, NJ, USA, also known as Merck Sharp & Dohme LLC.

As a pivotal member of the new aseptic manufacturing facility team, the Learning & Development Senior Specialist will design and ensure delivery of a fully integrated training ecosystem supporting the startup and operation of a new aseptic manufacturing facility, including lyophilization, sterile filling, and enabling functions such as engineering and maintenance.

• Develop and execute a facility L&D strategy aligned to startup, commissioning, and operational ramp‑up.
• Build structured learning pathways translating complex systems into practical training for operators and technical staff across Manufacturing (aseptic processing, lyophilisation, visual inspection), Engineering (process, automation, CQV), Maintenance (asset care, calibration, GMP interventions), and Quality.
• Align training with asset lifecycle phases (design → CQV → operations).
• Co‑develop curricula with OEMs, subject matter experts, and academic partners for facility startup and commercial manufacturing.
• Leverage OEMs and vendors for specialized technical training content.
• Establish and manage partnerships with local colleges, universities, and technical institutes to strengthen employer brand and attract talent.
• Embed training into FAT/SAT, commissioning, and PPQ phases.
• Capture knowledge from OEM vendors, commissioning and qualification activities, and technical SMEs.
• Strengthen a culture where technical competence underpins compliance and performance.
• Other duties as assigned.

• Bachelor’s degree in Life Sciences, Engineering, Education, or related field.
• 5+ years of relevant Learning & Development experience.
• Experience in GMP‑regulated environments and developing technical training programs.
• Strong stakeholder engagement skills (internal and external).
• Experience designing L&D programs with scalability and sustainability.
• Preferred:
  Academic or workforce development partnership experience, greenfield/startup facility experience, and ability to translate complex systems into effective learning.

• Adult Learning Principles and Practice.
• Learning Needs Analysis.
• Instructional Design and Blended Learning Solutions.
• Digital Learning and e‑Learning Standards.
• Facilitation and Presentation.
• GMP Compliance and Inspection.
• Technical Writing and Technical Training.
• Change Management, Cross‑Functional Collaboration, Decision Making, and Critical Thinking.

Salary range: $106,200 – $167,200 per year. Eligible for annual bonus and long‑term incentive, if applicable. Benefits include medical, dental, vision, other insurance, retirement (401(k)), paid holidays, vacation, compassionate and sick days.

Merck is an equal opportunity employer. We prohibit discrimination based on race, color, age, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, protected veteran status, disability status, or other legally protected characteristics. As a federal contractor, we comply with affirmative action requirements for protected veterans and individuals with disabilities. For more information about personal rights under the U.S. Equal Opportunity Employment laws, visit the EEOC and GINA supplement.

Merck embraces diversity and inclusion and invites all qualified candidates to apply.