Prin. Scientist, Research Science

Join Our Companion Animal R&D Team

We are looking for candidates who combine a solid scientific background with outstanding communication, collaboration and project management skills.

We offer a central and dynamic role within the Companion Animal R&D team with responsibility for executing the development of vaccines for cats, dogs, rabbits and horses.

Welcome to our team

With more than 200 employees, our Research & Development (R&D) division is a pioneer in the discovery, development and registration of vaccines and pharmaceuticals for animals. The Companion Animals (CA) R&D department, with around 20 employees, deals with the development and registration of vaccines for cats, dogs, rabbits and horses.

About the role

We are seeking a highly skilled and experienced Senior Project Leader (Principal Scientist) to support the existing companion animal and equine vaccine portfolio and to spearhead the development of innovative new vaccines. The ideal candidate will possess a strong background in project management, strategic planning, and a deep understanding of veterinary science, particularly in equine health.

In this role, you will hold end to end responsibility for the life cycle management of vaccines within the current portfolio, as well as the development of new vaccines. You will manage projects from feasibility through to development and licensing, during which you will lead and coordinate a multidisciplinary project team whilst making a substantial scientific contribution to the research and development of the product. You will develop and implement strategic plans to ensure project milestones are met within budget and timeline constraints, and you will monitor project progress, identify risks, and implement mitigation strategies to ensure successful outcomes. You will prepare and present project updates to senior management and stakeholders, ensuring clear communication of progress and challenges.

This position demands close cooperation with other global departments: Regulatory Affairs, Marketing, Manufacturing, Quality Control and Supply Chain, amongst others. The role spans a diversity of functions and cultures, and involves the direct management of team of scientists. Initially the position will focus on the equine portfolio, but could extend to other species and a wider involvement over the Companion Animal team over time.

Your profile

• A PhD in virology, microbiology or immunology, or a Doctor of Veterinary Medicine (DVM);
• Minimum of 10 years experience within the pharmaceutical or biotechnology industry, with a focus on vaccine development;
• A deep understanding of veterinary science, in particular equine disease, vaccinology, and adjuvant technologies;
• Understanding and experience of the veterinary licensing process in Europe
• Proven track record of successfully leading complex projects and managing multidisciplinary teams;
• Strong strategic thinking and problem-solving skills, with the ability to adapt to changing priorities;
• Able to act as a technical expert and scientific contributor for the evaluation and implementation of the long term strategy of the department, and is open for general extra tasks of strategic relevance within the organization.
• Minimum of 5 years experience in people management and talent building
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to influence and engage stakeholders at all levels;
• A positive outlook with appreciation of multicultural and global organizational diversity;
• Excellent command of the English language, oral and written;
• Art 9 accreditation, or equivalent, would be an advantage

What we offer

We welcome you to a truly global, dynamic and challenging environment with great opportunities for personal development. Our benefits are very competitive, and the summary below will give you an idea of what you can expect.

• Competitive salary
• Annual Incentive Plan (AIP) and Long-Term Incentive (LTI) Plan;
• Competitive Pension Plan.
• Lease car
• 25 days of leave.
• Attractive collective health care insurance package with considerable reduction rates;
• Senior Leadership Development Program for long term Career development
• Numerous training, coaching and e-learning modules for long term job opportunities and development

About Us

We are one company, but we operate under two different corporate brand names. We are known as Merck & Co., Inc., Rahway, NJ, USA in the United States, Canada & Puerto Rico. We are known as MSD everywhere else.