Assoc. Dir, Research Science

Job Description

Our Animal Health division is a global leader in veterinary medicine and digital solutions, dedicated to the health and well-being of animals and the people who care for them. We are a global team of professionals working together to make a positive difference in animal health and well-being and supporting a safe food supply. Through our commitment to the Science of Healthier Animals®, we offer one of our industry’s most innovative portfolio of pharmaceuticals, vaccines and digital health management solutions including traceability and monitoring products that serve to prevent, treat, and control diseases across all major farm and companion animal species.

We are looking for an Associate Director Global Pharmaceutical Development (m/f/d) - (Animal Health R&D) to join our team in Schwabenheim, near Mainz, on a full-time and permanent basis.

Key Responsibilities:

• Drive development and regulatory registration of new veterinary pharmaceuticals for our company’s Animal Health division
• Hold end-to-end responsibility for all aspects of pharmaceutical product development
• Lead cross-functional teams to deliver project plans on schedule, on target, and within budget
• Advance pharmaceutical drug candidates from discovery through development to commercialization
• Develop and execute strategies for global drug development programs
• Ensure generation of data needed for regulatory approvals and commercial value
• Serve in a high-visibility project leadership role with significant impact on the future success of Animal Health

Education Minimum:

• Qualified candidates will have a Doctor of Veterinary Medicine (DVM) and/or a Ph.D. in Life Sciences

Required Experience and Skills:

• Several years of research and/or animal health industry experience
• The position requires a high energy level, team building skills, strategic thinking, judgement, and an ability to anticipate and address potential technical/regulatory/compliance issues
• Strong oral and written communication skills with an ability to effectively communicate with various functional groups in the organization and external regulatory authorities are critical
• Strong business acumen
• Excellent focus on scientific excellence and the needs of customers
• Fluency in English language; German language skills advantageous

Preferred Experience and Skills:

• Previous experience in pharmaceutical development preferred
• The ideal candidate will have a personal drive for results and an ability to motivate other team members to achieve project objectives
• Ability to work independently, highly organized, and effectively multitask and prioritize
• Attention to detail and focus on continuous improvement are also important traits for this role

Our benefits:

• Flexible working hours (37.5 hours/week) and an attractive company pension scheme
• Competitive salary package: 13 monthly salaries + holiday pay + target bonus
• Vacation allowance (1.200€ annually)
• 30 days holiday entitlement
• Internal training and promotion opportunities
• International co-operations
• Training on the job
• Contributing your own ideas to the process design
• Insights into the development of veterinary medicinal products
• Corporate benefits and free (electric) car parking
• Company bike / bicycle leasing
• Good company canteen and a company health management program

We are proud to be a company that embraces the value of bringing diverse, talented, and committed people together. The fastest way to breakthrough innovation is when diverse ideas come together in an inclusive environment. We encourage our colleagues to respectfully challenge one another’s thinking, and approach problems collectively. We are an equal opportunity employer, committed to fostering an inclusive and diverse workplace.

People with severe disabilities and their equals are given preference if they are equally qualified.

Required Skills:

Accountability, Bioanalytical Techniques, Biological Research, Biosafety, Biostatistics, Cell-Based Assays, Experimental Research, Experimentation, Innovation Program, Management Process, Mentorship, Multitasking, Natural Sciences, Patent Writing, Research Proposal Development, Scientific Editing, Scientific Leadership, Scientific Research, Theoretical Research, Understanding of Technology

Preferred Skills:

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Current Contingent Workers apply HERE

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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:

Regular

Relocation:

VISA Sponsorship:

Travel Requirements:

Flexible Work Arrangements:

Hybrid

Shift:

Valid Driving License:

Hazardous Material(s):

Job Posting End Date:

03/17/2026

*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.