Principal Scientist, Drug Discovery Full-time

Principal Scientist, Drug Discovery

Join the Rahway, NJ Animal Health Team Our Company's Global Animal Health Research & Development (R&D) division is a pioneer in the discovery, development and registration of vaccines and therapeutics for animals. To strengthen our team, we are looking for a highly skilled and motivated Principal Scientist to join our R&D team.

Purpose of the Role

The Principal Scientist, Drug Discovery in our Research and Development Department will be responsible for identifying new molecular entities and technologies for use in animal health from our Company Laboratories or from external partners such as human pharma or biotech companies as well as academia. The successful candidate will be a key driver to advance novel targets and will lead these research programs from ideation through the early research and proof-of-concept phase up to the development stage. She/he/they will interface with researchers and senior management throughout the organization as well as external partners and operate within a matrix structure to garner resources for the necessary research work (Medicinal and Process Chemistry, in vitro Pharmacology, Pharmacokinetics, Disease Models, Formulation Development, Safety & Toxicology). The position will report directly to the Distinguished Scientist and Global Head, our Company's Research & Development Liaison and Discovery – Non-infectious Diseases.

Education:

• Required: PhD and/or DVM/VMD, with Board certification in pharmacology

Required Experience:

• Minimum of 8 years industry or pharmaceutical research experience in drug discovery or preclinical research with a focus on in vivo pharmacology
• Advanced and thorough scientific knowledge in pharmacology, disease mechanisms and related preclinical models
• Expertise in one of the following fields: oncology, diabetes, respiratory & immunology, cardiology, pain & inflammation, or reproduction.
• Knowledge of regulatory aspects of pharmaceuticals including GLP, GCP and GMP
• Ability to manage multiple projects, including budgets, contracts, and timelines
• Ability to independently plan, recommend and complete research programs
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills
• Effective creator of executive level presentations and documents
• Experience in preparing patent applications in support of patent coverage of research efforts
• 10 % Travel

Preferred Experience:

• Board certification in Pharmacology
• Project management skills within pharmaceuticals
• Experience in developing and managing collaborations with outsource providers, vendors, contractors and academic institutions
• Experience in working with business development to identify and license external technology opportunities

Animal Health Our Animal Health Division is a trusted global leader in veterinary medicine, dedicated to preserving and improving health, well-being, and performance 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 care and the world's food supply and have a deep sense of responsibility towards our customers, consumers, animals, society, and our planet. Through our commitment to The Science of Healthier Animals®, we offer veterinarians, farmers, pet owners and governments one of the widest ranges of veterinary pharmaceuticals, vaccines and health management solutions and services. We invest in dynamic and comprehensive R&D resources and a modern, global supply chain. We are present in more than 50 countries, while our products are available in some 150 markets.

Required Skills: Adaptability, Communication, Detail-Oriented, Ethical Compliance, In Vivo Models, In Vivo Pharmacology, Leading Project Teams, Persuasion, Professional Networking, Science, Social Collaboration

Preferred Skills:

The salary range for this role is $169,700.00 – $267,200.00. This is the lowest to highest salary we in good faith believe we would pay for this role at the time of this posting. An employee's position within the salary range will be based on several factors including, but not limited to relevant education, qualifications, certifications, experience, skills, geographic location, government requirements, and business or organizational needs.

The successful candidate will be eligible for annual bonus and long-term incentive, if applicable.

We offer a comprehensive package of benefits. Available benefits include medical, dental, vision healthcare and other insurance benefits (for employee and family), retirement benefits, including 401(k), paid holidays, vacation, and compassionate and sick days. More information about benefits is available at https://jobs.merck.com/us/en/compensation-and-benefits.