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 a R&D Project Leader (m/f/d) - (Animal Health R&D) to join our team in Schwabenheim, near Mainz, on a fulltime and permanent basis.

Key Responsibilities:

• The R&D Project Leader in Global Pharmaceutical Development leads global multi-functional project teams and drives the development and registration of new veterinary pharmaceuticals for our Animal Health division.
• In this critical role, the R&D Project Leader is responsible for all aspects of pharmaceutical product development and will lead cross-functional teams to achieve the project plan on schedule, on target and within budget. 
• The Global Pharmaceutical Development Department drives the progression of pharmaceutical drug candidates from discovery through development to commercialization.
• As a global project leader in this department, the R&D Project Leader will develop and execute strategies for drug development programs and ensure the data for regulatory approval and commercial value are generated. Hence, this is a high-visibility project leadership position with the potential for significant impact on the future success of Animal Health.

Required Experience and Skills:

• Minimum 5 years 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 to various functional groups in the organization and external regulatory authorities are critical.
• Strong business acumen.
• The candidate should have a focus on scientific excellence and the needs of customers.
• Qualified candidates will have a Doctor of Veterinary Medicine (DVM) and/or a Ph.D. in Life Sciences.
• Proficient in spoken and written English; good command of German or a willingness to learn.

Preferred Experience and Skills:

• Previous experience in pharmaceutical development is preferred.
• The ideal candidate will have a personal drive for results and an ability to motivate other team members to deliver on project objectives.
• The ideal candidate has an ability to work independently, is highly organized, and can 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.

Current Employees apply HERE

Current Contingent Workers apply HERE

Search Firm Representatives Please Read Carefully 
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:

04/11/2025

*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.