Merck & Co, Inc

Assoc. Dir, Regulatory Affairs-CMC

Merck & Co, Inc$142K — $224K *
Pharmaceuticals & Biotech
5 - 7 years of experience
Job Overview by Ladders

Qualifications

  • BS in a Scientific, Technical, or Regulatory field; advanced degrees are advantageous.
  • 5+ years in pharmaceutical/biotech focusing on Regulatory CMC or related operations.
  • Experience developing and optimizing digital tools and AI solutions in regulated settings.
  • Demonstrated success in implementing enterprise-wide solutions for improved outcomes.
  • Strong mentoring background, guiding teams on digital projects and workflows.
  • Exceptional collaboration skills, thriving in matrix environments across functions like R&D and Manufacturing.
  • Excellent project management capabilities to juggle multiple initiatives.

Responsibilities

  • Drive AI-enabled regulatory authoring innovations and create practical job aids.
  • Stay updated on emerging technologies and assess their relevance to Regulatory CMC processes.
  • Lead cross-functional development of AI authoring, regulatory intelligence, and digital transformation.
  • Establish and embed the CMC digital/AI operating model aligning with enterprise digital strategies.
  • Be a primary contact for key digital tools, supporting tracking and reporting for CMC priorities.
  • Identify shared digital opportunities across research and manufacturing to enhance collaboration.
  • Champion AI adoption and oversee change management, fostering a culture of innovation.

Benefits

  • Comprehensive healthcare coverage (medical, dental, vision) for employees and families.
  • 401(k) retirement plan with employer contributions.
  • Generous paid holidays and vacation days.
  • Compassionate and sick leave as part of the benefits package.
  • Flexible work arrangements with hybrid options.
Full Job Description

Job Description

Associate Principal Scientist, Regulatory CMC Digital Innovation
Rahway, NJ or West Point, PA

The Associate Director, Regulatory CMC Digital Innovation is a key execution and enablement-focused role reporting to the Executive Director of Regulatory CMC Digital Innovation. The role will focus on developing digital and AI (Artificial Intelligence) innovations and solutions across all aspects of Regulatory CMC workflows. This individual will serve as a subject matter expert (SME) to help Regulatory CMC teams develop, adopt, implement, and maximize digital and AI tools to drive productivity and operational excellence. Additionally, this role will link Regulatory CMC initiatives to GRACS-wide projects and broader Enterprise Digital Initiatives and partnering closely with counterparts (in our Research & Development Division and our Manufacturing Division) to develop and implement integrated solutions.

Responsibilities:

  • AI-Enabled Authoring & Innovation: Drive the advancement of AI-enabled regulatory authoring capabilities (including Module 2/3 authoring innovations), drafting practical job aids, and continuously identifying novel generative AI drafting opportunities.

  • Emerging Tech Advocacy: Keep abreast of rapid technological advancements (the latest AI, machine learning, digital tools, etc.) and assessing their utility for Regulatory CMC processes.

  • Cross-Functional Collaboration: Lead and coordinate cross-functional activities relating to development of AI authoring, process automation, regulatory intelligence, and digital transformation initiatives.

  • Digital Operating Model Support: Partner in establishing, communicating, and embedding the CMC digital/AI operating model to connect, align, and scale localized AI efforts with broader enterprise digital strategies.

  • Partner with the Regulatory CMC Systems/Operations group regarding the development of digital solutions impacting our regulatory platforms (e.g., Veeva) as needed.

  • Application Ownership & Reporting: Serve as the primary Regulatory CMC point of contact for selected key digital tools and platforms (such as the ERA App), and support CMC digital priority tracking and progress reporting.

  • Research & Development Division-Manufacturing Division Partnerships: Work collaboratively across our Divisions to identify shared digital opportunities, co-develop cross-functional solutions, and ensure smooth data and process handoffs between manufacturing, research, and regulatory.

  • Advocacy & Change Management: Actively champion enterprise-wide AI adoption by participating in champion networks (e.g., AI Pioneers Champions Network), coordinating feedback loops, and driving change management and training activities.

  • Mentorship & Community Building: Propose, lead, and mentor digital project teams—including guiding GRACS CMC summer intern projects focused on AI-enabled authoring and process improvement—while fostering collaboration across the broader AI/Digital Enablement community.

Education:

  • Minimum BS or equivalent Scientific, Technical, or Regulatory degree (focus on chemistry, biology, pharmacy, computer science, or data analytics preferred).

Required Experience:

  • Minimum of five (5) years of experience in the pharmaceutical or biotech industry, with a strong background in Regulatory CMC, Regulatory Affairs, or related pharmaceutical technical operations.

  • Hands-on experience developing, implementing, or optimizing digital tools, automation, and modern AI/LLM solutions in a regulated business setting.

  • Demonstrated experience delivering enterprise-wide solutions that improve business outcomes.

  • Experience in technical change management, with a capability to design repeatability assessments, job aids, and training materials for end-users.

  • Experience mentoring and coaching colleagues or interns on digital projects and technical workflows.

  • Strong collaboration and communication skills, with a proven ability to work effectively in a matrix environment across various functional units (such as research, manufacturing, and IT).

  • Strong organizational and project coordination skills, with the ability to manage multiple overlapping initiatives simultaneously.

  • Up to 10% Travel.

Required Skills:

Change Management, Collaboration, Electronic Common Technical Document (eCTD), Emerging Technologies, Interpersonal Relationships, Liaison Work, Manufacturing Processes, Multitasking, Project Leadership, Regulatory Affairs Management, Regulatory CMC, Regulatory Compliance, Regulatory Documents, Regulatory Experience, Regulatory Management, Regulatory Reporting, Regulatory Strategy Development, Regulatory Submissions, Stakeholder Partnerships

Preferred Skills:

Current Employees apply

Current Contingent Workers apply

The salary range for this role is

$142,400.00 - $224,100.00

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 .

You can apply for this role through (or via the Workday Jobs Hub if you are a current employee). The application deadline for this position is stated on this posting.

Employee Status:

Regular

Relocation:

No relocation

VISA Sponsorship:

No

Travel Requirements:

No Travel Required

Flexible Work Arrangements:

Hybrid

Shift:

1st - Day

Valid Driving License:

No

Hazardous Material(s):

N/A

Job Posting End Date:

09/1/2026

*A job posting is effective until 11:59:59PM on the day BEFOREthe listed job posting end date. Please ensure you apply to a job posting no later than the day BEFORE the job posting end date.

About Merck & Co, Inc

Schering-Plough Corporation is a major U.S.-based manufacturer of pharmaceuticals. It operates in three segments: Prescription Pharmaceuticals, Animal Health, and Consumer Health Care. Schering-Plough develops products targeting on allergy, cancer, hepatitis, cardiovascular, central nervous system, respiratory system, and more.  It was founded in 1851 by Ernst Christian Friedrich Schering as Schering AG in Germany. Schering-Plough manufactured several pharmaceutical drugs, the most well-known of which were the allergy drugs Claritin and Clarinex, an anti-cholesterol drug Vytorin, and a brain tumor drug Temodar. It also developed drugs targeting on central nervous system and the respiratory system. Schering Plough also owned and operated the major foot care brand name Dr. Scholl's and the skin care line Coppertone. These also became a part of the new company. Schering-Plough was a full member of the European Federation of Pharmaceutical Industries and Associations (EFPIA), a membership which is also maintained by the new Merck.

Merck & Co, Inc Careers

Join the visionary team at Merck & Co, Inc, a global leader in healthcare dedicated to advancing the world of medicine. As part of our professional community, you'll find dynamic job opportunities that foster innovation and leadership across various fields. Merck & Co, Inc is not just a company; it's a place where you can make a difference.

Work You’ll Do

At Merck & Co, Inc, we are committed to improving global health through groundbreaking research and innovative healthcare solutions. Our team is at the forefront of developing new therapies and vaccines that significantly impact public health worldwide. By joining us, you will collaborate with some of the brightest minds in the industry, using your skills to contribute to projects that save and improve lives around the globe.

Explore Career Paths

Whether you're seeking an internship, a graduate opportunity, or a professional position, Merck & Co, Inc offers a range of career paths in environments that promote rapid professional growth and development. Explore job opportunities in research, digital transformation, manufacturing, and more, all while benefiting from a culture that supports diversity and inclusion.

Innovate and Lead

Merck & Co, Inc is an ideal environment for those who lead with curiosity and the drive to innovate. Our leadership is committed to fostering a culture where inventive thinking and collaboration are encouraged, making it a perfect place for professionals who seek to make an impact through their work.

Develop Your Skills

With Merck & Co, Inc, you are not just getting a job; you're gaining access to unparalleled career development opportunities. Enhance your skills through diverse training programs, workshops, and continuous learning courses designed to help you grow at every stage of your career.

Benefits and Culture

We understand that our employees are our greatest asset, which is why we offer competitive benefits designed to support the health and well-being of you and your family. From comprehensive health care coverage and retirement plans to flexible working conditions and wellness programs, our benefits package is designed to meet the diverse needs of our team members.

Join Our Team

Ready to advance your career at Merck & Co, Inc? Search open positions that match your skills and interests. We are continuously hiring and looking for passionate, creative, and solution-driven team players. Prepare your resume, sharpen your interview skills, and become part of a company that's dedicated to making a difference.

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Learn more about Merck & Co, Inc
Size
68,000 employees
Market Cap
$282.6 billion
Industry
Net Income
$7 billion
Founded
1668
5 Year Trend
+4.1%
Revenue
$47.9 billion
NASDAQ

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