Merck & Co, Inc

Director, Regulatory Affairs Liaison, Vaccines & Infectious Diseases

Merck & Co, Inc$210K — $331K *
Pharmaceuticals & Biotech
Less than 5 years of experience
Job Overview by Ladders

Qualifications

  • M.D., Ph.D., or relevant doctoral degree in biological science or chemistry required; equivalent experience may be acceptable.
  • 3+ years of drug development or clinical experience required for M.D.; 5+ years for Ph.D.; 7+ years for M.S. in regulatory affairs preferred.
  • Excellent verbal and written communication skills are essential.
  • Strong organizational skills with a proven track record of managing multiple projects.
  • Flexibility and the ability to work independently with limited management direction.
  • Strong scientific and analytical skills with attention to detail.

Responsibilities

  • Lead the development and implementation of global regulatory strategy for vaccines and infectious diseases.
  • Serve as the primary global regulatory point of contact for assigned projects.
  • Provide expert regulatory advice to product development teams throughout the drug lifecycle.
  • Lead the Global Regulatory Team to ensure coordinated regulatory support.
  • Represent the company in direct communications with regulatory agencies like the FDA.
  • Prepare and lead advisory committee meetings, including presentations as needed.
  • Coordinate and guide interactions with international regulatory agencies.

Benefits

  • Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision insurance for employees and family.
  • 401(k) retirement plan with contributions.
  • Paid holidays, vacation, sick leave, and compassionate days.
  • Opportunities for annual bonuses and long-term incentives.
Full Job Description

Job Description

Department- Global Regulatory Affairs and Clinical Safety - Vaccine & Infectious Disease

Brief Description of Position-

The Regulatory Affairs Headquarters Principal Scientist is responsible for development and implementation of global regulatory strategy for their assigned projects in the Vaccines and Infectious Disease therapeutic area.

Primary activities include, but are not limited to:

  • Functions with a high degree of independence and provides regulatory oversight for assigned products, functioning as the single, accountable, global regulatory point of contact on those projects within Global Regulatory Affairs and Clinical Safety (GRACS) and external to GRACS.

  • Develops worldwide product regulatory strategy to optimize label and obtain shortest time to approval by regulatory agencies for multiple indications simultaneously.

  • Provides expert advice to Product Development Teams and subsidiaries on regulatory issues as they arise with the developmental compounds or marketed products throughout the entire life cycle of the drug.

  • Provides leadership as head of the Global Regulatory Team, which coordinates cross-functional regulatory support for development programs and marketed products.

  • Represents our company with external organizations through direct communication with the FDA, including telephone calls and e-mail; chairs meetings between our Company and FDA; prepares our Company teams for meetings with FDA at all phases of drug development.

  • Leads cross-functional efforts to prepare for advisory committees and may speak at the advisory committee.

  • Coordinates interactions with foreign agencies through Regulatory Affairs Europe and the subsidiary registration departments to support their interactions and provide strategic direction across multiple regions simultaneously.

  • Reviews and provides final approval of Worldwide Marketing Applications, Clinical Study Reports, Protocols, Investigators Brochures before release from our company to external agencies and investigators.

  • Represents Global Regulatory Affairs (GR) within internal committees to provide regulatory advice and approval according to the committee charters (therapeutic area Document Review Committees, Product Development Team, Early Development Team, and Label Evaluation and Development Team.

  • Conducts initial Investigational New Drug application/Clinical Study Agreement content review and approval to facilitate initial approval by regulatory agencies for conduct of clinical trials.

  • Participates in regulatory due diligence activities for licensing candidate review and works with business development partners in executing regulatory responsibilities to advance developmental compounds or support marketed products.

Location- USA-Pennsylvania-North Wales-Upper Gwynedd

Additional Locations:

USA-New Jersey-Rahway

USA-Pennsylvania-Philadelphia-WeWork

Extent of Travel - 10%

Qualifications, Skills & Experience

Education Minimum Requirements:

  • M.D. or Ph.D. or other related doctoral degree in biological science, chemistry or related discipline. Other degrees such as master's with substantial experience in regulatory affairs to suggest equivalent ability to function in this position.

Required Experience and Skills:

  • M.D. with minimum of 3 years relevant drug development or clinical experience required, or

  • Ph.D. with minimum of 5 years relevant drug development experience required, or

  • M.S. with minimum of 7 years relevant drug development or clinical experience, preference if this experience is in regulatory affairs.

  • Excellent communication skills (both oral and written).

  • Good organizational skills with a proven ability to simultaneously balance diverse activities or multiple projects.

  • Flexibility required.

  • Strong scientific and analytical skills with attention to detail.

  • Ability to achieve optimal results with limited day-to-day direction from the manager.

Preferred Experience and Skills:

  • Substantial experience in regulatory affairs.

  • Therapeutic area experience in vaccines or infectious diseases.  Experience with antibacterial, antifungal or antiviral agents.

Required Skills:

Biological Sciences, Biostatistics, Clinical Judgment, Clinical Trial Planning, Clinical Trials, Communication, Cross-Functional Collaboration, Detail-Oriented, Infectious Disease, Leadership, Medical Writing, Pharmaceutical Regulatory Affairs, Pharmacovigilance, Regulatory Affairs Compliance, Regulatory Affairs Management, Regulatory Intelligence, Regulatory Issues, Regulatory Strategy Development, Regulatory Writing

Preferred Skills:

Current Employees apply

Current Contingent Workers apply

US and Puerto Rico Residents Only:

The salary range for this role is

$210,400.00 - $331,100.00

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.

San Francisco Residents Only: We will consider qualified applicants with arrest and conviction records for employment in compliance with the San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance

Los Angeles Residents Only: We will consider for employment all qualified applicants, including those with criminal histories, in a manner consistent with the requirements of applicable state and local laws, including the City of Los Angeles’ Fair Chance Initiative for Hiring Ordinance

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:

No relocation

VISA Sponsorship:

No

Travel Requirements:

10%

Flexible Work Arrangements:

Hybrid

Shift:

1st - Day

Valid Driving License:

No

Hazardous Material(s):

N/A

Job Posting End Date:

07/25/2026

*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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