Principal Scientist, Drug Discovery
MSDNew Jersey, United States
Posted April 16, 2026
169700 - 267200 USD
Full Time
About the Company
At MSD, known as Merck & Co., Inc., Rahway, NJ, USA in the United States and Canada, we are unified around our purpose: We use the power of leading-edge science to save and improve lives around the world. For more than 130 years, we have brought hope to humanity through the development of important medicines and vaccines. We aspire to be the premier research-intensive biopharmaceutical company in the world – and today, we are at the forefront of research to deliver innovative health solutions that advance the prevention and treatment of diseases in people and animals. We foster a diverse and inclusive global workforce and operate responsibly every day to enable a safe, sustainable and healthy future for all people and communities. For more information, visit www.msd.com and connect with us on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, and YouTube.
Job Description
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. The successful candidate will lead research programs from ideation through the early research and proof-of-concept phase up to the development stage.
Requirements
- DVM/VMD, as well as a PhD in experimental pharmacology
- 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, reproduction, drug delivery or biotechnology
- 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
Benefits
- medical
- dental
- vision healthcare and other insurance benefits (for employee and family)
- retirement benefits, including 401(k)
- paid holidays
- vacation
- compassionate and sick days