Director Research Science

Job Description

Site Lead Animal Health Innovation

Our Animal Health Research & Development team work tirelessly to invent solutions to improve the health and wellbeing of animals. Our state-of-the-art research facilities create an environment of innovation that enable us to create breakthrough science changing the way we approach animal health challenges.

• • Join an innovative global pharmaceutical company.
  • Great opportunity for personal and professional development.

THE OPPORTUNITY:

In this role, you will be responsible to lead the Warm-Water aquatic Animal Health R&D team, both people and facilities in Singapore in line with regulations (GLP, RQS, SHE, Local/International). You will be accountable for the operations and related tasks required to support the research and development leading to the timely launch of commercially viable vaccine and therapies.

As Legal Representative you will report to the Global Species Head Aqua. Furthermore, you will be responsible for the daily management of the Company. You shall perform the work in line with that which is usual practice for a Managing Director pursuant to rules and regulations. You shall continuously inform the Global Species Head and if required the Country Counsil concerning the leadership of the undertaking, the Company's financial situation and the Company's affairs in other respects and provide such an account and information as requested and you shall implement any necessary measures to ensure that the Company's accounts are in accordance with applicable legislation.

 

WHAT YOU WILL DO:

Other responsibility of the incumbent includes:

• • Be responsible for all Aquatic Animal Health R&D projects carried out by and at our Animal Health (AH) Innovation following agreed plans, milestones and company guidelines and following regulatory requirements for product registration globally
  • Lead the R&D product development- and R&D operations teams; maintain, within guidelines, an inclusive culture within the site that motivates employees by providing good communication and a positive team environment
  • Lead the R&D operational team; maintain, within guidelines, an inclusive culture within the site that motivates employees by providing good communication and a positive team environment
  • Direct and manage organizational aspects of the site to develop staff with expertise and know-how for all necessary operations. Manage the organization to fulfill all vital functions by personnel including selection, hiring and development of staff.
  • Be responsible for all site assets from budgeting, procurement, maintenance, use and retirement to optimized efficiency of use
  • Maintain a GLP or RQS quality system for all R&D activities, ensure adherence to Company and local EHS standards and adherence to Animal Welfare requirements throughout
  • Functions as the local representative of our AH Division towards local government and the scientific and commercial community in the field of warm-water aquaculture.
  • Signals, proposes and prepares project proposals towards the R&D governance organization.
  • Supervises and is end responsible for Quality control activities and Quality Assurance on site.
  • Establish and maintain a close co- operation with the relevant commercial, veterinary services, regulatory affairs and production departments within the company.  Drives in close collaboration with Marketing and Sales the strategic plan for AAH to ensure a continued market leader position

REQUIREMENTS

Candidates should possess a Ph.D. in Biology, Veterinary Science or related field with 5+ years’ experience in a pharmaceutical R&D position – preferentially vaccine development and 3+ years’ experience in leading an R&D team and R&D projects.  In-depth knowledge of (warm-water) fish farming, disease occurrences, epidemiology, up-to-date aquatic veterinary practices and commercial landscape are required.

Other attributes include:

1) Results orientation

The constant drive to achieve and exceed personal and organizational objectives. Takes all actions necessary to deliver the expected results (and more) on time.

2) Customer focus

The ability and desire to look at the organization and the way it conducts business from the customer’s perspective. Proactively serves customers and meets or exceeds their expectations. A “customer” can be either internal or external.

3) Innovation

The ability to see beyond the immediate job assignment and constantly generate and apply new ideas which can improve products, processes and systems and which will benefit the company. Recognizes and seizes improvement opportunities and challenges the status quo.

4) Teamwork

Working co - operatively with others, sharing knowledge and experience in order to attain goals in a more effective way.  Crosses functional, geographical, cultural or other boarders in working with others. Encourages teamwork and synergies throughout the organization.

5) Commitment to values

The ability to stand up for personal and organizational values and principles, even in difficult situations. Is fair, honest and reliable. The ability to link decision making and actions to company and business unit values.

Application:

You are welcome to apply online – application deadline is 5th October, 2026.  

Required Skills:

Biomarker Assay Development, Biomarker Assay Development, Business Decisions, Business Structures, Cell Biology, Commercial Operations Management, Customer Centricity, Customer-Focused, Customer Management, Data Analysis, Detail-Oriented, Employee Training, Ethical Compliance, Experimentation, Goal Attainment, Government Regulation, Innovation, Inside Sales, Operations Management, People Leadership, Procedure Adherence, Professional Networking, Quality Control Management, Research Proposal Development, Schedule Adherence {+ 7 more}

Preferred Skills:

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:

Not Applicable

Shift:

Valid Driving License:

Hazardous Material(s):

Job Posting End Date:

10/6/2026

*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.