Regional R&D Director (Ruminants)

Job Description

A unique leadership opportunity to drive scientific innovation, develop top talent, and accelerate commercially viable Ruminants solutions worldwide.

We have an exciting new job opportunity at our location in Boxmeer and are looking to hire a Regional R&D Director (Ruminants)

Welcome to our team

With more than 200 employees, our R&D division is a pioneer in the discovery, development, and registration of vaccines and pharmaceuticals for animals. Our Global Ruminants R&D department, with 13 employees in Boxmeer (NL), 15 in DeSoto (US), and 3 in Bendigo (AU), has global responsibility for developing new vaccines for ruminants. The team is organized into project groups that manage the end-to-end research and development of vaccines, from feasibility studies through product licensure, as well as product lifecycle management thereafter. To strengthen the Ruminants R&D team, we are looking for a Regional R&D Director (Ruminants).

Purpose of the role

Under the direction of the AVP Biologics R&D (based in Boxmeer), you are responsible for managing, coaching and developing the Regional R&D Ruminants team in Boxmeer (13 employees, 3 direct reports), with the purpose of strengthening our market position. You are accountable and financially responsible for biological research and development within the field of Ruminants Biologicals in the region, leading to the timely launch of commercially viable Ruminants Biologicals. As member of our global Ruminants Species Team, you contribute to the Global Strategic vision with regard to the current and future product needs of customers and in line with our overall company strategy. You formulate new initiatives and are ultimately responsible for the timely progression of product development according to agreed plans, milestones, budget and company guidelines. This role involves close collaboration with the Regional R&D Lead (Ruminants) in the US and our regional and global leaders in Marketing, Commercial, Manufacturing, Regulatory Affairs and Legal (IP).

Your profile

• PhD in life sciences, followed by several years of industrial experience, gaining significant experience in developing vaccines for animal health.
• A solid understanding of the husbandry of commercial ruminant species (dairy and beef cattle, sheep and goats) or a veterinary degree is an advantage.
• Proven track record of managing and developing a team of highly skilled scientists in a complex, international and relevant organization.
• Results-driven, with an innovative mindset, curiosity about emerging technologies, and a sharp focus on practical implementation.
• Experience in developing and managing project plans, setting clear objectives, budgets and timelines, and allocating resources effectively.
• The ability to adapt to changing circumstances, learn quickly, stay updated on the latest scientific and technical advancements, and collaborate with external academic partners.
• A positive outlook, with experience working in multidisciplinary teams across multicultural, global organizations.
• Strong command of English; Dutch language skills, or willingness to learn Dutch are preferred.

What we offer

A newly created, highly visible role at one of the world’s largest animal health bioscience centers, offering a unique opportunity to make a meaningful and highly recognized contribution to further strengthening our strong Ruminants market position. In this role, you will have the opportunity to leverage your enthusiasm, openness, and willingness to go the extra mile, along with the drive, ambition, and capability to operate at the next global level. Our benefits are very competitive, and the summary below will give you an idea of what you can expect.

• Competitive compensation aligned with your knowledge and experience.
• 3% year-end payment and an annual bonus based on individual and company performance.
• Company car or car allowance.
• Long Term Incentive Plan.
• A minimum of 25 days of leave.
• Solid Pension Plan.
• Excellent accessibility: the train station is right by our main entrance and there is ample parking.
• High-quality company restaurant with fresh, healthy options daily.
• Contribution toward your personal sports/fitness membership to support your vitality.
• Beautiful private park on the premises, ideal for a walk, break, or moment of relaxation.
• Mental well-being support via Lyra Health for you and your family members.
• Access to a dedicated prayer/meditation room.

Animal Health

Our Animal Health Division is a trusted global leader in veterinary medicine, dedicated to preserving and improving health, well-being, and performance 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 care and the world’s food supply and have a deep sense of responsibility towards our customers, consumers, animals, society, and our planet.

Through our commitment to The Science of Healthier Animals®, we offer veterinarians, farmers, pet owners and governments one of the widest ranges of veterinary pharmaceuticals, vaccines and health management solutions and services as well as an extensive suite of digitally connected identification, traceability and monitoring products. We invest in dynamic and comprehensive R&D resources and a modern, global supply chain. We are present in more than 50 countries, while our products are available in some 150 markets.

For questions about this vacancy

Please send an email including the vacancy number and job title to the following email address: RecruitmentNL@MSD.com

Applications can only be submitted via our careers site.

Required Skills:

Animal Welfare, Assay Development, Biochemistry, Business Acumen, Business Development, Business Partnerships, Cell Biology, Cross-Cultural Teams, Drug Discovery Research, Drug Registration, External Collaboration, GMP Compliance, Immunology, Infectious Disease, Innovation, International Marketing, Mentorship, Molecular Biology, People Leadership, Technical Evaluation, Vaccine Development

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:

Hybrid

Shift:

Valid Driving License:

Hazardous Material(s):

Job Posting End Date:

06/9/2026

*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.