Associate Director, R&D and Business Development Communications

Job Description

The Associate Director, our Research & Development division and BD&L Communications, will support the creation and implementation of communications strategies, plans and tactics that showcase our Company's Research Laboratories discovery and early pipeline efforts across our Company's core focus areas and s capabilities. This individual will also support the execution of internal and external communications related to business development and external collaborations that augment our Company's pipeline. The individual will drive communications initiatives that further our Research & Development division reputation as a leading scientific organization, and employer and partner of choiceThe position will report to the Director, our Research & Development division and BD&L Communications and will be based in Rahway, NJPrimary responsibilities:

• Develop and implement an integrated communications program to showcase our Research & Development division early pipeline from discovery through Phase 3 and raise the scientific profile of our Research & Development division, aligned with our corporate narrative and enterprise strategy.

• Lead and support early pipeline communications efforts across all Therapeutic Areas (TAs) including data milestones, medical congress activities, executive visibility, internal communications and social media strategies. Prepare for potential issues.

• Drive integrated editorial strategy to raise external awareness of our Research & Development division – its science, pipeline and people - through conducting strategic, meaningful, targeted communications including social and digital channels that enhance the reputation of our Research & Development division and our Company. Include appropriate metrics and leverage with key audiences.
• Develop creative content on key targets, pathways and pipeline areas of focus, aligned to priority TAs, to reinforce the scientific narrative around pipeline candidates and appropriately positioned within the context of our Research & Development division pipeline and R&D strategy.

• Develops communications strategies and materials for business development deals and other collaboration announcements and liaises with partner companies on supporting plans, tactics and timing.

• Identify, develop and support unique storylines, media and thought-leadership opportunities to showcase our Research & Development division discovery and pipeline efforts that complement our Research & Development division scientific narrative with key external stakeholders.

• Prepares and briefs R&D leaders on message delivery, media engagement and external speaking opportunities.

• Closely partner with the broader organization including Global Media Relations and Product Communications teams, as well as Investor Relations colleagues to align and maximize opportunities for R&D initiatives and find opportunities for engagement and collaboration.
• Establish measures of success and implement relevant evaluation tools for communications activities.

• Work directly with public relations agencies and help manage related budgets.

Requires Minimum Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in communications, journalism or life sciences field is required
• A minimum of five (5) years’ experience in a communications or public relations role, with a focus on data and scientifically driven external communications in an agency or corporate setting.
• Must have strong executive presence, excellent verbal and written communications skills and ability to work under tight deadlines with great attention to detail.
• Ability to work independently with minimal supervision as well as collaborate within a matrixed organization.
• Candidate must have deep understanding of the biopharmaceutical industry, media landscape and possess strong scientific, business, and financial acumen.
• Candidate must have an ability to interact with subject matter efforts to develop an understanding of complex scientific concepts and data and develop audience specific communications.
• Strong project management skills and the ability to juggle multiple priorities and competing deadlines.
• Team player, collaborative spirit, ability to succeed in a fast-paced, high-visibility role.
• Creative and passionate professional with experience in the development and implementation of integrated communications programs.
• Experience in internal and external communications, including executive communications and issues/crisis management.
• Follows communications trends and has proficiency with social and digital channels.

Preferred Experience and Skills:

• Experience in supporting R&D or pipeline communications efforts
• Experience working with C-suite and senior level executives
• Budget and agency management experience

Required Skills:

Collaborative Spirit, Communications Strategy, Content Creation, Crisis Management, Data Analysis, External Communication, Internal Communications, Life Science, Marketing Communications Planning, Media Publishing, Media Relations, Medical Communications, Online Content Development, Pharmaceutical Biology, Project Management, Public Health Communications, Public Relations Consulting, Public Speaking, Reputation Management, Strategic Planning, Trade Media Relations, Working Independently

Preferred Skills:

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Current Contingent Workers apply HERE

US and Puerto Rico Residents Only:

Our company is committed to inclusion, ensuring that candidates can engage in a hiring process that exhibits their true capabilities. Please click here if you need an accommodation during the application or hiring process.

As an Equal Employment Opportunity Employer, we provide equal opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibit discrimination on the basis of race, color, age, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, protected veteran status, disability status, or other applicable legally protected characteristics.  As a federal contractor, we comply with all affirmative action requirements for protected veterans and individuals with disabilities.  For more information about personal rights under the U.S. Equal Opportunity Employment laws, visit:

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We are proud to be a company that embraces the value of bringing together, talented, and committed people with diverse experiences, perspectives, skills and backgrounds. The fastest way to breakthrough innovation is when people with diverse ideas, broad experiences, backgrounds, and skills come together in an inclusive environment. We encourage our colleagues to respectfully challenge one another’s thinking and approach problems collectively.

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The salary range for this role is

$173,200.00 - $272,600.00

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 https://jobs.merck.com/us/en/compensation-and-benefits.

You can apply for this role through https://jobs.merck.com/us/en (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:

VISA Sponsorship:

Travel Requirements:

Flexible Work Arrangements:

Hybrid

Shift:

Valid Driving License:

Hazardous Material(s):

Job Posting End Date:

08/29/2026

*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.