Principal Scientist
Scientific ResearchPosted 17 Jul 2026
Advertised as “Principal Scientist, Drug Discovery”
Posted 17 Jul 2026
Advertised as “Principal Scientist, Drug Discovery”
The original posting with the fluff stripped out
| Base salary | US$169,500 – US$267,000 / yr |
|---|
Study levelDoctorate or higher
Job Description
Join the Rahway, NJ Animal Health Team
Our Company's Global Animal Health Research & Development (R&D) division is a pioneer in the discovery, development and registration of vaccines and therapeutics for animals.. To strengthen our team, we are looking for a highly skilled and motivated Principal Scientist to join our R&D team.
Purpose of the Role
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 from our Company Laboratories or from external partners such as human pharma or biotech companies as well as academia. The successful candidate will be a key driver to advance novel targets and will lead these research programs from ideation through the early research and proof-of-concept phase up to the development stage. She/he/they will interface with researchers and senior management throughout the organization as well as external partners and operate within a matrix structure to garner resources for the necessary research work (Medicinal and Process Chemistry, in vitro Pharmacology, Pharmacokinetics, Disease Models, Formulation Development, Safety & Toxicology). The position will report directly to the Distinguished Scientist and Global Head, our Company's Research & Development Liaison and Discovery – Non-infectious Diseases.
Education:
Required Experience:
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, or reproduction.
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
10 % Travel
Preferred Experience:
Board certification in Pharmacology
Project management skills within pharmaceuticals
Experience in developing and managing collaborations with outsource providers, vendors, contractors and academic institutions
Experience in working with business development to identify and license external technology opportunities
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. 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.
Required Skills:
Adaptability, Communication, Detail-Oriented, Ethical Compliance, In Vivo Models, In Vivo Pharmacology, Leading Project Teams, Persuasion, Professional Networking, Science, Social Collaboration
Preferred Skills:
Current Employees apply HERE
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:
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.
Learn more about your rights, including under California, Colorado and other US State Acts
The salary range for this role is
$169,700.00 - $267,200.00
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:
Domestic
VISA Sponsorship:
No
Travel Requirements:
10%
Flexible Work Arrangements:
Hybrid
Shift:
Not Indicated
Valid Driving License:
No
Hazardous Material(s):
N/A
Job Posting End Date:
07/24/2026
*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.