Executive Director, Vaccine Drug Product Development
Merck
August 20, 2026
Remote friendly (West Point, PA)
United States
Operations
Executive Director, Vaccine Drug Product Development
Responsibilities
- Define and execute the strategic vision, priorities, and operating model for Vaccine Drug Product, aligned to portfolio, launch, and business objectives.
- Shape vaccine drug product strategies to inform investment decisions, business cases, and commercialization plans.
- Provide data-driven recommendations integrating scientific, technical, regulatory, operational, and business perspectives.
- Lead end-to-end vaccine drug product development (early strategy through commercial launch): formulation, process development, sterile manufacturing, fill-finish, technology transfer, and lifecycle management.
- Integrate CMC considerations (stability, potency, sterility assurance, presentation, cold-chain requirements, regulatory expectations).
- Build and lead high-performing teams through coaching, mentoring, succession planning, and inclusive leadership; foster accountability, innovation, collaboration, and continuous improvement.
- Establish cross-functional and external stakeholder partnerships and communicate effectively to senior leaders.
Qualifications
- Ph.D. or equivalent advanced degree in Engineering, Pharmaceutical Sciences, Immunology, Biochemistry, Chemistry, or related field.
- 12+ years’ experience in vaccine/biologics/sterile drug product development.
- Significant experience leading vaccine/sterile drug product strategy across development, CMC, regulatory, technology transfer, and launch-readiness.
Required Skills
- Strategic leadership, people leadership, stakeholder management, vaccine research, drug development, sterile products, innovation, product development.
Benefits (as stated)
- Annual bonus and long-term incentive (if applicable); comprehensive benefits including medical/dental/vision, retirement (401(k)), paid holidays, vacation, and sick/compassionate days.
Application
- Apply via https://jobs.merck.com/us/en (application deadline listed on posting).
Responsibilities
- Define and execute the strategic vision, priorities, and operating model for Vaccine Drug Product, aligned to portfolio, launch, and business objectives.
- Shape vaccine drug product strategies to inform investment decisions, business cases, and commercialization plans.
- Provide data-driven recommendations integrating scientific, technical, regulatory, operational, and business perspectives.
- Lead end-to-end vaccine drug product development (early strategy through commercial launch): formulation, process development, sterile manufacturing, fill-finish, technology transfer, and lifecycle management.
- Integrate CMC considerations (stability, potency, sterility assurance, presentation, cold-chain requirements, regulatory expectations).
- Build and lead high-performing teams through coaching, mentoring, succession planning, and inclusive leadership; foster accountability, innovation, collaboration, and continuous improvement.
- Establish cross-functional and external stakeholder partnerships and communicate effectively to senior leaders.
Qualifications
- Ph.D. or equivalent advanced degree in Engineering, Pharmaceutical Sciences, Immunology, Biochemistry, Chemistry, or related field.
- 12+ years’ experience in vaccine/biologics/sterile drug product development.
- Significant experience leading vaccine/sterile drug product strategy across development, CMC, regulatory, technology transfer, and launch-readiness.
Required Skills
- Strategic leadership, people leadership, stakeholder management, vaccine research, drug development, sterile products, innovation, product development.
Benefits (as stated)
- Annual bonus and long-term incentive (if applicable); comprehensive benefits including medical/dental/vision, retirement (401(k)), paid holidays, vacation, and sick/compassionate days.
Application
- Apply via https://jobs.merck.com/us/en (application deadline listed on posting).