Executive Director, Vaccine Drug Product Development
Merck
August 20, 2026
Remote friendly (Rahway, NJ)
United States
Clinical Research and Development
Executive Director, Vaccine Drug Product Development
Responsibilities:
- Define and execute strategic vision, priorities, and operating model for Vaccine Drug Product, aligned with portfolio, launch, and business objectives.
- Shape vaccine drug product strategies to inform investment decisions, business cases, and commercialization plans.
- Provide clear, data-driven recommendations integrating scientific, technical, regulatory, operational, and business perspectives.
- Lead vaccine drug product development from early strategy through commercial launch (formulation, process development, sterile manufacturing, fill-finish, technology transfer, lifecycle management).
- Integrate CMC considerations (stability, potency, sterility assurance, presentation, cold-chain requirements, regulatory expectations).
- Build and inspire high-performing teams (coaching, mentoring, succession planning, inclusive leadership) and foster accountability, innovation, collaboration, and continuous improvement.
- Establish partnerships across Development, Manufacturing, Regulatory, Quality, Commercial, and external stakeholders; communicate with influence across all levels.
Qualifications:
- Ph.D. or equivalent advanced degree in Engineering, Pharmaceutical Sciences, Immunology, Biochemistry, Chemistry, or related field.
- 12+ years’ experience in vaccine, biologics, or sterile drug product development.
- Significant experience leading vaccine/sterile drug product strategy across development, CMC, regulatory, technology transfer, and launch-readiness.
- Strong understanding of vaccine development, sterile manufacturing, and commercialization in a regulated environment.
Skills (role-relevant):
- Strategic leadership, people leadership, stakeholder management, data-driven decision making, risk management/problem solving, innovation/continuous improvement.
Benefits (if applicable in description):
- Eligible for annual bonus and long-term incentive (if applicable). Comprehensive benefits include medical/dental/vision, retirement/401(k), paid holidays, vacation, and compassionate/sick days.
Application:
- Apply via https://jobs.merck.com/us/en (deadline stated on posting).
Responsibilities:
- Define and execute strategic vision, priorities, and operating model for Vaccine Drug Product, aligned with portfolio, launch, and business objectives.
- Shape vaccine drug product strategies to inform investment decisions, business cases, and commercialization plans.
- Provide clear, data-driven recommendations integrating scientific, technical, regulatory, operational, and business perspectives.
- Lead vaccine drug product development from early strategy through commercial launch (formulation, process development, sterile manufacturing, fill-finish, technology transfer, lifecycle management).
- Integrate CMC considerations (stability, potency, sterility assurance, presentation, cold-chain requirements, regulatory expectations).
- Build and inspire high-performing teams (coaching, mentoring, succession planning, inclusive leadership) and foster accountability, innovation, collaboration, and continuous improvement.
- Establish partnerships across Development, Manufacturing, Regulatory, Quality, Commercial, and external stakeholders; communicate with influence across all levels.
Qualifications:
- Ph.D. or equivalent advanced degree in Engineering, Pharmaceutical Sciences, Immunology, Biochemistry, Chemistry, or related field.
- 12+ years’ experience in vaccine, biologics, or sterile drug product development.
- Significant experience leading vaccine/sterile drug product strategy across development, CMC, regulatory, technology transfer, and launch-readiness.
- Strong understanding of vaccine development, sterile manufacturing, and commercialization in a regulated environment.
Skills (role-relevant):
- Strategic leadership, people leadership, stakeholder management, data-driven decision making, risk management/problem solving, innovation/continuous improvement.
Benefits (if applicable in description):
- Eligible for annual bonus and long-term incentive (if applicable). Comprehensive benefits include medical/dental/vision, retirement/401(k), paid holidays, vacation, and compassionate/sick days.
Application:
- Apply via https://jobs.merck.com/us/en (deadline stated on posting).