Associate Director, Business Development, Discovery Transactions

Job Summary The Associate Director/ Director, Business Development & Licensing (BD&L) Discovery Transactions will be part of a seasoned team of transaction leads located in Rahway, NJ, West Point, PA, Cambridge, MA, and South San Francisco, CA. The successful candidate will be responsible for overseeing and negotiating a broad spectrum of transactions supporting our company’s Research Laboratories in the discovery and preclinical stage across in support of therapeutic and functional areas with external academic, government, and industry partners worldwide. This position will be based in our offices in Rahway, NJ or West Point, PA. This position will report to a Director in the BD&L Discovery Transactions group. Location & Work Model Hybrid work model: remote and office‑based work. Offices located in Rahway, NJ and West Point, PA. Full‑time position. Primary Responsibilities Collaborating closely with our company’s research scientists, management, legal and external partners to negotiate material transfers, licenses, evaluations, consortia, research collaborations and other agreements to establish external scientific partnerships Negotiating with external counterparts to execute appropriate agreements in a timely manner in support of our Research Division objectives and compliance policies Educating and influencing our Research Division scientists and management in the executional and relational aspects of external partnering Participation and networking at industry‑academia professional events to establish our Research Division as a partner of choice Requirements Bachelor’s degree in a scientific discipline required; an advanced degree in business, law or science is a plus A minimum of 5 years work experience in one or more pharmaceutical or biotech companies Experience in transactions with academic institutions, biotech, and/or pharma; contract drafting and negotiation experience desired Demonstrated leadership, judgment, and creativity in applying analytical frameworks and solutions to business‑ and discovery‑stage scientific issues Demonstrated ability to partner with client groups Understanding of scientific principles and the drug‑development process Candidate must demonstrate superb interpersonal skills and the ability to influence without authority Exceptional written, verbal, and organizational skills are essential Some travel ( Preferred Skills Intellectual Property Licensing Licensing Negotiations Patent Licensing Required Skills Business Development Contract Negotiations Contracts Contractual Drafting Drafting Agreements Drug Discovery Research Due Diligence Licensing Multidisciplinary Collaboration Pharmaceutical Industry Transaction Management Compensation & Benefits Salary range: $156,900.00 – $247,000.00. Annual bonus and long‑term incentive may be available. Benefits include medical, dental, vision, retirement 401(k), paid holidays, vacation, and compassionate and sick days. For more information about benefits, visit https://jobs.merck.com/us/en/compensation-and-benefits. EEO Statement 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. We are committed to inclusion and provide accommodation during the application and hiring process, if needed. EEOC Know Your Rights and EEOC GINA Supplement information is available under U.S. Equal Opportunity Employment laws. We encourage employees to respect diverse perspectives and collaborate collectively to innovate. #J-18808-Ljbffr