Associate Director, R&D Design Lead

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Merck Group seeks an Associate Director, R&D Design Lead in London Feltham with hybrid onsite work to lead insights that shape Phase I to III trial design, partnering with study teams and CROs. You will prioritize analytics, manage projects, drive process improvements, and help evolve the Operational Design Center, including strategy planning. Ideal candidates hold a Master’s or PhD in life sciences or quantitative field with 7+ years in pharma, including 5+ in trial design or feasibility, fluent English, data storytelling, and comfort with automation and AI. To apply, tailor your CV with impact, demonstrate collaboration with leaders, and align your narrative with Merck’s inclusive culture and onsite three days weekly.

Work Your Magic with us!  

Ready to explore, break barriers, and discover more? We know you’ve got big plans – so do we! Our colleagues across the globe love innovating with science and technology to enrich people’s lives with our solutions in Healthcare, Life Science, and Electronics. Together, we dream big and are passionate about caring for our rich mix of people, customers, patients, and planet. That's why we are always looking for curious minds that see themselves imagining the unimaginable with us.

United As One for Patients, our purpose in Healthcare is to help create, improve and prolong lives. We develop medicines, intelligent devices and innovative technologies in therapeutic areas such as Oncology, Neurology and Fertility. Our teams work together across 6 continents with passion and relentless curiosity in order to help patients at every stage of life. Joining our Healthcare team is becoming part of a diverse, inclusive and flexible working culture, presenting great opportunities for personal development and career advancement across the globe.

Your Role

At the intersection of clinical operations, data science, and strategic decision-making, this role offers a rare opportunity to shape how data-driven insights directly influence Phase I–III clinical trial design across a global portfolio. Reporting to the Head of the Operational Design Center, you will orchestrate the end-to-end delivery of analytical insights that improve the accuracy of study timelines, sharpen cost projections, and reduce decision latency for study teams worldwide.

In this pivotal role, you will partner closely with study teams, contract research organizations (CROs), and cross-functional stakeholders to define key business questions, translate complex analytical outputs into concrete operational options, and guide evidence-based decision-making. You will lead the prioritisation of analytical resources, manage workload scheduling across concurrent projects, and drive process improvement initiatives that enhance the efficiency and fit-for-purpose nature of operational design services.

Working in close collaboration with strategy, data science, and technical teams, you will also contribute to the evolution of existing analytics capabilities and help shape novel approaches to address emerging stakeholder needs. You will play an active role in developing the Operational Design Center’s strategy and future vision, evaluating new vendors, and maintaining a current understanding of the clinical trial landscape to leverage advances in feasibility planning.

Who You Are

• You hold a Master’s or PhD in life sciences, data science, biostatistics, pharmaceutical sciences, or a related quantitative discipline — or bring an equivalent combination of education and substantial relevant professional experience.
• You bring 7 or more years of relevant professional experience, including at least 5 years in pharmaceutical drug development with direct exposure to clinical trial design, operational feasibility, or study planning.
• You have a strong working knowledge of Phase I–III study design, enrolment scenario modelling, country and site selection, and operational planning, with demonstrated experience translating complex data into actionable recommendations for study teams.
• You are an experienced analytical and advisory professional with a track record of engaging senior stakeholders, defining business questions, and delivering fit-for-purpose insights that drive operational decisions.
• You have demonstrated success managing multiple concurrent projects in a cross-functional, matrixed environment, with strong skills in prioritisation, risk-based thinking, and stakeholder management.
• You are skilled in data visualisation and storytelling with data, able to structure complex problems and communicate findings clearly to both technical and non-technical audiences, including leadership.
• You are familiar with automation opportunities in reporting and operational processes, and are experienced in the effective use of generative AI tools to enhance analytical workflows and decision support.
• Fluency in English (written and spoken) is required; proficiency in additional languages is an advantage.

Location

Feltham, United Kingdom — Hybrid (minimum 3 days per week on-site)

What we offer: We are curious minds that come from a broad range of backgrounds, perspectives, and life experiences. We believe that this variety drives excellence and innovation, strengthening our ability to lead in science and technology. We are committed to creating access and opportunities for all to develop and grow at your own pace. Join us in building a culture of inclusion and belonging that impacts millions and empowers everyone to work their magic and champion human progress!

Apply now and become a part of a team that is dedicated to Sparking Discovery and Elevating Humanity!