Director, Head of Excipients R&D

JobsCloseBy Editorial Insights

Merck Group seeks a Director, Head of Excipients R&D to lead a global Excipients R&D team across Darmstadt, Mumbai, and Shanghai, shaping the strategy, pipeline, and customer facing tools for excipient technologies within Upstream and Process Materials R&D. The role combines scientific depth with business impact, defining R&D roadmaps, managing budgets, ensuring regulatory and quality standards, and partnering with Business, Quality, Project Management, and Manufacturing. Ideal candidates hold a PhD in Pharmaceutical Sciences or Chemistry with 7+ years of R&D leadership in excipients, or a BSc/MS with 10+ years of relevant experience, proven global leadership, stakeholder management, and fluency in English and German, with up to 15% travel. Tips to apply: highlight global project leadership, successful pipeline deliveries, cross functional collaboration, regulatory achievements, and digital tool development, and tailor your CV and cover letter to show alignment with Merck’s commitment to innovation, inclusion, and patient centered solutions, and be prepared to discuss how you balance science, business, and market dynamics.

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.  

Your Role:

The Head of Excipients R&D will lead the research and development efforts for excipients within the Upstream & Process Materials R&D organization. The position will be responsible for leading a large globally distributed team across Darmstadt, Mumbai, and Shanghai. This global role involves overseeing the development of new excipients, expanding the reach of existing products, and build-out of customer-facing digital tools. The Head of Excipients R&D ensures a robust, market-relevant innovation pipeline aligned with business strategy, regulatory expectations, and customer needs, while executing projects along defined timelines, budgets, and quality standards. This is a global leadership position with regular interaction across functions, customers, and external partners. The ideal candidate will have a strong background in pharmaceutical sciences, a proven track record in R&D leadership, and the ability to drive innovation in excipient technologies. Furthermore, initial experience in steering innovation pipelines in close tandem to business priorities, market dynamics, and financial analyses is beneficial.  

Key Responsibilities: 

• Lead and manage the Excipients R&D team, fostering a culture of innovation, scientific excellence, collaboration, and accountability.
• Define, develop, and execute R&D strategies for Excipients, aligning with strategic goals, market needs, and long-term technology roadmaps.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams including Business, Quality, Project Management, and Manufacturing to ensure successful and timely product development and process compliance.
• Stay abreast of industry trends and advancements in excipient technologies, integrating relevant findings into R&D initiatives.
• Manage budgets and resources for R&D projects, ensuring timely delivery of milestones.
• Mentor and develop team members, providing guidance and support for professional growth. 

Who You Are 

• You are an inspiring, forward-looking R&D leader who combines scientific depth with strategic thinking. You motivate and challenge teams, encourage collaboration, and create an environment where innovation and accountability thrive.
• You are comfortable operating in a global matrix organization and engaging with customers, senior stakeholders, and external partners alike. 
• Ph.D. in Pharmaceutical Sciences, Chemistry, or related field with 7+ years of relevant experience or B.Sc. / MS with 10+ years of relevant experience Proven leadership skills with experience managing R&D teams 
• Advanced scientific knowledge with strong relationship-building and networking skills Minimum of 7 years of experience in excipients R&D or related area within the pharmaceutical industry
• Strong understanding of regulatory requirements and industry standards for excipients Excellent problem-solving abilities and innovative thinking Strong communication and interpersonal skills, ability to build ongoing and productive relationships throughout the organization to achieve business goals Exposure to managing innovation pipelines in the context of business, financials and market considerations  
• Fluent in English and German Ability to travel up to 15% 

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!