Head of Enabling Technologies (Full-/Part-time) (all genders)

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Merck Group is seeking a Lab Head to lead the Enabling Technologies R&D team within Life Science Process Solutions, driving oral drug delivery platforms and excipients toward improved bioavailability, manufacturability, and regulatory readiness. The role requires a PhD or equivalent, a track record in oral solid dosage forms and amorphous solid dispersions, and experience in solubility enhancement and peptide delivery. You’ll blend scientific excellence with strategic vision, manage global collaborations, and partner with Strategic Marketing and Business Development to translate innovations into growth. To apply, tailor your CV to demonstrate leadership and program impact, include concrete examples of continuous or additive manufacturing work, emphasize cross-functional collaboration, and show readiness to travel up to 10%, with strong communication in German and English.

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

Our team is seeking a talented and motivated Lab Head to lead the Enabling Technologies R&D team within Life Science Process Solutions, Process Materials, and Cell Culture.

As Head of Enabling Technologies, you will play a pivotal role in advancing our drug-delivery innovation pipeline. You will drive the development of drug delivery platforms, including oral dosage forms, functional excipients, and drug delivery architectures – with a primary focus on advanced drug delivery systems—particularly bioavailability, manufacturability, stability and solubility enhancement, peptide delivery, and regulatory readiness.

You will blend scientific excellence with strategic vision by evaluating external literature, patent landscapes, and emerging technology trends, while leveraging a robust scientific network. You will also collaborate closely with Strategic Marketing and Business Development to translate innovation into future growth opportunities, assess feasibility, and transition excipients into customer projects across multiple functions. This role requires project management, leadership, and serving as a primary point of contact for management and colleagues in a global setting. The ideal candidate is innovative, highly collaborative, and a strong team player with excellent communication skills.

Your Responsibilities

• Lead a team of scientists and R&D activities in enabling technologies for oral drug delivery
• Drive innovation and develop advanced solutions in drug delivery, solid dosage forms and functional excipients
• Advance the use of continuous manufacturing and additive manufacturing technologies
• Conduct scientific literature reviews, patent analyses, and technology scouting
• Collaborate with internal and external stakeholders across R&D, marketing, and business development
• Build and strengthen strategic scientific networks and partnerships in academia and the pharmaceutical industry

Who You Are

• Graduate degree in Science, ideally a PhD in Pharmaceutical Sciences, Pharmaceutical Technology, Engineering, or a related discipline
• Several years of relevant R&D experience in oral drug delivery, ideally within the pharmaceutical or life science industry
• A strong track record in oral solid dosage forms; expertise in amorphous solid dispersions is required
• Experience in solubility enhancement, oral peptide delivery, and/or advanced manufacturing technologies is highly desirable
• Past experience with innovation strategy and roadmap planning is preferred
• Strong communication and presentation skills in German and English
• Well organized, proactive, and confident in decision-making
• Willingness to travel up to 10%

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!