Merck Healthcare
Associate Director, R&D Design Lead
How your CV stacks up
Upload your CV to see how well it fits this job role
?%
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.
- 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.
- Work in close collaboration with strategy, data science, and technical teams to contribute to the evolution of existing analytics capabilities and help shape novel approaches to address emerging stakeholder needs.
- 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.
Reasons to use Rodeo
Start with a chat, not a search bar
Grad scheme, placement, apprenticeship? Not sure what you want yet — that's fine. Your agent talks it through with you and turns "I have no idea" into a shortlist.
It searches the market for you
Every day your agent scans the market matching roles against what actually matters to you, not just keywords on a CV.
Only hits
No noise. No "maybe this fits." Just roles with a clear explanation of why they're right — and where to focus when applying.
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.
Get help with your application
Your very own career expert that helps elevate your application to the next level.
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!
“It took my CV and asked me questions relevant to understanding what kind of jobs to suggest for me. Suggestions were almost perfect. Jobs were exactly what I’ve been looking for.”
Jessica, London
Skills
Location