At a Glance
- Tasks: Shape data-driven insights to enhance clinical trial design and operational efficiency.
- Company: Innovative healthcare company focused on improving lives through science and technology.
- Benefits: Hybrid work model, personal development opportunities, and a culture of inclusion.
- Other info: Join a diverse team passionate about innovation and human progress.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in healthcare by driving innovative solutions for patients worldwide.
- Qualifications: Master’s or PhD in relevant fields with extensive experience in clinical trial design.
The predicted salary is between 80000 - 100000 £ per year.
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!
Associate Director, R&D Design Lead in London employer: Merck
Join our dynamic team in Glasgow as an Equipment Specialist, where innovation meets a culture of inclusion and growth. We offer a supportive work environment that values diverse perspectives and encourages professional development, ensuring you have the tools and opportunities to thrive in your career. With a commitment to excellence in healthcare and life sciences, you'll play a vital role in maintaining critical laboratory equipment while contributing to meaningful advancements that enrich lives globally.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Associate Director, R&D Design Lead in London
✨Get Involved in Local Research Communities
Tap into local biotechnology meetups and research forums. These are great places to mingle with industry professionals, share your passion, and even discover unadvertised job openings. It's all about getting your face known in the field!
✨Leverage University Alumni Networks
If you're a recent grad, don’t underestimate the power of your university’s alumni network! Reach out to alumni working in biotechnology to gather tips about job openings at companies like Merck. You'd be surprised how willing people are to help out a fellow grad!
✨Show Off Your Projects
Curate a portfolio showcasing any research projects or internships you've completed in biotechnology. This tangible evidence of your skills can really impress employers when you chat with them at networking events or interviews. It's about making that killer first impression!
✨Stay Up-to-Date with Industry Trends
Biotech is a fast-paced field, so keeping yourself updated with the latest advancements is crucial. Attend industry conferences, webinars, or workshops to broaden your knowledge and meet potential employers. Plus, it’ll give you fantastic talking points for your interviews at places like Merck!
We think you need these skills to ace Associate Director, R&D Design Lead in London
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Lab Skills:In the biotechnology field, it's super important to highlight your lab experience in your CV. Be sure to mention specific techniques or instruments you've mastered (think PCR, gel electrophoresis, etc.) and any relevant projects you've worked on. This will show Merck that you have the hands-on skills they need.
Tailor Your Technical Skills:Make sure to emphasise your technical skills, especially those relevant to the biotechnology sector. Include any software tools or programming languages you've used, like R or Python for data analysis, which could be key for this role at Merck.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Since this is a full-time role, your cover letter should reflect not only your passion for biotechnology but also your long-term career ambitions. Share why you're excited about the work that Merck does and how you envision contributing to their goals. This shows that you’re not just looking for any job, but you're genuinely invested in this opportunity.
Include Your Papers and Projects:If you've published any papers or contributed to significant projects, mention them! These documents can boost your application and provide tangible evidence of your expertise in the biotechnology field. Don’t forget to link to any relevant publications or project summaries—this can set you apart from other candidates.
How to prepare for a job interview at Merck
✨Brush Up on Lab Techniques
Since you're eyeing a full-time gig in biotechnology, make sure you're well-versed in the lab techniques relevant to the role. Be ready to talk about PCR, CRISPR, or any specific methods mentioned in the job description at Merck. You might even be asked to demonstrate your understanding of these processes.
✨Know Your Bioinformatics Tools
Get comfortable with bioinformatics tools that are commonly used in the industry, like BLAST or Bioconductor. These are key in biotechnology, and having hands-on experience or at least familiarity can set you apart. Prepare to discuss any relevant projects you've worked on, especially if they involved data analysis or genomic research.
✨Show Your Teamwork Skills
Biotech often involves collaboration across multiple disciplines. Be ready to share stories that highlight your teamwork and communication skills, especially in research projects. Think about working with different teams at university or any internships – this is where you can show how well you fit into Merck's culture.
✨Research Recent Biotech Innovations
Stay updated on the latest trends and breakthroughs in biotechnology. Knowing what's happening in the field can help you engage in more meaningful discussions during your interview. Bring up recent articles or advancements that excite you, especially those related to the work being done at Merck. This shows your passion for the industry!
