Job Description Discover the next generation of antiparasitics with us Our Animal Health division is a global leader in veterinary medicine and digital solutions, dedicated to the health and well-being of animals and the people who care for them. We are a global team of professionals working together to make a positive difference in animal health and well-being and supporting a safe food supply. Through our commitment to the Science of Healthier Animals®, we offer one of our industry’s most innovative portfolio of pharmaceuticals, vaccines and digital health management solutions including traceability and monitoring products that serve to prevent, treat, and control diseases across all major farm and companion animal species. At our research site in Schwabenheim, Germany, our team of highly skilled professionals, cutting-edge research facilities, and collaborative work environment create an ideal platform for you to contribute your expertise to the discovery of the next generation of antiparasitic agents. As the Lead Scientist for Veterinary Antiparasitics Screening and Automation within the Research Antiparasitics group in Drug Discovery, you will be instrumental in advancing our research and development initiatives. This role requires a combination of scientific expertise and leadership skills to drive innovative solutions in the field of antiparasitic treatments. Key Responsibilities: Team Leadership: Oversee and mentor a team of experienced personnel to conduct cutting-edge screening in a collaborative and innovative environment, with a focus on identifying novel hits for parasitological indications. Process Optimization: Accelerate Design/Make/Test/Analyze (DMTA) cycles by optimizing assay throughput and robustness. Coordinate screening efforts within the Drug Discovery department for enhanced efficiency. Platform Enhancement: Enhance our antiparasitic screening platform by evolving automated phenotypic screening methodologies, supported by dedicated data management systems to streamline operations and improve research outcomes. Innovative Research: Identify and assess novel concepts and technologies aimed at treating and preventing parasitic infections in animals, ensuring our methods remain at the forefront of veterinary research. Assay Development: Lead the development of new in vitro assays to support research for antiparasitic treatments, transforming the team into an innovation hub within Drug Discovery. Mentorship and Culture Building: Foster a culture of scientific excellence and innovation by mentoring laboratory personnel and promoting professional development. Collaborative Projects: Lead and contribute to multidisciplinary drug discovery projects, encouraging a culture of collaboration and scientific curiosity. Scientific Communication: Actively engage in scientific communication efforts within our global R&D organization to disseminate findings and contribute to the advancement of the field. Qualifications: Education: Ph.D. in life sciences or a related discipline with several years of relevant work experience post-Ph.D., ideally in pharmaceutical or agrochemical discovery. Veterinary Specialization: Preference for candidates with a background in veterinary parasitology and related fields. Assay Development Expertise: Proven experience in assay development with a focus on automated laboratory methodologies and corresponding data management systems. Imaging Assay Experience: Familiarity with imaging assays, such as high-content imaging platforms, is desirable. Scientific Accomplishments: Track record of producing publication-quality data and contributing to manuscripts or patents. Analytical Skills: Excellent problem-solving capabilities and the ability to think critically in a dynamic research environment, translating knowledge and ideas into actionable research concepts. Accountability and Prioritization: Strong sense of accountability and urgency, with the ability to prioritize tasks and manage multiple projects in a f ast-paced setting. Leadership and Project Management: Exemplary leadership and project management skills, inspiring and nurturing team members to achieve their best. Communication Skills: Strong interpersonal and communication skills, both written and oral, with the ability to collaborate effectively in a cross-functional team setting. Language Proficiency: Proficient in spoken and written English; good command of German or a willingness to learn. Our benefits Flexible working hours (37.5 hours/week) and an attractive company pension scheme Competitive salary package: 13 monthly salaries holiday pay target bonus 30 days holiday entitlement Internal training and promotion opportunities International co-operations Training on the job Contributing your own ideas to the process design Insights into the development of veterinary medicinal products Corporate benefits and free (electric) car parking Good company canteen and a company health management program Behavioral Competency Expectations We are proud to be a company that embraces the value of bringing diverse, talented, and committed people together. The fastest way to breakthrough innovation is when diverse ideas come together in an inclusive environment. We encourage our colleagues to respectfully challenge one another’s thinking, and approach problems collectively. We are an equal opportunity employer, committed to fostering an inclusive and diverse workplace. People with severe disabilities and their equals are given preference if they are equally qualified. Current Employees apply HERE Current Contingent Workers apply HERE Search Firm Representatives Please Read Carefully Merck & Co., Inc., Rahway, NJ, USA, also known as Merck Sharp & Dohme LLC, Rahway, NJ, USA, does not accept unsolicited assistance from search firms for employment opportunities. All CVs / resumes submitted by search firms to any employee at our company without a valid written search agreement in place for this position will be deemed the sole property of our company. No fee will be paid in the event a candidate is hired by our company as a result of an agency referral where no pre-existing agreement is in place. Where agency agreements are in place, introductions are position specific. Please, no phone calls or emails. Employee Status: Regular Relocation: VISA Sponsorship: Travel Requirements: Flexible Work Arrangements: Not Applicable Shift: Valid Driving License: Hazardous Material(s): Job Posting End Date: 04/30/2025 A job posting is effective until 11:59:59PM on the day BEFORE the listed job posting end date. Please ensure you apply to a job posting no later than the day BEFORE the job posting end date.