Associate Director, Project Management

MSD

. Support the technical, operational, and scientific aspects of drug development in Nonclinical Drug Safety .

Posted 11/12/2026full-timeUnited StatesSenior💰 $129,000 - $203,100 per yearWebsite

Core Competencies

Role fit

Core Competencies

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Demonstrates expertise in Nonclinical Drug Safety and Drug Development, with a strong focus on study design, regulatory submissions, and cross-functional collaboration. Proficient in integrating AI/ML tools to enhance drug discovery processes and project management.

Highest-signal resume keywords

Drug DevelopmentDrug Discovery ResearchProject ManagementStudy DesignMatrix Management

ATS Keywords

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Applicant Tracking System Keywords

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Hard Skills

Nonclinical StrategiesRegulatory SubmissionsBiological SciencesPharmaceutical SciencesClinical Development

Soft Skills

Cross-Functional CollaborationExcellent CommunicationIndependent Project ExecutionTeam Interaction ManagementReprioritization

Tools & Technologies

AI/ML ToolsGenerative AI

Industry Keywords

Drug DiscoveryClinical DevelopmentRegulatory AgencyStudy DesignMultidisciplinary Teamwork

About the role

Key responsibilities & impact

Support the technical, operational, and scientific aspects of drug development in Nonclinical Drug Safety
Partner with Discovery Program Leaders, Compound Leaders, and Therapeutic Area Leaders
Ensure scientifically rigorous study designs are developed, requested, and communicated
Interface with Operations–Project Planning and impacted laboratory/operational areas regarding study design or timeline changes
Coordinate with Central Pharmacy and other DPTM areas on drug supply, material allocation, formulation, and stability
Align study and submission timelines with NDS and program stakeholders
Assist with regulatory packages including PSURs/DSURs, IBs, INDs/IMPDs, and WMAs
Track regulatory agency comments and resolutions
Escalate program issues to NDS management
Standardize and streamline drug development procedures within NDS and across DPTM
Train and support Discovery Program Leaders and Compound Leaders
Lead independent nonclinical drug discovery and development projects
Integrate AI/ML and generative AI tools to streamline program support, synthesize nonclinical data, mine insights, generate hypotheses, and inform project decisions

Requirements

What you’ll need

BA/BS or equivalent in biological sciences, chemical or pharmaceutical/medical/regulatory sciences required
At least 5 years of experience in NDS or similar functions
Proven knowledge of drug discovery and development processes and guidelines, particularly nonclinical strategies
Familiarity with the range of nonclinical studies required to support drug discovery, clinical development, and marketing approval
Demonstrated cross-functional collaboration skills and ability to succeed in a matrixed environment
Excellent communication skills, including facilitating meetings, presenting, and managing team interactions
Ability to execute independent projects and balance activities for multiple projects simultaneously
Ability to take on urgent assignments independently, reprioritize work, and coordinate with other areas
Required skills: Drug Development, Drug Discovery Research, Matrix Management, Multidisciplinary Teamwork, Project Management, Project Planning, Strategic Planning, Study Design
No visa sponsorship

Benefits

Comp & perks

Annual bonus and long-term incentive, if applicable
Medical, dental, and vision healthcare
Other insurance benefits for employee and family
Retirement benefits, including 401(k)
Paid holidays
Vacation
Compassionate days
Sick days
Hybrid work arrangements