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Principal Scientist, Drug Discovery

MSD
United Statesfull_timeVerifiedPosted 1 Jul 2026
💰 $267,200/yr($169,700/yr$267,200/yr)

About the role

Job Description

The Principal Scientist, Drug Discovery in our Research and Development Department will be responsible for identifying new molecular entities and technologies for use in animal health from our Company Laboratories or from external partners such as human pharma or biotech companies as well as academia. The successful candidate will be a key driver to advance novel targets and will lead these research programs from ideation through the early research and proof-of-concept phase up to the development stage. She/he/they will interface with researchers and senior management throughout the organization as well as external partners and operate within a matrix structure to garner resources for the necessary research work (Medicinal and Process Chemistry, in vitro Pharmacology, Pharmacokinetics, Disease Models, Formulation Development, Safety & Toxicology).  The position will report directly to the Distinguished Scientist and Global Head, our Company's Research & Development Liaison and Discovery – Non-infectious Diseases.

Education:

  • Required: DVM/VMD, as well as a PhD in experimental pharmacology

Required Experience:

  • Minimum of 8 years industry or pharmaceutical research experience in drug discovery or preclinical research with a focus on in vivo pharmacology

  • Advanced and thorough scientific knowledge in pharmacology, disease mechanisms and related preclinical models

  • Expertise in one of the following fields: oncology, diabetes, respiratory & immunology, cardiology, pain & inflammation, reproduction, drug delivery or biotechnology

  • Knowledge of regulatory aspects of pharmaceuticals including GLP, GCP and GMP

  • Ability to manage multiple projects, including budgets, contracts, and timelines

  • Ability to independently plan, recommend and complete research programs

  • Excellent communication and interpersonal skills

  • Effective creator of executive level presentations and documents

  • Experience in preparing patent applications in support of patent coverage of research efforts

  • 10 % Travel

Preferred Experience:

  • Board certification in Pharmacology

  • Project management skills within pharmaceuticals

  • Experience in developing and managing collaborations with outsource providers, vendors, contractors and academic institutions

  • Experience in working with business development to identify and license external technology opportunities

Location:

  • Our Company's Animal Health Headquarters, Rahway, NJ

Required Skills:

Adaptability, Assay Development, Biochemical Assays, Cell Culture Techniques, Communication, Detail-Oriented, Ethical Compliance, Functional Genomics, In Vivo Models, Leading Project Teams, Molecular Biology Techniques, Persuasion, Professional Networking, Protein Biochemistry, Protein Purifications, Science, Social Collaboration, Virology

Preferred Skills:

Current Employees apply HERE

Current Contingent Workers apply HERE

US and Puerto Rico Residents Only:

Our company is committed to inclusion, ensuring that candidates can engage in a hiring process that exhibits their true capabilities. Please click here if you need an accommodation during the application or hiring process.

As an Equal Employment Opportunity Employer, we provide equal opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibit discrimination on the basis of race, color, age, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, protected veteran status, disability status, or other applicable legally protected characteristics.  As a federal contractor, we comply with all affirmative action requirements for protected veterans and individuals with disabilities.  For more information about personal rights under the U.S. Equal Opportunity Employment laws, visit:

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Company

MSD

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