Senior Research Scientist, Animal Health (Aqua Clinical Research Group)

Job Description

Are you eager to contribute to our Company’s Animal Health division in its quest to become the world’s leading animal health company while realizing your own potential? Do you have expertise in clinical research within aquaculture, GCP studies of veterinary products, and the documentation of quality systems and laboratory operations? If so, you could be our new Senior Research Scientist, playing a vital role in ensuring the global supply of our vaccines to the expanding aquaculture industry.

Position Overview: We are seeking a Senior Research Scientist to join our Aqua R&D team in Bergen, Norway. This position will report to the Clinical Research Group Lead.

In this role, you will primarily be responsible for planning, managing, analyzing, reporting, and presenting clinical and field studies, with potential collaboration with external partners. You will lead dynamic study teams comprising colleagues in R&D and subject specialists, both internally and externally, during the "live phase" of clinical studies. Additionally, you will engage in various project-related tasks with other scientists within a global research project team to support the registration of new vaccine projects and the life cycle management of registered products for international markets.

Key Responsibilities:

• Design, plan, and manage field studies to collect samples and data related to the performance of vaccine and therapeutic products in fish clinical trials, both in laboratory and full commercial scales.
• Perform laboratory and statistical analyses as needed and prepare final reports for the studies.
• Potentially lead the design, testing, and documentation of cutting-edge technology used in clinical studies.
• Collaborate with external partners, such as CROs and farms, as required.
• Prepare applications and reports for authorities, with support from project leaders.
• Write publications and present clinical results at conferences.
• Ensure compliance with Company Quality systems (GCP/GLP/GMP as required) and the company’s Safety, Health, and Environment (SHE) programs.

Project-Related Tasks: As a project team member, actively contribute to project discussions within R&D, organize and execute project tasks within deadlines, and write and revise laboratory procedures (SOPs).

Departmental (R&D) Tasks: Participate in general laboratory operations and maintenance, staff training, and ensure compliance with Company Quality systems and regulatory guidelines. Contribute to the development and maintenance of the company’s Quality and SHE programs, and propose improvements to enhance overall R&D efficiency.

Required Qualifications:

• Minimum Master’s degree or equivalent in fish health/veterinary medicine, with practical field experience in the aquaculture industry. A PhD in fish pathology, biology or aquaculture is preferred. Applicants with other relevant natural science backgrounds and 3+ years of experience in the aquaculture industry will also be considered.
• Experience in fish health, sampling, and diagnostic method is essential (a trained fish health biologist, veterinarian with fish experience, or equivalent training is ideal). Familiarity with commercial fish farming is a plus.
• Knowledge of clinical data analysis and statistical methods is required.
• Relevant experience in planning and conducting fish laboratory and field trials. Knowledge of GCP, certification, and practical experience of managing GCP studies will be highly regarded.
• Proficiency in data management tools and Microsoft Office (especially MS Excel).
• Strong written and verbal communication skills in both English and Norwegian are essential; demonstrated leadership and project management skills are a plus.
• Ability to work independently with a problem-solving mindset and maintain good work routines to ensure compliance. Experience with documentation systems is a plus.
• Occasional travel to study trial sites is expected (up to 20%).

Our Animal Health division is a trusted global leader in veterinary medicine, dedicated to the health and well-being of animals. We are a global team of professionals working together to make a positive difference within animal care, the world’s food supply and have a deep sense of responsibility towards our customers, consumers, animals, society and our planet. We offer one of our industry’s most innovative portfolio of products, services and technologies that serve to prevent, treat, and control diseases across all major farm and companion animal species.

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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.

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Requisition ID:R324324