Director, Science and Regulatory Policy Europe

## Director, Science and Regulatory Policy EuropeApplyremote type: Hybridlocations: GBR - London - London (Moorgate WeWork): ESP - Madrid - Madrid (Josefa Valcarcel): PRT - Lisbon - Paço de Arcos (Head)time type: Full timeposted on: Posted Todaytime left to apply: End Date: August 10, 2026 (24 days left to apply)job requisition id: R407564Job DescriptionThe Science and Regulatory Policy (SRP) team advocates for policy priorities that support the pipeline and portfolio for Research & Development and our company’s business goals, developing wider support for our causes and maintaining a strong reputation as a science-led biopharmaceutical innovative leader. We work in partnership with all of the R&D divisions to define and implement a prioritised policy and advocacy plan that advances business goals.Our team is expanding hence we are recruiting for a **Director, Science and Regulatory Policy Europe** to be based in Moorgate, London as a primary location. Other locations in Europe, such as Spain and Portugal, will be considered.* The successful candidate will perform the role from their respective country.* Travel for this role is approximately 30% of the time.* We operate on a hybrid working policy across our company locations.The **Science Regulatory Policy** team comprises of four contributing teams:* Global Regulatory Policy (SRP)* Data & Advanced Digital Technology Policy (DADTP)* Evidence Policy, and* Clinical Research Policy.**What you will do in this role:*** Develop and deliver strategic leadership for policy priorities to support our pipeline and portfolio* Advocate for and anticipate policy change that affects our research and development activities worldwide and innovation environment* Advise and provide insights for our research and development senior leadership on critical developments in the global policy environment that impact our pipeline and portfolio* Take leadership for coordinating and aligning policy development and activity across research and development, with focus on the Development and Regulatory organisations* Leadership for strategy and coordination of R&D External Policy relationships to meet priorities* Building our company’s share of voice and influence extramurally to support the company enterprise policy agenda**You will:*** **Shape and influence European science, evidence, and data/digital policy agendas** to proactively enable R&D productivity, scientific leadership, and competitive pipeline advancement* **Drive early translation of emerging policy, legislative, and regulatory developments** into decision‐ready insights, risks, and strategic options for pipeline, portfolio, evidence generation, and access* **Set and advance company policy priorities** on European science, evidence, data governance, and advanced digital technologies, ensuring alignment with R&D scientific strategy and enterprise innovation objectives* **Lead the development and execution of coordinated company policy positions and advocacy strategies** on European legislative and regulatory initiatives, mobilising cross‐functional alignment to shape outcomes* **Provide strategic leadership on European data and advanced digital technology policy**, including data integrity, privacy, security, AI/ML, digital health, and cloud‐enabled collaboration, to accelerate science and scale innovation* **Build and leverage strategic relationships with European and globally influential policymakers, regulators, research institutions, and multilateral organisations** to anticipate inflection points and influence policy direction* **Position the company as a science‐led industry leader** by representing our company in external policy forums, industry associations, and professional settings* **Deliver forward‐looking policy analyses and executive briefings** that inform senior R&D and company leadership on strategic choices, trade‐offs, and actions**What you need:****Required qualifications, experience and skills:*** University Degree is required, preferably in science, health care, public health or health policy; may be accompanied by a master’s degree in science, health care, public health, health policy, or law* Substantial experience in pharmaceutical, biotech, regulatory, or science policy environments* Proven experience in developing and articulating science‐based policy positions, white papers, comment letters, and briefing materials for senior leadership and external stakeholders* Experience engaging in global science policy environments, including US and European legislative, regulatory and policy frameworks* Experience advising senior leaders on science policy implications, risk, and strategic positioning**Preferred:*** Postgraduate degree in science policy, health policy, or law* Skilled with AI, Data and Real World Evidence.* Broad understanding of pharmaceutical R&D, including clinical development, evidence generation, or innovative development approaches* Demonstrated leadership or active participation in industry trade associations, scientific societies, or multi‐stakeholder policy initiatives* Experience in working in the field of pharmaceutical/biotechnology development**Competencies/Skills*** Strong relationship management and interpersonal skills with superb written and oral and* communication skills* Strong interpersonal, writing, and communication skills with ability to demonstrate analytic thinking, excellent presentation, and negotiation skills* Ability to thrive in a cross-functional team environment with a global mindset* Excellent command of English (written and spoken)* Data savvy with an eye for detail**Required Skills:**Adaptability, Detail-Oriented, Regulatory Experience, Regulatory Law, Regulatory Policies, Regulatory Strategy Development, Science, Strategic Planning, Strategic Thinking**Preferred Skills:**Current Employees apply HERECurrent 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:**Hybrid**Shift:****Valid Driving License:****Hazardous Material(s):****Job Posting End Date:**08/10/2026**\*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.**Our company is a global health care leader with a diversified portfolio of prescription medicines, vaccines and animal health products. The difference between potential and achievement lies in the spark that fuels innovation and inventiveness; this is the space where we have codified our legacy for over a century. Our success is backed by ethical integrity, forward momentum, and an inspiring mission to achieve new milestones in global healthcare. #J-18808-Ljbffr