Associate Director, Publication Management

MSD Malaysia; North Wales (Montgomery County); Hybrid; USD 142,000 - 224,000; Full time

Job summary

Merck is seeking an Associate Director Publication Manager to lead global publication strategy and tactical plans across assigned products. You will oversee Publication Teams, coordinate with internal writers and medical communication agencies, and drive development of the Scientific Communication Platform and lexicon.

You will ensure adherence to publication policies and industry standards while managing resources and budgets, partnering with stakeholders across R&D, Human Health, GMSA and

Qualifications

• At least 3 years industry experience in pharmaceutical drug development.
• At least 2 years of experience in publication management.
• Relevant experience in therapeutic area of interest and strong scientific background.
• Understanding of the clinical development process, clinical study data and outcomes.
• Understanding of authorship and medical publications standards (GPP).
• Excellent presentation and interpersonal skills.

Responsibilities

• Lead development and maintain publication strategy and plans in the assigned therapeutic area.
• Manage cross-functional Publication Teams and external groups.
• Develop the Scientific Communication Platform and Lexicon for products/indications.
• Participate in congress platforms and post-congress summaries; allocate resources for writing, editing, submitting.
• Ensure compliance with ICMJE, CONSORT and company Publication Policies.

Skills

Publication management

Cross-functional leadership

Scientific communication

Clinical development understanding

Stakeholder collaboration

Meeting facilitation

Project management

Ethical standards

Education

BS and 8+ years / MS and 6+ years / PharmD or PhD with pharma exp

Job description

Job Description Overview: The Associate Director Publication (Pub) Manager is the central source of information regarding publication activities for assigned products and is responsible for leading global Publication Teams as well as driving the development and implementation of global publication strategies and tactical plans. The Associate Director Pub Manager oversees compliance with our company's publication policies and procedures and works collaboratively with stakeholders on all levels both within and outside the company, including our research & development division, Human Health, GMSA, and medical communication agencies. By providing global publication insight, knowledge of the therapeutic area, and scientific expertise, they will lead the development of comprehensive publication strategy and plans as well as the scientific communication platform and lexicon for products that they support. The Associate Director Pub Manager provides the Publication Team and authors with expert input regarding the selection of appropriate journals and congresses for scientific data dissemination. They work closely with both internal writing staff and medical communication agencies to efficiently allocate resources for writing, editing, formatting and submitting articles to peer-reviewed scientific journals and scientific congresses. They are the point for the Publication Team for information about current publication policies and industry trends.

Responsibilities:

With oversight from the Director Lead/Executive Director, lead development of and maintain publication strategy and plans in the assigned therapeutic area(s).

The Associate Director Pub Manager delivers the tactics identified in the plan(s) and manages relationships with both internal and external groups.

The Associate Director Pub Manager is expected to: Lead cross-functional Publication Teams for a number of products within a therapeutic area and drive the development of overarching publication strategies and comprehensive tactical plans and drives the execution of the plan deliverables. Lead Publication Team Meetings; facilitate strategic discussions; prepare background materials, agendas and meeting notes. With minimal oversight, provide therapeutic area expertise to lead scientific strategy discussions around appropriate data dissemination planning. The therapeutic area is expected to be Hematology-Oncology however the therapeutic area may change depending on the business need. Lead the development of the Scientific Communication Platform and/or Lexicon for given products/indications; plan and execute updates as warranted. Participate in the development of congress communication platforms and post congress executive summaries as warranted. Regularly present publication plans to management and various internal and external meetings including ADT/EDT/PDT meetings, Value and Implementation Teams, RMAT/GMAT meetings, Early Commercial Team meetings, Global Input Meetings and Scientific Advisory Committee (SAC). Lead the development of publication charters with joint venture partners. Initiate and lead Publication Committees where appropriate. Track all publication activity on assigned products using the Datavision publications database and generate reports for stakeholders as needed. Build and maintain excellent relationships with clinical investigators, scientific leaders, external authors, journal editors, and congress secretariats. Select, contract, and manage medical communications agencies and freelance writers; take a lead role in monitoring vendor performance and facilitating issue resolution Effectively plan and manage publication planning budget, providing updates to management. Ensure that medical/scientific publication activities comply with the International Committee of Medical Journal Editors Recommendations, the Consolidated Standards of Reporting Trials (CONSORT), and Good Publication Practice for Pharmaceutical Companies; adhere to our company's Publication Policies and Procedures Provide regular and ad hoc publication process compliance training to Publication Teams Conduct business in accordance with our company's values and standards. Identify and drive process improvement and sharing of best practices to further enhance the efficiency of the publication processes.

Qualifications:

Education and Experience BS and 8+ years, MS and 6+ years, or Pharm D/PhD and 3+ years of pharmaceutical industry experience.

Required Experience & Skills:

• At least 3 years industry experience in pharmaceutical drug development
• At least 2 years of experience in publication management
• Relevant experience in therapeutic area of interest and strong scientific background
• Understanding of the clinical development process, clinical study data and outcomes measures for assigned projects.
• Thorough in depth understanding of the scientific and medical rationale for assigned therapeutic area(s) – in depth therapeutic competency; stays abreast of new information and changes in the field (both therapeutic and industry best practices).
• Thorough understanding of industry and publications standards about authorship, industry publications best practice, quality and appropriateness of medical/scientific communications (GPP).
• Effective presentation skills
• Highly organized, effective communicator
• Strong interpersonal and teamwork skills, able to create and foster relationships and collaborations
• History of operational excellence, leading different groups to deliver on objectives, ability to define solutions and formulate and execute on actions across a global organization.
• Capable of reviewing and providing input to developing scientific literature.
• Able to relate project details to larger project objectives.
• Ability to communicate complex medical/scientific information in routine interactions, management of internal and external groups; review scientific literature for accuracy.
• Ability to plan, prioritize, and execute multiple projects; ability to multitask and work both independently and within multi-disciplinary teams, and keep team members, departmental colleagues (as appropriate) and management fully apprised of project / initiative status and issues.
• Conduct oneself in a highly professional and ethical manner.

Preferred Experience & Skills:

A track-record of accomplishment in a publication management role

Advanced scientific degree (e.g., MS, PharmD, Ph.D.) or a combination of equivalent ISMPP CMPP BARDS2020 #EligibleforERP

Required Skills:

• Ability to Coordinate
• Ability to Coordinate
• Adaptability
• Change Management
• Clinical Development
• Clinical Research
• Communication
• Competency Management
• Conducting Meetings
• Cross-Functional Leadership
• Data Analysis
• Drug Development
• Ethical Standards
• Medical Communications
• Medical Publishing
• Meeting Facilitation
• Minute Taking
• Multiple Therapeutic Areas
• Multitasking
• Performance Plans
• Pharmaceutics
• Presentation Delivery
• Presentation Preparations
• Process Implementations
• Process Optimization
• {+ 9 more}

Our company is committed to inclusion, ensuring that candidates can engage in a hiring process that exhibits their true capabilities.

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: EEOC Know Your Rights EEOC GINA Supplement

We are proud to be a company that embraces the value of bringing together, talented, and committed people with diverse experiences, perspectives, skills and backgrounds. The fastest way to breakthrough innovation is when people with diverse ideas, broad experiences, backgrounds, and skills come together in an inclusive environment. We encourage our colleagues to respectfully challenge one another’s thinking and approach problems collectively.

The salary range for this role is $142,400.00 - $224,100.00 This is the lowest to highest salary we in good faith believe we would pay for this role at the time of this posting. An employee’s position within the salary range will be based on several factors including, but not limited to relevant education, qualifications, certifications, experience, skills, geographic location, government requirements, and business or organizational needs. The successful candidate will be eligible for annual bonus and long-term incentive, if applicable. We offer a comprehensive package of benefits.

• Available benefits include medical, dental, vision healthcare and other insurance benefits (for employee and family), retirement benefits, including 401(k), paid holidays, vacation, and compassionate and sick days.

More information about benefits is available at https://jobs.merck.com/us/en/compensation-and-benefits.

The application deadline for this position is stated on this posting.

San Francisco Residents Only: We will consider qualified applicants with arrest and conviction records for employment in compliance with the San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance

Los Angeles Residents Only: We will consider for employment all qualified applicants, including those with criminal histories, in a manner consistent with the requirements of applicable state and local laws, including the City of Los Angeles’ Fair Chance Initiative for Hiring Ordinance

Employee Status: Regular

Relocation: No relocation

VISA Sponsorship: No

Travel Requirements: 10%

Flexible Work Arrangements: Hybrid

Shift: Not Indicated

Valid Driving License: No

Hazardous Material(s): n/a

Job Posting End Date: 09/25/2026

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.