Associate Specialist, Project Management- Research & Development Project Management Scheduling (Hybrid)

Merck•North Wales, PA

1d•Hybrid

About The Position

The Integrated Project Planning (IPP) group within Global Project and Alliance Management (GPAM) partners with Project Managers to advance the pipeline by delivering high-quality, integrated plans that support project strategic intent. The Associate Specialist, Project Management serves as a scheduling and planning subject matter expert for Discovery, Early Development and/or Product Development Teams. Operating under the guidance of a Director or Associate Director, this role builds and maintains cross-functional, cross-divisional project plans, supports schedule data quality across multiple programs, and partners with teams to identify risks, communicate updates, and ensure schedules reflect the most current information, processes, and guidelines. The Associate Specialist also contributes to GPAM process improvement and departmental initiatives. Success in this role requires strong attention to detail, proficiency with tools such as Microsoft Project and related reporting systems, and the ability to understand dependencies across activities. Clear communication, a collaborative mindset, and close partnership with Project Managers and the PMO are essential. This position may be based in either Upper Gwynedd, PA or Rahway, NJ.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree required; concentration in a scientific or applied discipline preferred
Highly organized and capable of working with attention to detail
Able to relate project details to larger project objectives
Planning, and time management skills
Adept at learning new systems and technology
Good conceptual, analytical, and problem-solving skills
Demonstrated ability to work with others
Communication skills to convey updates with an appropriate sense of urgency
Desire for continuous learning and demonstration of learning agility

Nice To Haves

Exposure to the pharmaceutical/biotechnology industries and discovery or product development
Coursework/training in project management
Familiarity with project planning technology (e.g., Microsoft Project, Excel)
Data analytics and reporting

Responsibilities

Partner with lead Project Managers to accurately reflect team strategy and plans in enterprise project management systems.
Build, maintain, and analyze integrated development project schedules (timelines and deliverables) in alignment with established standards and in collaboration with lead PMs and the PMO.
Support multiple projects across all stages of development (preclinical through lifecycle management), therapeutic areas, and modalities; projects may vary in priority, pace, complexity, and include alliance partners.
Understand schedule deliverables, dependencies, and interdependencies; proactively identify, communicate, and help resolve risks, conflicts, and constraints.
Ensure high data quality and adherence to established scheduling, planning standards, specifications, and systems.
Create new project schedules for programs entering the pipeline, as needed.
Serve as first-line technical support for project planning systems, including troubleshooting and system build guidance.
Share scheduling expertise by mentoring new colleagues and promoting best practices.
Contribute to continuous improvement by participating in pilots for new tools, processes, and planning approaches.
Build strong working relationships and collaborate effectively with stakeholders within and outside the department.
Participate in relevant training to develop knowledge of drug development, project management capability, and leadership skills.