Medical Affairs Graduate Programme

Medical Affairs Graduate Programme

This role will be based in our brand new, state-of-the-art co-working facilities in Moorgate, London. This site, at the heart of London provides fantastic amenities, support services and collaborative work spaces with convenient transport links.

Who we are…?

For more than a century, our organisation has been inventing for life, bringing forward medicines and vaccines for many of the world's most challenging diseases. Today, our organisation continues to be at the forefront of research to deliver innovative health solutions and advance the prevention and treatment of diseases that threaten people and animals around the world.

Job Description:

We are a research-driven biopharmaceutical company. Our mission is built on the simple premise that if we “follow the science” and that great medicines can make a significant impact to our world. And we believe that a research-driven enterprise dedicated to world-class science can succeed by inventing medicine and vaccine innovations that make a difference for patients across the globe.

Our UK Medical Affairs team supports pipeline assets from early phase through launch and beyond. The team works cross functionally with R&D, commercial, external affairs, market access and other essential partners both within the organisation as well as externally. We are committed to the development of our people, foster a learning environment, and promote a culture based upon trust, respect and connection. Throughout the programme, you will build strong communication and interpersonal skills with excellent strategic planning and organisational skills. Additionally, you will develop a good understanding of Medical Affairs, Good Clinical Practice, the UK regulatory and reimbursement environment as well as the ABPI code of practice.

Key Responsibilities

This is a 24-month rotational programme within the UK Medical Affairs team, where you will get the opportunity to rotate between therapy areas.

Working with a dynamic and diverse team, the role here will support the relevant Therapy Area Medical Head and directorate members, in delivering the strategic medical plan and work in partnership to deliver operational excellence.

The key responsibilities include, but are not limited to:

• Leading and collaborating on key activities across the oncology pipeline clinical development pathway to support the delivery of the strategic medical plan.
• Collaborating with UK Clinical Trials Organisation to identify research sites in relation to our oncology pipeline. Support the development of pipeline strategies and objectives for pipeline assets
• Supporting the process of UK scientific leaders mapping and identification to enable continuous engagement and input for our oncology pipeline.
• Working cross functionally undertake the delivery of specific projects within the strategic medical plan e.g. symposia, advice seeking activities, medical education initiatives.
• Developing partnerships with market access, regulatory and development colleagues to appropriately and rapidly gain access for patients to our medicines e.g. Health Technology Appraisals, patient access schemes, compassionate use programmes.
• Contribute on the data gap analysis for the oncology therapy area with the cross functional team to identify and execute key evidence generation activities.

What happens at the end of the 24-month scheme?

Throughout the 24-month scheme you will receive guidance and mentoring to not only help you through your current role, but also to prepare you for applications to permanent roles within the organisation, with the aim that you will hopefully continue your career journey with our company.

Technical Requirements

• A PhD Scientist or registered Pharmacist
• Project management experience with examples of delivering initiatives from start to finish with clear goals and objectives
• Demonstrates an interest in the healthcare landscape in the UK, including the structure of the NHS
• Demonstrates ability to digest complex clinical information and interpret its relevance to UK market

Qualities we look for

• Operates with a high level of integrity, transparency and accountability
• Comprehends and aligns with our organisation’s core values
• Aligns and fosters a culture of diversity and inclusivity
• Demonstrates initiative, proactivity and academic curiosity
• Encourages and boosts their colleagues through teamwork
• Demonstrates clear and effective communication
• Demonstrates a desire to learn and improve their performance through feedback

Eligibility Criteria:

We are looking for Individuals based in the UK who complete their studies between 2024 and 2026.

Important Note:

We do not provide sponsorship for UK work visas during or after the graduate program.

To be eligible for the 2-year program, you must have the right to work in the UK for its entire duration.

Next Steps:

In the event of your successful progression to the next stage, one of our future talent team will contact you within two - three weeks of the application closing date.

Start Date:

September 2026

Equal Opportunity Employer:

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

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.

Required Skills:

Adaptability, Adaptability, Clinical Data Interpretation, Clinical Development, Clinical Pathways, Clinical Trial Regulations, Critical Thinking, Cross-Cultural Teams, Data Analysis, Data Gap Analysis, Disease States, Gaps Analysis, Good Clinical Practice (GCP), Healthcare Education, Healthcare Strategic Planning, Health Economics, Interpersonal Relationships, Market Access, Medical Affairs, Medical Marketing Strategy, Medical Teaching, Medical Writing, Medicines Australia Code of Conduct, Operational Excellence, Pipeline Development