Associate Specialist, Project Management – Research & Development, Scheduling

MSD

Associate Specialist in Project Management focusing on scheduling and planning. Collaborates with teams to advance development pipeline at Merck.

Posted 5/27/2026full-timeUpper Gwynedd • New Jersey, Pennsylvania • 🇺🇸 United StatesJuniorMid-Level💰 $71,900 - $113,200 per yearWebsite

About the role

Key responsibilities & impact

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.

Requirements

What you’ll need

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
Desire for continuous learning and demonstration of learning agility

Benefits

Comp & perks

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

ATS Keywords

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Hard Skills & Tools

project managementschedulingdata analysisrisk managementproblem-solvingplanningtime managementmentoringcontinuous improvementtechnical support

Soft Skills

highly organizedattention to detailcollaborationcommunicationlearning agilityinterpersonal skillsanalytical skillsconceptual skillsleadership skillsrelationship building