Animal Research Veterinarian

Job Description

We are looking for a collaborative and scientifically minded veterinarian who combines strong veterinary expertise with a passion for animal health, animal welfare, and innovation.

For our Animal Health location Boxmeer, we are currently recruiting an Animal Research Veterinarian

Welcome to our team

Our Animal Research Department (ARD) in Boxmeer consists of more than 60 skilled professionals and is responsible for conducting animal studies that support our Research & Development (R&D) and Quality Control (QC) activities. The department contributes to the development of innovative vaccines and biotherapeutics and supports the compliant release of licensed vaccines in line with applicable quality and regulatory requirements. All activities are guided by the 3R principles: Replace, Reduce, and Refine. The department conducts studies across multiple animal species and also performs pathology activities. ARD is organized into operational teams focused on experimental studies and a Veterinary Team responsible for safeguarding animal health and welfare and providing specialist veterinary expertise.

Purpose of the role

Reporting to the Veterinary Team Lead, you play a pivotal role at the intersection of veterinary medicine, science, and animal welfare. You provide specialist veterinary expertise throughout the preparation, execution, and evaluation of animal studies and ensure that animal health and welfare remain central to how studies are conducted. You work closely with veterinarians, scientists, study teams, technicians, and animal care professionals and collaborate with colleagues across R&D, Quality, Manufacturing, Environment, Health & Safety and Animal Welfare. As a trusted veterinary advisor, you help teams make well-informed decisions that balance scientific objectives, regulatory requirements, and animal welfare. The role combines hands-on veterinary responsibilities with scientific collaboration, continuous improvement, and innovation. You contribute to the development of new veterinary methods and techniques and help continuously improve animal care and welfare in accordance with the 3R principles.

Main tasks and responsibilities

·       Providing veterinary expertise during the preparation, execution, and evaluation of R&D and QC animal studies.

·       Safeguarding animal health and welfare across multiple animal species and having final responsibility for veterinary interventions where applicable.

·       Monitoring animal health, assessing clinical findings, and developing appropriate treatment plans when needed.

·       Driving continuous improvement in animal health and welfare through application of the 3R principles: Replace, Reduce, and Refine.

·       Providing veterinary leadership and guidance to animal care and technical staff and sharing expertise through coaching, training, and knowledge transfer.

·       Acting as a trusted veterinary advisor throughout the lifecycle of animal studies, balancing scientific objectives, regulatory requirements, and animal welfare.

·       Developing, implementing, and continuously improving veterinary procedures, methods, techniques, Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs), and research protocols.

·       Participating in cross-functional projects focused on innovation, operational excellence, new capabilities, and improvements within Animal Research.

·       Contributing to the safe, ethical, and compliant execution of animal studies in line with GLP, GMP, animal welfare, and EHS requirements.

·       Collaborating with researchers, study teams, animal care professionals, and stakeholders across R&D, QC, Manufacturing, EHS, and Animal Welfare to continuously improve study execution, animal care, and welfare standards.

Your profile

·       DVM degree recognized in the Netherlands.

·       Several years of relevant veterinary experience, preferably working with multiple animal species.

·       Strong interest in animal health, animal welfare, and scientific research.

·       Strong learning agility and willingness to continuously broaden veterinary and scientific expertise.

·       Ability and willingness to share knowledge, coach colleagues, and contribute to a culture of learning and continuous improvement.

·       Proactive and ownership-driven mindset, with the ability to identify opportunities for improvement and translate ideas into action.

·       Sound decision-making skills and the ability to communicate decisions clearly and respectfully.

·       Strong interpersonal and collaboration skills, with the ability to build effective relationships across different disciplines and functions.

·       Ability to work effectively in a dynamic, multidisciplinary environment focused on teamwork, innovation, and continuous improvement.

·       Good command of English; proficiency in Dutch or willingness to learn Dutch.

What we offer

An opportunity to take your veterinary career beyond traditional clinical practice and contribute to innovative research, animal welfare, and the development of solutions that improve animal health worldwide. In addition, we offer a competitive benefits package that supports your well-being, growth, and long-term success:

·       Competitive compensation aligned with your knowledge and experience.

·       3% year-end payment and an annual bonus based on individual and company performance.

·       35,5 days of leave.

·       Solid Pension Plan.

·       Travel allowance for commuting.

·       Numerous training, coaching and e-learning modules for long term job opportunities and development.

·       Excellent accessibility: the train station is right by our main entrance and there is ample parking.

·       High-quality company restaurant with fresh, healthy options daily.

·       Contribution toward your personal sports/fitness membership to support your vitality.

·       Beautiful private park on the premises, ideal for a walk, break, or moment of relaxation.

·       Mental well-being support via Lyra Health for you and your family members.

·       Access to a dedicated prayer/meditation room.

Animal Health

Our Animal Health Division is a trusted global leader in veterinary medicine, dedicated to preserving and improving health, well-being, and performance of animals and the people who care for them. We are a global team of professionals working together to make a positive difference in animal care and the world’s food supply and have a deep sense of responsibility towards our customers, consumers, animals, society, and our planet.

Through our commitment to The Science of Healthier Animals®, we offer veterinarians, farmers, pet owners and governments one of the widest ranges of veterinary pharmaceuticals, vaccines and health management solutions and services as well as an extensive suite of digitally connected identification, traceability and monitoring products. We invest in dynamic and comprehensive R&D resources and a modern, global supply chain. We are present in more than 50 countries, while our products are available in some 150 markets.

For questions about this vacancy

Please send an email including the vacancy number and job title to the following email address: [email protected]

Applications can only be submitted via our careers site.

Additional location(s) Compensation Information:

Required Skills:

Animal Care, Animal Ethics, Animal Health Care, Animal Observation, Animal Testing, Animal Welfare, Animal Welfare Advocacy, Bioproducts, Client-Focused, Clinical Data Interpretation, Clinical Judgment, Continuous Improvement Techniques, Decision Making, Laboratory Management, Scientific Leadership, Taking Ownership, Veterinary Assisting, Veterinary Consulting, Veterinary Emergency Care, Veterinary Medicine, Veterinary Public Health, Veterinary Research, Veterinary Services, Veterinary Surgery

Preferred Skills:

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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:

Not Applicable

Shift:

Valid Driving License:

Hazardous Material(s):

Job Posting End Date:

11/30/2026

*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.