Privacy, Legal

Job Description

We are seeking an experienced Privacy Legal Counsel to provide strategic and practical legal advice to internal stakeholders on privacy and data protection issues related to the collection and processing of personal data with a particular focus on data acquisition and stewardship digital capabilities innovative uses of data analytics and artificial intelligence and collaborations with third parties. The position reports to the Chief Privacy Officer will serve as a key strategic adviser on both commercial and research matters and will collaborate closely with other Compliance functions as well as ex-US legal counterparts to ensure global alignment and consistency in approach.

Specific areas of responsibilities include but are not limited to:

• Counsel on privacy and data protection matters across company operations including with respect to research and development (e.g. clinical trials informed consent) US commercial and access initiatives (e.g. patient support programs digital health innovative partnerships) and AI initiatives.

• Draft review and negotiate privacy terms for a wide array of contracts including data protection agreements data processing agreements research and commercial collaboration agreements and licensing agreements.

• Deliver structured expert legal counsel and support for US litigation matters and data subject requests.

• Support global regulatory scanning efforts and with respect to the US evaluate potential changes to existing business practices and the Global Privacy Program to ensure continued compliance.

• Support response efforts for Privacy Incidents.

• Collaborate with legislative affairs teams to review proposed privacy laws and provide comments through privacy consortia and/or trade associations.

• Supervise activities and manage relationships with outside counsel.

Education Minimum Requirement:

• Graduate of an accredited US law school; admission to the Bar of Pennsylvania New Jersey or another state.

Required Experience and Skills:

• Member in good standing of a Bar of at least one US state or the District of Columbia

• 5 years of experience practicing data privacy/protection law either in-house or at a law firm preferably in the pharmaceutical biotechnology or healthcare sector.

• In-depth knowledge and understanding of global data protection frameworks (e.g. GDPR US state laws HIPAA) and cross-border data transfer requirements.

• Experience advising on privacy aspects of US commercial programs including patient support programs and digital health is strongly preferred.

Preferred Experience and Skills:

• Strong interpersonal and oral and written communication skills including the ability to explain complex privacy and legal concepts to technical and non-technical stakeholders and experience presenting to large groups and senior leaders.

• Established and effective business counseling skills founded in a commitment to understanding company business practices and objectives and the application of law to the same. Demonstrates a practical analytical and collaborative approach to problem-solving.

• True team player with the ability to integrate seamlessly into a cohesive global team.

• Sound judgement founded on strong ethical values and compliance principles demonstrated through rapid and disciplined decision making.

Locations:

• Upper Gwynedd (PA USA) or Rahway (NJ USA)

Current Employees apply HERE

Current Contingent Workers apply HERE

US and Puerto Rico Residents Only:

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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 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:

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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 anothers thinking and approach problems collectively.

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U.S. Hybrid Work Model

Effective September 5 2023 employees in office-based positions in the U.S. will be working a Hybrid work consisting of three total days on-site per week Monday - Thursday although the specific days may vary by site or organization with Friday designated as a remote-working day unless business critical tasks require an on-site Hybrid work model does not apply to and daily in-person attendance is required for field-based positions; facility-based manufacturing-based or research-based positions where the work to be performed is located at a Company site; positions covered by a collective-bargaining agreement (unless the agreement provides for hybrid work); or any other position for which the Company has determined the job requirements cannot be reasonably met working remotely. Please note this Hybrid work model guidance also does not apply to roles that have been designated as remote.

The salary range for this role is

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 can apply for this role through (or via the Workday Jobs Hub if you are a current employee). 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

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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.

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