Natalie Christian

Executive Director, Project Management at Merck

Natalie Christian is the Executive Director of Project Management at Merck, where she plays a pivotal role in leading project strategies and managing cross-functional teams to ensure timely project delivery. With a strong background in Bioengineering, she has developed a reputation for building trust within teams and effectively communicating risks and challenges.2

Educational Background

PhD in Bioengineering from the University of Pennsylvania
BS in Chemical Engineering, Summa Cum Laude, from the University of Kentucky

Career Progression

Natalie has held various positions at Merck since joining the company, including:

Director of Project Leadership (October 2016 - October 2020)
Associate Director of Engineering (July 2014 - September 2016)
Senior Specialist in Engineering (September 2008 - May 2014)
Postdoctoral Researcher at the University of Pennsylvania School of Medicine.1 2

Contributions and Expertise

In her current role, she leads Development and Commercialization Teams (DCT) for late-stage large molecule and vaccine pipeline programs. Her previous work includes leading DCTs for several live virus vaccine programs, such as those for COVID-19 and Dengue. Her technical expertise is particularly notable in the manufacturing processes for recombinant and viral vaccines.2

Natalie Christian's blend of academic excellence and extensive industry experience makes her a significant asset in the pharmaceutical sector, particularly in vaccine development and project management.