Merck & Co, Inc

Director, Discovery Oncology, Small Molecules

Merck & Co, Inc$194K — $305K *
Pharmaceuticals & Biotech
8 - 10 years of experience
Job Overview by Ladders

Qualifications

  • Ph.D. in a STEM field with 8+ years of industry experience or MS with 10+ years.
  • Extensive background in cancer biology and intrinsic pathways.
  • Innovative approach to small molecule design, particularly in induced proximity.
  • Proven track record of advancing new small molecule drugs into clinical stages.
  • Experience in late program leadership including writing IND modules.
  • Track record of managing senior and junior scientists successfully.
  • Strong ability to build relationships in collaborative environments.

Responsibilities

  • Lead the design and execution of oncology therapeutics focused on small molecules.
  • Serve as a thought leader for effective small molecule medicine.
  • Utilize knowledge of cancer biology to guide therapeutic opportunities.
  • Advance pipeline milestones like preclinical candidates and IND filings.
  • Mentor and develop strong Program Leaders within the team.
  • Contribute insights to business development for strategic molecule evaluations.
  • Enhance the culture of collaboration, engagement, and inclusion within the team.

Benefits

  • Comprehensive healthcare plans including medical, dental, and vision.
  • Retirement plans with 401(k) options.
  • Paid holidays, vacation, and sick leave.
  • Eligibility for annual bonuses and long-term incentives.
Full Job Description

Job Description

Discovery Oncology is seeking a visionary and driven people leader to discover and advance the next generation of small molecule oncology therapeutics. Join an exceptional team with a rich history of scientific excellence and successful drug discovery. The successful candidate will lead a team at our Boston site focused on small molecule therapeutics, with opportunities to contribute across additional modalities. This leader will partner across the organization to help shape Discovery Oncology strategy and advance our growing pipeline. Working closely with colleagues in chemistry, clinical, translational, and business development functions, this individual will help ensure the effective conception and execution of a portfolio of compelling medicines. The successful candidate will bring a strong record of scientific excellence, late-stage research and IND experience, strategic vision, and inspiring people leadership.

Responsibilities

  • Be a creative andforward thinkingleader to design and execute on the future of our company's Oncology therapeutics, particularlysmall molecules

  • Be a thought leader for the employment of small molecules to create effective,tolerableand combinable medicinesthat are both first in class and best in class.

  • Leverage your deep understanding of cancer biology and the current internal and external oncology landscape to drive decisions on the opportunity of new therapeutics.

  • Deliver on milestones key to pipeline advancement such as preclinical candidates and IND filings for first in human studies.

  • Be an experienced Program Lead and teach others to become strong Program Leaders.

  • Contribute yourexpertiseand vision to business development evaluations of molecules or platforms of interest to our company.

  • As a member of the Discovery Oncology Leadership team, meaningfully contribute to the development and execution of strategy and the growth and development of staff.

  • Foster a high-performance culture of collaboration, engagement, self-accountabilityand inclusion.

Required Qualifications / Education:

  • Ph.D. in Biology, Immunology, Biochemistry, Pharmacology, Toxicology, Bioengineering, Biotechnology, Oncology, Biophysics, Biologics, or a related STEM field with 8+ years of post-degree experience in industry or equivalent OR MS with 10+ years of experience.

  • An extensive background in cancerbiology. Deep knowledgeof intrinsic pathwaysand key cancer driversof cancer.

  • Evidence of innovative approaches to small molecule design, particularly induced proximity

  • A proventrack recordof advancing well designed investigative newsmall moleculedrugs into the clinicwith a focus on patient experience and successful clinical execution.

  • Clear experience in late program leadership partnering with regulatory, translational sciences and clinical development to achieve compelling engagement with agencies toinitiateand advance investigative drugs. Experience writing IND modules.

  • Experience managing a group of senior and junior scientists witha track recordof achievements, including project leadership and strategic contributions.

  • Ability to build strong relationships within highly collaborative, multidisciplinary teams to effectively drive drug discovery initiatives.

  • Excellent attention to detail andstrong communication(oral and written) skills.

  • Highly self-motivated and capable of prioritizing deliverables among multiple projects.

Preferred Experience and Skills:

  • Preference will be given to candidates witha large breadth of small molecule experience, including novel approaches.

  • Experience with modalities beyondsmall moleculesis beneficial, particularly including small molecule payloads.

#EligibleforERP

Required Skills:

Drug Development, Drug Discovery Research, IND Amendments, IND Submission, Investigational New Drug (IND), Investigational New Drug Application (IND), Mentorship, Molecular Biology, Oncology, Oncology Drug Development, People Leadership, Program Management, Project Leadership, Small Molecules, Target Validation

Preferred Skills:

Current Employees apply

Current Contingent Workers apply

US and Puerto Rico Residents Only:

Our company is committed to inclusion, ensuring that candidates can engage in a hiring process that exhibits their true capabilities. Please if you need an accommodation during the application or hiring process.

The salary range for this role is

$194,100.00 - $305,600.00

This is the lowest to highest salary we in good faith believe we would pay for this role at the time of this posting. An employee27s position within the salary range will be based on several factors including, but not limited to relevant education, qualifications, certifications, experience, skills, geographic location, government requirements, and business or organizational needs.

The successful candidate will be eligible for annual bonus and long-term incentive, if applicable.

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 .

You 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 Angeles27 Fair Chance Initiative for Hiring Ordinance

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.

Employee Status:

Regular

Relocation:

Domestic

VISA Sponsorship:

Yes

Travel Requirements:

10%

Flexible Work Arrangements:

Not Applicable

Shift:

Not Indicated

Valid Driving License:

No

Hazardous Material(s):

n/a

Job Posting End Date:

06/30/2026

*A job posting is effective until 11:59:59PM on the day BEFOREthe listed job posting end date. Please ensure you apply to a job posting no later than the day BEFORE the job posting end date.

About Merck & Co, Inc

Schering-Plough Corporation is a major U.S.-based manufacturer of pharmaceuticals. It operates in three segments: Prescription Pharmaceuticals, Animal Health, and Consumer Health Care. Schering-Plough develops products targeting on allergy, cancer, hepatitis, cardiovascular, central nervous system, respiratory system, and more.  It was founded in 1851 by Ernst Christian Friedrich Schering as Schering AG in Germany. Schering-Plough manufactured several pharmaceutical drugs, the most well-known of which were the allergy drugs Claritin and Clarinex, an anti-cholesterol drug Vytorin, and a brain tumor drug Temodar. It also developed drugs targeting on central nervous system and the respiratory system. Schering Plough also owned and operated the major foot care brand name Dr. Scholl's and the skin care line Coppertone. These also became a part of the new company. Schering-Plough was a full member of the European Federation of Pharmaceutical Industries and Associations (EFPIA), a membership which is also maintained by the new Merck.

Merck & Co, Inc Careers

Join the visionary team at Merck & Co, Inc, a global leader in healthcare dedicated to advancing the world of medicine. As part of our professional community, you'll find dynamic job opportunities that foster innovation and leadership across various fields. Merck & Co, Inc is not just a company; it's a place where you can make a difference.

Work You’ll Do

At Merck & Co, Inc, we are committed to improving global health through groundbreaking research and innovative healthcare solutions. Our team is at the forefront of developing new therapies and vaccines that significantly impact public health worldwide. By joining us, you will collaborate with some of the brightest minds in the industry, using your skills to contribute to projects that save and improve lives around the globe.

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Whether you're seeking an internship, a graduate opportunity, or a professional position, Merck & Co, Inc offers a range of career paths in environments that promote rapid professional growth and development. Explore job opportunities in research, digital transformation, manufacturing, and more, all while benefiting from a culture that supports diversity and inclusion.

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Merck & Co, Inc is an ideal environment for those who lead with curiosity and the drive to innovate. Our leadership is committed to fostering a culture where inventive thinking and collaboration are encouraged, making it a perfect place for professionals who seek to make an impact through their work.

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With Merck & Co, Inc, you are not just getting a job; you're gaining access to unparalleled career development opportunities. Enhance your skills through diverse training programs, workshops, and continuous learning courses designed to help you grow at every stage of your career.

Benefits and Culture

We understand that our employees are our greatest asset, which is why we offer competitive benefits designed to support the health and well-being of you and your family. From comprehensive health care coverage and retirement plans to flexible working conditions and wellness programs, our benefits package is designed to meet the diverse needs of our team members.

Join Our Team

Ready to advance your career at Merck & Co, Inc? Search open positions that match your skills and interests. We are continuously hiring and looking for passionate, creative, and solution-driven team players. Prepare your resume, sharpen your interview skills, and become part of a company that's dedicated to making a difference.

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Learn more about Merck & Co, Inc
Size
68,000 employees
Market Cap
$282.6 billion
Industry
Net Income
$7 billion
Founded
1668
5 Year Trend
+4.1%
Revenue
$47.9 billion
NASDAQ

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