Merck & Co, Inc

Distinguished Scientist, Clinical Research, Thoracic Malignancies

Merck & Co, Inc$310K — $489K *
Pharmaceuticals & Biotech
Less than 5 years of experience
Job Overview by Ladders

Qualifications

  • M.D. or M.D./Ph.D. required
  • 5+ years in industry drug development
  • 3+ years clinical medicine experience
  • Expertise in Thoracic Oncology essential
  • Demonstrated scientific scholarship and achievements

Responsibilities

  • Direct and oversee clinical research activities for Oncology
  • Develop and manage clinical development strategies
  • Plan and design clinical trials based on strategies
  • Monitor and manage ongoing clinical trials
  • Analyze clinical findings for regulatory submissions
  • Engage with cross-functional project teams
  • Support clinical issues in other therapeutic areas

Benefits

  • Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision coverage
  • 401(k) retirement benefits
  • Paid holidays and vacation
  • Compassionate and sick leave
  • Eligibility for annual bonuses and long-term incentives
Full Job Description

Job Description

The Distinguished Scientist (Executive Director) and Product Development Team (PDT) Lead, Oncology Global Clinical Development, has primary responsibility for the planning and directing clinical research activities involving new or marketed drugs in the Oncology Clinical Research group and in the field of Thoracic Oncology.

The Executive Director, PDT Lead will manage the entire cycle of clinical development, including development strategy, study design, initiation, execution, monitoring, analysis, regulatory reporting, publication, and presentation at national and international meeting.  They will provide internal scientific leadership for cross-functional areas supporting clinical trials and will interact externally with key opinion leaders. 

Specifically, the Executive Director, PDT Lead may be responsible for: 

  • Evaluating pre-clinical and translational work for the purpose of generating early clinical development plan and Investigational New Drug applications. 

  • Developing clinical development strategies for investigational or marketed agents that incorporate the latest scientific developments, regulatory requirements, the competitive landscape, and commercial considerations.

  • Planning clinical trials (design, operational plans, settings) based on these clinical development strategies 

  • Monitoring and managing the conduct of ongoing or new clinical trials for investigational or marketed agents

  • Analyzing and summarizing the clinical findings from studies to support decisions regarding safety and efficacy as well as new drug applications, clinical study reports, or publications

  • Participation in internal and joint internal/external research project teams relevant to the development of new compounds, and the further study of marketed compounds and support of business development assessments of external opportunities. 

  • Provide support for other therapeutic areas regarding clinical issues related to oncology compounds. 

The Executive Director, PDT Lead may: 

  • Manage Directors and/or Senior Directors responsible for Oncology Global Clinical Development projects. 

  • Supervise the activities of entire Clinical Teams in the execution of clinical studies.  

  • Will report to and work collaboratively with the Section Head to promote the development strategy of the company on the indication of interest.

  • Work closely with a cross-functional group of experts in commercialization, regulatory affairs, statistics, medical affairs and manufacturing to manage clinical development projects; and assist the Section Head in ensuring that appropriate Corporate personnel is informed of the progress of studies of our company and competitors' drugs and internal and external expert opinion on scientific questions relevant to their areas of responsibility. 

The Executive Director is responsible for maintaining a strong scientific fund of knowledge by: 

  • Maintaining awareness of scientific developments within their area of expertise, in terms of new scientific findings, research methodologies 

  • Identification of scientifically and operationally strong investigators who can assist in the development of our company's investigational and marketed drugs 

  • Establishing communications with prominent clinical investigators in their field of interest, particularly those who will be willing and able to assist in the evaluation of our company's drugs 

  • Attending appropriate scientific meetings to maintain their competency and to maintain awareness of research activities in their area of responsibility. 

To accomplish these goals, the Executive Director, PDT Lead may: 

  • Author detailed development documents, presentations, budgets, and position papers for internal and external audiences 

  • Facilitating collaborations with external researchers around the world 

  • Travel on company business about twenty (20) percent of the time to manage future or ongoing clinical research projects. 

Education:

M.D or M.D./Ph.D. 

Required Experience and Skills:

  • Must have experience in industry in the field of Thoracic Oncology

  • Minimum of 3 years of clinical medicine experience

  • Minimum of 5 years of industry experience in drug development

  • Demonstrated record of scientific scholarship and achievement 

  • A proven track record in clinical medicine and background in biomedical research is essential 

  • Strong interpersonal skills, as well as the ability to function in a team environment, are essential. 

Preferred Experience and Skills:

  • Board Certified or Eligible in Oncology (and/or Hematology)

  • Prior specific experience in clinical research and prior publication

Required Skills:

Clinical Development, Clinical Judgment, Clinical Medicine, Clinical Research, Clinical Trial Planning, Clinical Trials, Cross-Cultural Awareness, Cross-Functional Teamwork, Drug Development, Ethical Standards, Medical Research, Oncology, Pulmonology, Regulatory Requirements, Research Methodologies, Scientific Consulting, Scientific Leadership, Scientific Research, Strategic Leadership

Preferred Skills:

Current Employees apply

Current Contingent Workers apply

US and Puerto Rico Residents Only:

The salary range for this role is

$310,900.00 - $489,400.00

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 employee’s 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 Angeles’ 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:

No

Travel Requirements:

25%

Flexible Work Arrangements:

Hybrid

Shift:

Not Indicated

Valid Driving License:

No

Hazardous Material(s):

n/a

Job Posting End Date:

06/11/2026

*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.

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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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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.

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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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