Merck & Co, Inc

Executive Director, Immunology Discovery

Merck & Co, Inc • $255K — $402K *
San Diego, CA 92154Hybrid
Pharmaceuticals & Biotech
11 - 15 years of experience
Today
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Job Overview by Ladders

Qualifications

  • Ph.D. or equivalent in immunology, pharmaceutical sciences or a relevant field.
  • At least 15 years of experience in Immunology discovery research including drug development stages.
  • Experience with immune-mediated diseases, especially in Gastroenterology, Rheumatology and Dermatology.
  • A minimum of 5 years of experience in managing multiple teams with strong leadership skills.
  • Demonstrated ability to shape and prioritize a research portfolio.
  • Established external network with a strong profile in publications and conferences.
  • Experience in collaborating across functional areas related to pharmaceutical development.

Responsibilities

  • Set the vision and strategy for the Immunology team to drive project performance.
  • Manage priorities, resources, and investment strategies for Immunology Discovery.
  • Collaborate with multidisciplinary teams on discovery programs and clinical studies.
  • Develop talent within the team to enhance capabilities.
  • Identify and assess external business development opportunities to complement internal programs.
  • Cultivate a high-performance culture focused on collaboration and inclusion.
  • Contribute to the departmental strategy and growth across multiple research sites.

Benefits

  • Hybrid work arrangement allowing for flexibility between on-site and remote work.
  • Opportunities for professional development and talent advancement.
  • Engagement in meaningful work that impacts patient health and well-being.
  • A collaborative and inclusive team environment.
  • Participation in cross-functional projects that leverage diverse expertise.
Full Job Description
Job Description

Our company is seeking a highly motivated candidate for the position of Executive Director of Immunology Discovery research, reporting directly to the Vice President of Immunology Discovery. This position is a senior role, responsible for leading an Immunology research group at our Research and Development San Diego site that is focused on Gastroenterology, Dermatology and Rheumatology therapeutics; the Executive Director will strategically shape our Immunology discovery pipeline. The position will require an excellent understanding of the competitive landscape, target selection and portfolio management and the incumbent will evaluate and integrate external business development opportunities.

The Executive Director will partner with the Vice President and other Leadership Team (LT) members to shape and implement our Immunology strategy and work collaboratively with programmatic, functional and cross-division partners to achieve results. This role will be a key interface with other drug discovery and development scientists as well as collaborators and stakeholders across the organization from Clinical, Translational Medicine, CMC, Regulatory and Commercial. The Executive Director will be involved with tech transfer and development of new products and functions within our company as well as with external academic and industrial partners. The successful applicant will have a track record in the discovery of multiple Immunology drug candidates and a holistic understanding of advancing candidates from target identification through to product launch.

In this role, the Executive Director will also supervise multiple teams of scientists on projects. The candidate must have strong people management skills and excel in creating high performing teams to lead the conduct of scientific research, from the laboratory through to commercialization, thereby translating breakthroughs in fundamental science to afford world class human health products. Excellent communication and influencing skills will be required to socialize and gain buy-in on the Immunology strategy and vision across the enterprise.

Primary Responsibilities:
  • Sets the vision and strategy for their Immunology team to drive performance and deliver on projects to invent drugs that impact patients and save lives.
  • Responsible for managing priorities, resources, and investments aligned with the greater Immunology Discovery strategy.
  • Partners with Research, Translational, and Clinical colleagues to manage early and late-stage discovery programs including FIH and POC clinical studies in human subjects.
  • Actively develops talent to strengthen their team.
  • Collaborates with Search & Evaluation teams to identify and evaluate external business development opportunities that complement existing internal programs.
  • Fosters a high-performance culture of collaboration, engagement, accountability and inclusion.
  • As a member of the Immunology Discovery leadership team (LT), meaningfully contribute to departmental strategy and to the growth and development of all staff at both the R&D Cambridge and R&D San Diego sites.
  • Effectively partners with leadership across the Immunology Discovery group and other area functions to achieve organizational objectives.
  • Partners with a co-lead at the R&D San Diego site to foster a culture of inclusiveness and to oversee operations, maintenance and expansion at the site.
  • Collaborate with organizational partners to sustain and foster a culture of integration, innovation, and continuous improvement in drug development.
  • Cross functional collaboration and support in the preparation of INDs and other submissions to health agencies.
  • Ability to lead organizational change.


Education Minimum Requirements:
  • Advanced Degree (Ph.D. or equivalent) in immunology, pharmaceutical sciences or a relevant field.


Required Experience and Skills:
  • Minimum of 15 years of experience in Immunology discovery research with exposure to all stages and aspects of drug development including significant experience with identifying and integrating external business development and academic collaborative projects including clinical stage programs.
  • Knowledge and experience with immune-mediated diseases including a strong understanding of relevant clinical trial results and the competitive landscape in the areas of Gastroenterology, Rheumatology and Dermatology.
  • A minimum of 5 years of direct management experience overseeing multiple teams and proven leadership ability to align, motivate and empower team members and a demonstrated passion for team building and talent development.
  • Ability to shape, manage and prioritize a portfolio.
  • A strong external network and external profile demonstrated by publications, presentations at leading conferences, etc.
  • Experience in compound and biologics discovery and design for a variety of relevant disease targets.
  • Strong awareness of safety and environmental requirements, especially related to laboratory activities.
  • A good understanding of integration and partnering for pharmaceutical development with Translational Medicine, Clinical, Commercial, CMC, Regulatory, Operations, Data AI and Genome Sciences and other functional areas.
  • Critical thinking ability and innovative mindset.
  • Effective communication, collaboration and negotiation skills with the ability to work with senior level managers in meeting venues that include multiple cross-functional representatives.


Preferred Experience and Skills:
  • Experienced in budget planning & management, establishing product development strategies, and managing scientific staff from a budgetary and personnel decisions standpoint.
  • Ability to create cost-effective development plans and a strong sense of value for investment.
  • Demonstrated working knowledge of FDA and other regulatory requirements for IND submission and early POC studies.


Required Skills:
Collaborative Leadership, Immunology, Influencing Skills, Leadership, Results-Oriented, Strategic Thinking, Team Management

Preferred Skills:

Current Employees apply HERE

Current Contingent Workers apply HERE

Employee Status:
Regular

Relocation:
Domestic

VISA Sponsorship:
No

Travel Requirements:
10%

Flexible Work Arrangements:
Hybrid

Shift:
1st - Day

Valid Driving License:
No

Hazardous Material(s):
N/A

Job Posting End Date:
10/2/2026
*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.

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.

Innovate and Lead

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.

Develop Your Skills

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
Pharmaceuticals & Biotech
Net Income
$7 billion
Founded
1668
5 Year Trend
+4.1%
Revenue
$47.9 billion
NASDAQ
MRK
* Ladders Estimates

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