Global Safety Lead

Merck Group$207K — $311K *
Pharmaceuticals & Biotech
5 - 7 years of experience
Job Overview by Ladders

Qualifications

  • Medical degree (MD or equivalent), or pharmacy degree with 5+ years in drug development or pharmacovigilance.
  • Expertise in pharmacovigilance regulations applied across the product lifecycle.
  • Experience authoring complex benefit-risk reports and safety submission documents.
  • Engagement with regulatory authorities on safety strategies during clinical development.
  • Hands-on management of safety issues related to organ toxicities and knowledge of therapeutic areas.
  • Expertise in aggregate data analytics and familiarity with epidemiology and biostatistics.
  • Deep experience in oncology.

Responsibilities

  • Lead integrated safety strategies for development programs and marketed products.
  • Oversee pharmacovigilance and benefit-risk evaluations throughout the product lifecycle.
  • Monitor and communicate emerging safety profiles in compliance with regulations.
  • Provide strategic input into regulatory documents like the Integrated Summary of Safety.
  • Engage with regulatory authorities as a safety expert and co-chair safety committees.
  • Support audit readiness and provide safety expertise during due diligence activities.
  • Coach and develop team members within the therapeutic area.

Benefits

  • Health insurance coverage.
  • Paid time off (PTO) for work-life balance.
  • Retirement contributions to support future financial wellness.
Full Job Description
Your Role

As a GPS Global Safety Lead, you will serve as a recognized scientific authority on medical safety, shaping and driving integrated safety strategies for assigned development programs and marketed products across their full lifecycle. Operating with a high degree of autonomy within a global matrix environment, you will lead benefit-risk evaluation, pharmacovigilance oversight, and safety signal management, ensuring that emerging safety profiles are rigorously monitored, clearly communicated, and strategically managed in alignment with regulatory requirements and internal governance standards.

You will set the medical safety strategic direction for assigned products, providing clear and visible scientific leadership across Research and Development cross-functions. This includes overseeing proactive safety surveillance, signal detection and evaluation, periodic safety reporting, and risk management activities throughout the product lifecycle. You will ensure that safety signals are identified promptly and escalated appropriately within the organization, and that high-quality medical safety contributions are delivered to the Global Safety Committee and other governance bodies. In this role, you will represent the Global Patient Safety function on cross-functional program teams, including Program Steering Teams where delegated, and will provide strategic safety input into regulatory submission documents such as the Integrated Summary of Safety, Clinical Summary of Safety, and Clinical Overview. You will engage directly with regulatory authorities as a subject-matter expert, lead or co-chair relevant safety committees, and collaborate with external advisors, opinion leaders, and partner company colleagues. You will also provide safety expertise for due diligence activities, support audit and inspection readiness, and contribute to the coaching and development of colleagues within the therapy area team.

Who You Are

Minimum Qualifications:
  • Medical degree (MD or equivalent), or pharmacy degree, with a minimum of 5 years of broad industry experience in drug development, pharmacovigilance, or related discipline
  • Demonstrated expertise in pharmacovigilance regulations and guidelines, including their practical application across the product lifecycle
  • Proven experience authoring complex benefit-risk reports and safety submission documents, including regulatory dossier components
  • Experience engaging with regulatory authorities in scientific discussions related to safety strategy during clinical development or submission processes
  • Hands-on experience managing safety issues related to known target organ toxicities and a solid medical understanding of at least one relevant therapeutic area
  • Expert knowledge of aggregate data analytics and familiarity with related disciplines such as epidemiology, predictive modelling, health outcomes research, and biostatistics
  • Deep experience within the assigned therapeutic area: oncology


Preferred Qualifications
  • Prior experience as a physician in a relevant therapeutic area, providing direct clinical context to safety decision-making
  • Experience with NDA, BLA, or equivalent regulatory submissions, or prior work at a regulatory agency reviewing submission files
  • Demonstrated ability to chair or actively lead high-profile cross-functional meetings and governance boards
  • Track record of operating effectively in a global matrix environment, managing multiple stakeholders across regions and functions
  • Strong scientific leadership skills with the ability to influence strategy, foster accountability, and develop team members
  • Self-motivated with a commitment to staying current on industry trends and applying emerging scientific knowledge to benefit the organization
  • Ability to present complex safety topics clearly to diverse audiences


Base Pay Range for this position - $207,600 - 311,500

The offer range represents the anticipated low and high end of the base pay compensation for this position. The actual compensation offered will be determined by factors such as location, level of experience, education, skills, and other job-related factors. Position may be eligible for sales or performance-based bonuses. Benefits offered by the Company include health insurance, paid time off (PTO), retirement contributions, and other perquisites. For more information click here: https://careers.emdgroup.com/us/en/benefits

About Merck Group

Merck Group Careers

There has never been a more opportune time to join Merck Group, a leading science and technology company in healthcare, life science, and performance materials. Merck Group offers a plethora of job opportunities that cater to a variety of skills and professional aspirations, making it an ideal environment for both seasoned experts and those at the start of their career journey.

Work You’ll Do

At Merck Group, every team member contributes to breakthrough innovations in healthcare, life sciences, and electronics. The company's commitment to diversity and innovation fuels its leadership in various sectors, driving growth and transformation globally. Merck Group’s career paths are diverse, offering positions that challenge individuals to use their skills in new ways every day, supported by robust training programs and development opportunities.

Explore Job Opportunities and Growth

Merck Group is not just about jobs; it's about building a career. With a vast array of positions, from research and development to marketing and sales, the company is keen on hiring and nurturing talent to lead industry transformation. Merck Group’s dedication to professional growth is evident in its comprehensive benefits package and performance management processes that aim to maximize individual potential.

Internship Programs

Starting with an internship at Merck Group can be a pivotal step in securing a prosperous career. Interns gain invaluable industry experience, working alongside seasoned professionals and engaging in projects that offer real-world applications of their studies. Internships often lead to full-time employment opportunities, providing a seamless transition from education to professional employment.

Inclusive Culture and Leadership

Merck Group is proud of its inclusive culture that embraces diversity and fosters an environment where all employees can thrive. The company’s leadership is committed to creating a workplace where diverse ideas lead to innovative outcomes. Merck Group also offers diversity training to ensure all team members are equipped to contribute to the company’s inclusive goals.

Networking and Professional Development

Employees at Merck Group are encouraged to engage in networking and professional development activities that enhance their career trajectories. The company hosts various networking events, workshops, and seminars that are designed to hone skills and foster connections within the industry. Leadership development programs are also a cornerstone, preparing employees for future roles of increased responsibility.

Stay Connected with Merck Group Careers

Interested candidates can explore open positions that match their skills and interests through the Merck Group careers page. The company values curious, creative, and solution-driven team players who are eager to make an impact.

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Merck Group is continuously looking for individuals who are ready to drive innovation and lead in the global marketplace. Whether through full-time positions, internships, or leadership roles, Merck Group offers a career path filled with opportunities for growth, learning, and leadership.
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