Merck & Co, Inc

Prin. Scientist, Clinical Research

Merck & Co, Inc$190K — $300K *
Pharmaceuticals & Biotech
Less than 5 years of experience
Job Overview by Ladders

Qualifications

  • MD/PhD or MD required.
  • Clinical experience in internal medicine, pathology, and/or oncology.
  • Proven scientific scholarship and achievement record.
  • Strong interpersonal, writing, and presentation skills necessary.
  • Clinical Board Certification preferred.

Responsibilities

  • Lead early clinical development strategies for novel therapeutics.
  • Design and execute clinical and biomarker plans for development programs.
  • Validate clinical platforms through biomarker studies.
  • Provide clinical expertise for target identification and validation.
  • Ensure safe execution of Phase I studies with collaboration across teams.
  • Support clinical pharmacology for worldwide marketing applications.
  • Communicate and interpret study results for governance and review committees.

Benefits

  • Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision insurance.
  • Retirement benefits, including a 401(k).
  • Paid holidays, vacation, and sick days.
  • Supportive work environment focused on teamwork and collaboration.
Full Job Description

Job Description

Principal Scientist (Director) in Translational Medicine-Oncology

Translational Medicine at our Research Division is responsible for early clinical development of novel therapeutics, working in close collaboration with Discovery Sciences and late-stage Clinical Research. We work with all therapeutic areas within our Research Division. We are seeking a highly qualified individual for a position in our group. Candidates must have a strong background in basic and/or clinical translational research and a desire to work collaboratively across different therapeutic areas.

Translational Medicine is specifically responsible for:

  • Leadership of the early clinical development strategy for novel therapy programs from Preclinical Candidate approval through Clinical Pharmacology testing (Phase 1), and clinical Proof-of-Concept (Phase 2).
  • Development of biomarker strategies through cross-functional teams that provide line-of-sight from First-in-Human studies through clinicalProof-of-Concept. Thisincludes Experimental Medicine studies to establish and/or validate biomarker platforms.
  • Contributing to the identification of novel targets by partnering with discovery research teams to bring a clinical perspective into the earliest stages of target identification and validation, and executing clinical studies to evaluate the relevance of potential targets to human disease in order to justify investment in clinical development programs.
  • Development and execution of clinical pharmacology strategies to support later stages of development from Proof-of-Concept (Phase 2) through worldwide marketing application.

Success depends on the integrity, knowledge, imagination, creativity, skill, and teamwork of the people in the group. To this end, we strive to create an environment of mutual respect, encouragement and teamwork. As part of the global team, you will collaborate with talented and dedicated colleagues in Translational Medicine, as well as Discovery Sciences and late-stage Clinical Research while developing and expanding your career.

Primary responsibilities for the Principal Scientist include the following:

  • Key member of an early development team, providing leadership in designing and executing early clinical development strategy.
  • Development and execution of early clinical strategy for novel therapeutics including authoring initial clinical and biomarker plans for Lead Optimization programs, early clinical development plans for Preclinical Candidate molecules, and clinical pharmacology studies for programs in Phases I through IV of development.
  • Development and execution of studies to validate clinical platforms utilizing established and novel biomarkers, including imaging, electrophysiological and behavioral responses to interrogate biological activity in humans.
  • Provide clinical expertise for identification and validation of novel targets, including the design of preclinical and/or clinical pharmacology experiments to validate targets and/or pathways.
  • Safe and timely execution of Phase I studies; close collaboration with internal and external clinical study support staff and scientists (including discovery research, biostatistics, drug metabolism, modeling and simulation, regulatory affairs, and global clinical trials operations).
  • Provide clinical pharmacology support for programs through the worldwide marketing application filing including supportive registration documents and presentations.
  • Provide clear, timely communication and interpretation of study results to therapeutic area governance, functional area experts and development review committees.
  • Contribute to assessment of internal and external opportunities identified by Business Development and Licensing.
  • Interface broadly with key functions including Discovery Sciences, Preclinical Pharmacology, Pharmaceutical Sciences, Toxicology, Translational Biomarkers, Translational Medicine Operations, Translational Medicine-EU, Drug Metabolism/Modeling & Simulation, Regulatory Affairs, and late-stage Clinical Research throughout research sites around the world.

Education:

  • MD/PhD or MD

Required:

  • Clinical experience in and/or basic science background in internal medicine, pathology and/or oncology.
  • Demonstrated record of scientific scholarship and achievement. Experience in oncology is preferred, but the particular field is less important than having a track record of excellence and a willingness to work collaboratively across different therapeutic areas.
  • Strong interpersonal, writing and presentation skills, as well as the ability to function in a team environment are essential.
  • Clinical Board Certification preferred.
  • Prior experience in translational research and/or early clinical development preferred but not required.

Required Skills:

Clinical Development, Clinical Research, Early Clinical Development, Ethical Compliance, Ethical Standards, Internal Medicine, Pharmaceutical Development, Pharmaceutical Sciences, Pharmacokinetics, Pharmacotherapeutics, Protocol Development, Scientific Writing, Strategic Thinking, Translational Research

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

$190,800.00 - $300,300.00

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 employees 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 AngelesFair 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:

10%

Flexible Work Arrangements:

Hybrid

Shift:

1st - Day

Valid Driving License:

No

Hazardous Material(s):

N/A

Job Posting End Date:

08/7/2026

*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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