Merck & Co, Inc

Principal Scientist, Clinical Research - Immunology/Dermatology

Merck & Co, Inc • $255K — $402K *
Rahway, NJ 07065Hybrid
Pharmaceuticals & Biotech
5 - 7 years of experience
2 weeks ago
Job Overview by Ladders

Qualifications

  • M.D., D.O., M.D./PhD, or D.O./PhD required
  • 5+ years of clinical and development experience
  • Proven record in scientific scholarship
  • Preferred experience in phase 2 or 3 clinical trials in rheumatologic diseases
  • Strong collaboration and interpersonal skills

Responsibilities

  • Evaluate pre-clinical and translational work for clinical development plans
  • Support business development assessments to expand Immunology Pipeline
  • Develop strategies for investigational drugs and clinical trial planning
  • Monitor and manage ongoing clinical trials for investigational drugs
  • Analyze clinical findings to support safety and efficacy decisions
  • Collaborate with research project teams on new compounds
  • Authors development documents and facilitates collaborations with researchers globally

Benefits

  • Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision insurance
  • Retirement benefits, including 401(k)
  • Paid holidays and vacation days
  • Compassionate and sick leave
  • Eligibility for annual bonus and long-term incentives
Full Job Description
Job Description

The Clinical Director (Principal Scientist) has primary responsibility for the strategic planning and directing clinical research activities involving investigational compounds in Immunology. With a focus on late-stage development, the Clinical Director will manage the entire cycle of clinical development, including determination of appropriate disease indications to pursue and subsequent study design, initiation, execution, monitoring, analysis, regulatory filing, and publication.

Specifically, The Clinical Director May Be Responsible For:

  • Evaluating pre-clinical and translational work for the purpose of generating the early clinical development plan and Investigational New Drug applications.
  • Providing clinical development support of business development assessments of external opportunities to grow the Immunology Pipeline
  • Developing clinical development strategies for investigational drugs and 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 drugs
  • 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 publication; and
  • Participation in internal and joint internal/external research project teams relevant to the development of new compounds


The Clinical Director may:
  • Supervise the activities of Clinical Scientists in the execution of clinical studies.
  • Work closely with a cross-functional group of experts in commercialization, regulatory affairs, statistics, and manufacturing to manage clinical development projects
  • Assist the Senior Director, Associate Vice-President/Vice-President and Product Development Team Lead 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 Clinical 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 drugs in Immunology
  • Establishing collaborative relationships with external experts in Rheumatology diseases, particularly those whose research focus and expertise can inform and assist the evaluation of the company's investigational 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 Clinical Director may:

  • Author detailed development documents, presentations, budgets, and position papers for internal and external audiences
  • Facilitate 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., D.O., M.D./PhD, or D.O./PhD


Required education and experience
  • Minimum of 5 years of clinical and/or development experience (academia, clinical medicine, and/or corporate clinical development).
  • Demonstrated record of scientific scholarship and achievement
  • Prior experience in design and execution of phase 2 or 3 clinical trials in rheumatologic diseases is preferred
  • Strong interpersonal skills, as well as the ability to work collaboratively in a cross-functional team environment.


Required Skills:
Allergy and Immunology, Clinical Development, Clinical Immunology, Clinical Research, Clinical Trials, Dermatology, Drug Investigation, Immunology, Statistics, Strategic Planning

Preferred Skills:

Current Employees apply HERE

Current Contingent Workers apply HERE

The salary range for this role is
$255,800.00 - $402,700.00

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 https://jobs.merck.com/us/en/compensation-and-benefits.

You can apply for this role through https://jobs.merck.com/us/en (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:
Yes

Travel Requirements:
10%

Flexible Work Arrangements:
Hybrid

Shift:
Not Indicated

Valid Driving License:
No

Hazardous Material(s):
n/a

Job Posting End Date:
07/27/2026
*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.

Explore Career Paths

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.

Stay Connected

Keep up to date with career tips, insider perspectives, and industry-leading insights you can put to use today—all from the people who work here. Engage with us through our careers blog and by participating in networking events and employment fairs. Subscribe to receive personalized job alerts and the latest news tailored to your preferences. Discover the exciting and rewarding opportunities that await at Merck & Co, Inc. Join us in our mission to improve health and wellness around the world.
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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