Merck & Co, Inc

Principal Scientist (Director), Translational Medicine - Infectious Diseases

Merck & Co, Inc$260K — $409K *
Pharmaceuticals & Biotech
Less than 5 years of experience
Job Overview by Ladders

Qualifications

  • MD or MD/PhD required
  • 5-7 years of experience in clinical translational research
  • Strong expertise in Infectious Diseases
  • Experience leading early clinical development strategies
  • Proficiency in biomarker development and execution
  • Familiarity with regulatory processes for drug development

Responsibilities

  • Collaborate with discovery scientists to identify and validate novel therapeutic targets
  • Lead clinical development strategy through all early phases including Phases 1 and 2
  • Develop biomarker strategies for First-in-Human and Proof-of-Concept studies
  • Execute clinical pharmacology studies, addressing formulation changes and drug-drug interactions
  • Support regulatory filings with appropriate clinical pharmacology documentation
  • Engage external scientific community through presentations and collaborations
  • Work cross-functionally with global teams in various therapeutic areas

Benefits

  • Medical, dental, and vision healthcare coverage for employees and families
  • Retirement benefits including 401(k)
  • Paid holidays and vacation
  • Compassionate and sick leave
  • Opportunities for bonuses and long-term incentives
Full Job Description

Job Description

We have an exciting opportunity for a physician-scientist to join our group as aPrincipal Scientist (Clinical Director) in Translational Medicine/Early Clinical Development in the Infectious Diseases Therapeutic Area.

Translational Medicine at our Research Division is responsible for early clinical development of novel therapeutics, working in close collaboration with our discovery scientists and late-stage clinical researchers. The Infectious Diseases Therapeutic Area specifically focuses on translational and clinical development of anti-infectives, both for treatment and for prophylaxis indications. 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 with functional area partners across therapeutic areas and stages of development.

Translational Medicine is specifically responsible for:

  • Contributing to the identification of novel targets by partnering with Discovery Sciences to bring a clinical perspective into the earliest stages of target identification and validation, and to execute clinical studies to evaluate the relevance of potential targets to human disease in order to justify full development.
  • Leadership of the early clinical development strategy for novel therapeutic programs from the preclinical stage through Phase 1 studies of safety, tolerability, pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics, to Phase 2 studies demonstrating Proof-of-Concept and enabling Phase 3 clinical trials.
  • Development of biomarker strategies through cross-functional teams that advance therapeutics from First-in-Human studies through clinical Proof-of-Concept. This includes experimental medicine studies to establish and/or validate biomarker platforms.
  • Development and execution of clinical pharmacology strategies to support later stages of development, from Phase 3 through to worldwide regulatory applications.
  • Success depends on the integrity, knowledge, imagination, creativity, skill, versatility and teamwork of the people in the group. To this end, we strive to create an environment of mutual respect, encouragement, and teamwork.

Education Requirements:

  • MD or MD/PhD

Primary responsibilities for the Principal Scientist include the following:

  • Working with basic science teams on specific diseases and therapeutic areas, providing clinical expertise for identification and validation of novel targets, including the design of preclinical and clinical experiments to validate targets and/or pathways, and leveraging this work for development of novel therapeutics
  • Working with cross-functional teams including discovery scientists, pharmacologists, toxicologists, and other specialists to advance novel therapeutics from preclinical development into clinical development
  • As a key member/leader of an early development team, working in close collaboration with internal and external staff and scientists (including discovery research, biostatistics, drug metabolism, modeling and simulation, regulatory affairs, and global clinical trials operations) for the design and execution of early clinical development strategy
  • Taking a lead role in developing and executing clinical pharmacology studies for programs in all phases (I 6 IV) of development, including formulation or device changes, drug-drug interaction studies, and studies in special populations
  • Providing early phase/clinical pharmacology support for programs through the regulatory filing process including preparation of supportive documents and presentations
  • Developing and executing studies to validate established and novel clinical biomarkers, including blood/tissue sampling, imaging, electrophysiological, wearable devices, and behavioral responses to study biological activity in humans
  • Providing clinical and scientific expertise to assess internal and external opportunities for partnership
  • Engaging with the broader internal and external scientific community in disease or therapeutic areas of interest, including via consultations with scientific/academic thought leaders, preparation of posters and publications, and attendance/presentation at conferences
  • Working broadly with key functions across the company at research sites around the world.

Required Skills:

Clinical Research, Early Clinical Development, Infectious Disease, Translational Medicine

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

$260,300.00 - $409,700.00

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 employee019s 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 Angeles019 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:

No relocation

VISA Sponsorship:

No

Travel Requirements:

10%

Flexible Work Arrangements:

Hybrid

Shift:

Not Indicated

Valid Driving License:

No

Hazardous Material(s):

n/a

Job Posting End Date:

09/24/2026

*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.

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.

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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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