Merck & Co, Inc

Principal Scientist, Pharmacokinetics

Merck & Co, Inc$173K — $272K *
Pharmaceuticals & Biotech
8 - 10 years of experience
Job Overview by Ladders

Qualifications

  • PhD or Master's in Pharmaceutical Sciences, Pharmacology, Chemistry, Biomedical Engineering, Biochemistry, or relevant life sciences.
  • Master’s degree with 12+ years or PhD with 8+ years of experience in therapeutic development.
  • Experience supporting clinical development programs as a DMPK representative.
  • Ability to drive DDI strategy for clinical programs.
  • Experience authoring documents for regulatory submissions.

Responsibilities

  • Collaborate with multidisciplinary teams on therapeutic development and discovery.
  • Guide design and interpretation of in silico, in vitro, and in vivo analyses.
  • Assess DDI risks and guide clinical development teams accordingly.
  • Author source reports and regulatory documents.
  • Independently evaluate potential program risks and implement mitigation strategies.

Benefits

  • Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision insurance for employees and families.
  • Retirement benefits including a 401(k).
  • Paid holidays and vacation days.
  • Compassionate and sick leave available.
Full Job Description

Job Description

The Pharmacokinetics, Dynamics, Metabolism, and Bioanalytics (PDMB) function of our Research & Development Division in West Point, Pennsylvania, is seeking a dynamic and collaborative scientist for the Drug Metabolism and Pharmacokinetics (DMPK) group. The Principal Scientist will be a key contributor to multi-disciplinary drug development and discovery efforts providing an integrated understanding of DMPK properties, pharmacokinetics/pharmacodynamics (PK/PD), and drug interaction (DDI) risk of novel therapeutics.

The key responsibilities will be to work within teams of highly collaborative, cross-functional scientists to contribute to the clinical development and discovery of therapeutics across various modalities. The Principal Scientist will guide the design and interpretation of in silico, in vitro, and in vivo analyses to support the development and discovery of therapeutics with the desired DMPK profile. They will assess program risks including DDI, metabolism and translation to guide clinical development teams. They will author source reports and regulatory documents in support of filings. They will independently evaluate and predict potential program risks, while implementing appropriate strategies to address liabilities and ensure efficient program progression and decision making.

The ideal candidate must be able to work collaboratively in a fast-paced environment, drive scientific development and innovation, and have excellent interpersonal and communication skills. Experience supporting both small molecule and biologics (e.g. antibodies and drug conjugates) programs is desired.

Qualifications

Education Minimum Requirement: 

  • PhD or Master’s degree in Pharmaceutical Sciences, Pharmacology, Chemistry, Biomedical Engineering, Biochemistry, or relevant life sciences fields.

Required Experience and Skills: 

  • Master’s degree with 12+ years relevant experience or PhD with 8 + years of industry experience in a relevant field with a focus on discovery and development of therapeutics of various modalities (including small molecules, antibodies, and drug conjugates).

  • Demonstrated ability to support early to late stage clinical development programs as a DMPK representative including evaluating and mitigating risks, integrating emerging data into ongoing programs, and clearly communicating with a varied development team.

  • Ability to drive DDI strategy for clinical programs, ensuring timely risk assessment and appropriate clinical plans are in place.

  • Experience with authoring documents in support of IB, IND, WMA filings, and responses to regulatory inquiries.

  • Experience working as a DMPK lead on discovery teams advancing therapeutics to clinical development across modalities (small molecule, peptides, biologics and conjugates).

  • Strong leadership, interpersonal, communication, problem solving, and collaboration skills, while delivering results on firm deadlines.

Preferred Experience and Skills:

  • Strong publication track record

  • Experience representing the DMPK function in the evaluation of third-party assets.

  • Experience building models and performing analyses using Phoenix and PBPK modeling software (e.g., SimCYP).

  • Experience mentoring or supervising junior staff.

Required Skills:

ADME, Bioanalytical Method Development, Biopharmaceuticals, Biopharmaceutics, Business Interactions, Clinical Development, Clinical Judgment, Cross-Functional Teamwork, Detail-Oriented, Drug Development, Drug Interactions, Drug Metabolism, Immunoassays, Innovation, Life Science, Mentoring Staff, Pharmacodynamics, Pharmacokinetics, Pharmacology, PKPD Modeling

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

$173,200.00 - $272,600.00

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 .

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 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:

07/21/2026

*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.

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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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