Merck & Co, Inc

Senior Principal Scientist, Clinical Research, Antibacterials, Antifungals, CMV and Covid 19

Merck & Co, Inc$282K — $444K *
US-Anywhere
+ 3 other locationsRemote
Pharmaceuticals & Biotech
5 - 7 years of experience
Job Overview by Ladders

Qualifications

  • M.D or M.D./Ph.D with expertise in infectious diseases
  • Eligibility for medical licensure and board certification desirable
  • At least 5 years of industry experience in clinical research and drug development
  • Proven success in overseeing clinical studies and protocols
  • Strong track record of scientific scholarship and achievement
  • Experience in clinical medicine
  • Excellent verbal and written communication skills

Responsibilities

  • Plan clinical trials based on development strategies for infectious disease drugs
  • Monitor and manage ongoing or new clinical trials
  • Analyze clinical findings to support safety and efficacy decisions
  • Participate in research project teams for investigational and marketed drugs
  • Develop clinical development strategies for drugs
  • Present study data to internal governance committees

Benefits

  • Medical, dental, and vision insurance for employees and families
  • 401(k) retirement plan
  • Paid holidays and vacation days
  • Employee assistance programs for mental health support
  • Comprehensive sick leave and compassionate leave policies
Full Job Description

Job Description

The Senior Director has primary responsibility for protocol development and medical/scientific oversight of clinical research studies involving investigational or marketed drugs in the infectious diseases therapeutic area.  The individual will participate in all phases of the clinical trial process (mainly Phase 2-3) including study design, medical monitoring, and medical/scientific interpretation of study analyses, regulatory reporting, and publication.  The individual will apply an in-depth understanding of the disease under study and drug pharmacology to the infectious disease therapeutic area’s clinical development strategy and the implementation of short- and long-term research objectives.  They will provide internal scientific leadership for cross-functional areas supporting clinical development and external leadership through interaction with key scientific leaders.


Specifically, the Senior Director may be responsible for:

  • Planning clinical trials (design, operational plans) based on the clinical development strategies for investigational or marketed infectious disease drugs

  • Monitoring and managing the conduct of ongoing or new clinical trials for investigational or marketed infectious disease 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 publications

  • Participation in internal and joint internal/external research project teams relevant to the development of investigational drugs, and the further study of marketed drugs

  • Developing clinical development strategies for investigational or marketed infectious disease drugs

  • Presenting study data and program strategic plans to internal governance committees for endorsement and key program milestones

The Senior Director is responsible for maintaining a strong scientific fund of knowledge by:

  • Maintaining awareness of scientific developments within their area of expertise, including new scientific findings and research methodologies

  • Establishing communications with prominent clinical investigators in their particular field of interest, particularly those scientifically and operationally strong investigators who can assist in the development of our company's investigational and marketed 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 Senior Director may:

  • Author detailed development documents and presentations for internal and external audiences

  • Author scientific publications

  • Facilitate collaborations with external researchers around the world

  • Travel on company business up to about 10% of the time to manage future or ongoing clinical research projects.


Qualifications

Education:

  • M.D or M.D./Ph.D  preferably with demonstrated expertise in infectious diseases

  • Eligibility for medical licensure and board certification desirable

Requirements:

  • Industry experience in clinical research and drug development (at least 5 years)

  • Demonstrated success in overseeing clinical studies and protocols

  • Demonstrated record of scientific scholarship and achievement

  • Experience in clinical medicine

  • Excellent communication skills, both verbal and written

  • Strong interpersonal skills, as well as the ability to function in a team environment and leadership experience

Preferred

  • Background in infectious diseases clinical research and drug development

  • Prior experience with registrational trials and filing with major health authorities

Required Skills:

Clinical Development, Clinical Judgment, Clinical Research, Clinical Trial Development, Clinical Trials, Drug Development, Infectious Disease, Interdisciplinary Problem Solving, Scientific Leadership

Preferred Skills:

Current Employees apply HERE

Current Contingent Workers apply HERE

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 click here if you need an accommodation during the application or hiring process.

The salary range for this role is

$282,200.00 - $444,200.00

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:

No relocation

VISA Sponsorship:

No

Travel Requirements:

10%

Flexible Work Arrangements:

Remote

Shift:

Not Indicated

Valid Driving License:

No

Hazardous Material(s):

n/a

Job Posting End Date:

08/4/2026

*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.

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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.

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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