Merck & Co, Inc

Senior Scientist, Clinical Operations - Ophthalmology

Merck & Co, Inc$117K — $184K *
Pharmaceuticals & Biotech
8 - 10 years of experience
Job Overview by Ladders

Qualifications

  • Bachelor's Degree with 9+ years in clinical drug development or ophthalmology; Master's with 6+ years; PhD/PharmD with 2+ years.
  • Proven experience in managing scientific activities on clinical protocols.
  • Strong understanding of clinical research regulatory requirements (GCP and ICH).
  • Background in ophthalmology is preferred.
  • Exceptional analytical skills to interpret and synthesize clinical trial data.

Responsibilities

  • Drive scientific planning and execution of clinical studies phases 1-4.
  • Lead clinical scientist on trial teams, overseeing scientific execution of protocols.
  • Collaborate on clinical/scientific documentation with medical writers.
  • Partner with study managers to ensure deliverables are met during the study.
  • Engage in the setup and design phases during study initiation.
  • Manage medical monitoring and interpretation of clinical data with Clinical Director.
  • Coach and mentor team members to develop their skills and capabilities.

Benefits

  • Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision insurance for employees and their families.
  • 401(k) retirement plan with company contribution.
  • Paid holidays, vacation, and sick leave.
  • Opportunities for professional development and growth.
  • Annual bonuses and long-term incentives may be available.
Full Job Description

Job Description

This position drives scientific planning, strategy, and execution of Phase 1-4 clinical studies. Under the direction of the Program Lead, you will collaborate with global cross ­functional team members including clinical directors and study managers to lead/support clinical trial scientific activities.

Job Responsibilities:

  • Responsible for the clinical/scientific execution of clinical protocol(s).

  • Serves as the lead clinical scientist on the clinical trial team.

  • Collaborates with the Medical Writer on clinical/scientific and regulatory documents.

  • Partners with Study Manager on study deliverables.

  • Participates in the set up and design during study start up (e.g., database set up)

  • Lead medical monitoring team in review and interpretation of clinical data/medical protocol deviations in collaboration with the Clinical Director.

  • Builds talent and capabilities of direct/indirect team members through proactive coaching, mentoring and development opportunities.

  • May include management of direct reports including assignment of resources, professional development, and performance management.

  • May serve as a subject matter expert and/or participate on process

  • improvement teams.

Core Skills

Demonstrated ability to drive and manage scientific activities on clinical protocols. This position may represent the company through external partnerships, collaborations, and key strategic engagements. This includes the ability to:

  • Apply strong knowledge of clinical research regulatory requirements (e.g., GCP and ICH)

  • Manage multiple competing priorities with good planning, time management, and prioritization skills

  • Advanced analytical skills with the ability to interpret clinical trial data and synthesize conclusions

  • Interact with key stakeholders across department, division, and company. Role requires a proactive approach, strategic thinking and leadership driving toward study goals.

  • Influence opinions and decisions of internal and external customers/vendors, across functional areas, and within the division

  • Demonstrated ability to effectively delegate and assign activities to meet the business needs

  • Problem solving, prioritization, conflict resolution, and critical thinking skills

  • Build team capabilities through proactive coaching

  • Advanced communication, technical writing, and presentation skills

Education/Experience Preferred

  • Bachelor's Degree +9 years of pharmaceutical, clinical drug development, project management, and/or medical field experience in ophthalmology.

OR

  • Master's Degree +6 year of pharmaceutical, clinical drug development, project management, and/or medical field experience in ophthalmology

OR

  • PhD/PharmD Degree +2 year of pharmaceutical, clinical drug development, project management, and/or medical field experience

  • Degree in life sciences, preferred.

Required Skills:

Clinical Data, Clinical Protocol, Clinical Research, Clinical Study Design, Clinical Trial Compliance, Clinical Trials, Clinical Trials Analysis, Data Analysis, Drug Development, ICH GCP Guidelines, Ophthalmology, Regulatory Compliance, Strategic Thinking

Preferred Skills:

Current Employees apply

Current Contingent Workers apply

US and Puerto Rico Residents Only:

The salary range for this role is

$117,000.00 - $184,200.00

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 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 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:

25%

Flexible Work Arrangements:

Not Applicable

Shift:

1st - Day

Valid Driving License:

No

Hazardous Material(s):

No

Job Posting End Date:

09/1/2026

*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.

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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