VP / Executive Medical Director, Global Clinical Lead

Merck Group$229K — $402K *
Pharmaceuticals & Biotech
8 - 10 years of experience
Job Overview by Ladders

Qualifications

  • Medical Degree (MD, DO, or international equivalent) required; board certification preferred
  • 10+ years' experience in immunology, rheumatology, or autoimmune diseases with patient care experience
  • 5+ years' medical leadership experience in pharma/biotech clinical development
  • Experience as a Global Clinical Lead or equivalent for complex clinical development programs
  • Proven ability to develop clinical plans and lead global Phase 2/3 or registrational studies
  • Strong understanding of benefit-risk assessment and lifecycle planning
  • Experience supporting health authority interactions, including FDA and EMA

Responsibilities

  • Provide senior medical and strategic leadership across global immunology clinical development programs
  • Lead global clinical development planning and lifecycle considerations
  • Serve as a senior medical decision-maker within global program teams
  • Drive protocol development and oversee clinical execution
  • Collaborate with Clinical Development, Regulatory, Safety, and other key functions for integrated delivery
  • Communicate clinical results through study reports and regulatory documents
  • Engage with investigators and advisory boards to inform clinical strategy

Benefits

  • Health insurance
  • Paid time off (PTO)
  • Retirement contributions
  • Other perquisites
Full Job Description
Your Role

You will provide senior medical and strategic leadership across global immunology clinical development programs, ensuring scientific rigor, patient-centricity, and alignment with asset strategy, portfolio priorities, and regulatory expectations. You will lead global clinical development planning, including target product profiles, indication strategy, evidence generation plans, and lifecycle considerations.

You will serve as a senior medical decision-maker within global program teams, providing strategic recommendations on development options, benefit-risk considerations, data interpretation, and key program risks. You will drive protocol development, oversee clinical execution, and ensure decisions are clearly documented with rationale, risks, and mitigations.

You will collaborate closely across Clinical Development, Regulatory, Safety, Biostatistics, Translational Medicine, Medical Affairs, Market Access, and other key functions to ensure integrated delivery of global development plans. You will support and lead, as appropriate, regulatory interactions and communicate clinical results through study reports, regulatory documents, publications, governance forums, and external scientific forums.

You will engage investigators, key opinion leaders, advisory boards, and patient communities compliantly to inform clinical strategy and enhance scientific credibility. You will provide matrix leadership to cross-functional teams and mentor clinical development colleagues as needed, fostering accountability, collaboration, and high-quality execution. This role will be based for a minimum of 3 days a week onsite.

Who You Are
  • Medical Degree, such as MD, DO, or international equivalent, required; board certification preferred
  • 10+ years of experience in immunology, rheumatology, or related autoimmune/inflammatory diseases, with hands-on patient care experience
  • 5+ years of medical leadership experience within pharma/biotech clinical development
  • Prior experience as a Global Clinical Lead, Clinical Program Lead, or equivalent for complex clinical development programs
  • Demonstrated experience developing clinical development plans and leading global Phase 2/3 or registrational studies
  • Strong understanding of benefit-risk assessment, indication strategy, evidence generation, and lifecycle planning
  • Proven ability to lead global clinical trials and cross-functional teams in a complex matrix environment
  • Experience supporting or leading health authority interactions, including FDA, EMA, or other major regulatory agencies
  • Strong GCP/ICH knowledge and understanding of global regulatory requirements
  • Ability to influence senior stakeholders, communicate strategic recommendations clearly, and represent clinical strategy in governance forums
  • Excellent cross-functional leadership, communication, and decision-making skills
  • Track record of delivering milestones under tight timelines while maintaining quality and scientific integrity
  • Willingness to travel domestically and internationally as needed

Pay Range for this position: $229,800 - $402,800

The offer range represents the anticipated low and high end of the base pay compensation for this position. The actual compensation offered will be determined by factors such as location, level of experience, education, skills, and other job-related factors. Position may be eligible for sales or performance-based bonuses. Benefits offered by the Company include health insurance, paid time off (PTO), retirement contributions, and other perquisites. For more information click here.

About Merck Group

Merck Group Careers

There has never been a more opportune time to join Merck Group, a leading science and technology company in healthcare, life science, and performance materials. Merck Group offers a plethora of job opportunities that cater to a variety of skills and professional aspirations, making it an ideal environment for both seasoned experts and those at the start of their career journey.

Work You’ll Do

At Merck Group, every team member contributes to breakthrough innovations in healthcare, life sciences, and electronics. The company's commitment to diversity and innovation fuels its leadership in various sectors, driving growth and transformation globally. Merck Group’s career paths are diverse, offering positions that challenge individuals to use their skills in new ways every day, supported by robust training programs and development opportunities.

Explore Job Opportunities and Growth

Merck Group is not just about jobs; it's about building a career. With a vast array of positions, from research and development to marketing and sales, the company is keen on hiring and nurturing talent to lead industry transformation. Merck Group’s dedication to professional growth is evident in its comprehensive benefits package and performance management processes that aim to maximize individual potential.

Internship Programs

Starting with an internship at Merck Group can be a pivotal step in securing a prosperous career. Interns gain invaluable industry experience, working alongside seasoned professionals and engaging in projects that offer real-world applications of their studies. Internships often lead to full-time employment opportunities, providing a seamless transition from education to professional employment.

Inclusive Culture and Leadership

Merck Group is proud of its inclusive culture that embraces diversity and fosters an environment where all employees can thrive. The company’s leadership is committed to creating a workplace where diverse ideas lead to innovative outcomes. Merck Group also offers diversity training to ensure all team members are equipped to contribute to the company’s inclusive goals.

Networking and Professional Development

Employees at Merck Group are encouraged to engage in networking and professional development activities that enhance their career trajectories. The company hosts various networking events, workshops, and seminars that are designed to hone skills and foster connections within the industry. Leadership development programs are also a cornerstone, preparing employees for future roles of increased responsibility.

Stay Connected with Merck Group Careers

Interested candidates can explore open positions that match their skills and interests through the Merck Group careers page. The company values curious, creative, and solution-driven team players who are eager to make an impact.

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Merck Group is continuously looking for individuals who are ready to drive innovation and lead in the global marketplace. Whether through full-time positions, internships, or leadership roles, Merck Group offers a career path filled with opportunities for growth, learning, and leadership.
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