Clinical Director (Principal Scientist), Translational Medicine, Immunology

Merck • Boston, MA

2d • $260,300 - $409,700 • Hybrid

About The Position

Translational Medicine is responsible for the early clinical development of novel therapeutics, working in close collaboration with Immunology Discovery Sciences and late-stage Immunology Clinical Research. This role focuses on Immunology across all therapeutic areas within the Research Division. The Principal Scientist (Clinical Director) must possess a strong background in basic and/or clinical translational research and a collaborative spirit to work across different therapeutic areas. Translational Medicine is responsible for leadership in the early clinical development strategy for novel therapy programs from Preclinical Candidate approval through Clinical Pharmacology testing (Phase 1) and clinical Proof-of-Concept (Phase 2). This includes developing biomarker strategies with cross-functional teams to provide insights from First-in-Human studies through clinical Proof-of-Concept, and executing Experimental Medicine studies to establish and/or validate biomarker platforms. The role also contributes to identifying novel targets by partnering with discovery research teams, bringing a clinical perspective to early-stage target identification and validation, and executing clinical studies to evaluate target relevance to human disease to justify investment in clinical development programs. Additionally, it involves developing and executing clinical pharmacology strategies to support later stages of development from Proof-of-Concept (Phase 2) through worldwide marketing application. Success in this role relies on integrity, knowledge, imagination, creativity, skill, and teamwork. The company strives to foster an environment of mutual respect, encouragement, and teamwork. As part of a global team, you will collaborate with talented colleagues in Translational Medicine, Discovery Sciences, and late-stage Clinical Research, while developing your career.

Requirements

• MD or MD/PhD
• Proven track record in clinical medicine or clinical research, and background in biomedical research.
• Demonstrated record of scientific scholarship and achievement including publications or presentations.
• Strong interpersonal, writing and presentation skills, as well as the ability to function in a team environment are essential.
• Clinical Development
• Clinical Judgment
• Clinical Research
• Clinical Studies
• Clinical Trials
• Clinical Trial Support
• Cross-Functional Teamwork
• Early Clinical Development
• Immunology
• Intellectual Curiosity
• Translational Medicine
• Translational Research

Nice To Haves

• Clinical Board Certification or Eligibility.
• Prior experience in translational research and/or early clinical development preferred but not required.
• Proven track record in clinical care of patient populations or management of clinical problem-solving

Responsibilities

• Key member of an early development team, providing leadership in designing and executing early clinical development strategy.
• Development and execution of early clinical strategy for novel therapeutics including authoring initial clinical and biomarker plans for Lead Optimization programs, early clinical development plans for Preclinical Candidate molecules, and clinical pharmacology studies for programs in Phases I through IV of development.
• Development and execution of studies to validate clinical platforms utilizing established and novel biomarkers, including imaging, electrophysiological and behavioral responses to interrogate biological activity in humans.
• Provide clinical expertise for identification and validation of novel targets, including the design of preclinical and/or clinical pharmacology experiments to validate targets and/or pathways.
• Safe and timely execution of Phase I studies; close collaboration with internal and external clinical study support staff and scientists (including discovery research, biostatistics, drug metabolism, modeling and simulation, regulatory affairs, and global clinical trials operations).
• Provide clinical pharmacology support for programs through the worldwide marketing application filing including supportive registration documents and presentations.
• Provide clear, timely communication and interpretation of study results to therapeutic area governance, functional area experts and development review committees.
• Contribute to assessment of internal and external opportunities identified by Business Development and Licensing.
• Interface broadly with key functions including Discovery Sciences, Preclinical Pharmacology, Pharmaceutical Sciences, Toxicology, Translational Biomarkers, Translational Medicine Operations, Translational Medicine-EU, Drug Metabolism/Modeling & Simulation, Regulatory Affairs, and late-stage Clinical Research throughout research sites around the world.

Benefits

• medical, dental, vision healthcare and other insurance benefits (for employee and family)
• retirement benefits, including 401(k)
• paid holidays
• vacation
• compassionate and sick days

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Principal
• Education Level: Ph.D. or professional degree