Clinical Imaging Scientist (Principal Scientist), Remote

Merck • North Wales, PA

1d • $173,200 - $272,600 • Remote

About The Position

The Clinical Imaging Scientist (Principal Scientist) leads complex imaging deliverables for assigned clinical trials, applying scientific, technical, and operational imaging expertise to ensure quality, compliance, and timely achievement of critical milestones. The Clinical Imaging Scientist (CIS) will lead imaging strategy for approximately 15–25 global clinical trials across early- and late-stage development and multiple therapeutic areas, supporting programs from study planning through closeout. The CIS supports clinical teams in the effective use of medical imaging in clinical trials, ensuring high-quality execution and delivery of imaging-related objectives. In addition, the CIS leads scientific, operational, and process improvement initiatives that enhance the effectiveness and efficiency of clinical development programs. This position works closely with the Head of Clinical Imaging, Imaging Leads, Senior Clinical Imaging Scientists, and other Clinical Imaging Scientists to support the portfolio and provide scientific and operational leadership internally and externally.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree or higher level of education required
• Minimum of 10 years of experience supporting clinical development within the pharmaceutical, biotechnology, or clinical research industry
• Strong knowledge of the application of medical imaging in clinical trials for efficacy and safety assessments
• Demonstrated experience serving as a primary imaging subject matter expert for clinical studies
• Experience authoring and reviewing clinical imaging operational and scientific documents supporting imaging endpoints and assessments
• Proven ability to resolve complex scientific and operational imaging challenges in clinical development programs
• Experience contributing to the development, evaluation, and refinement of imaging approaches supporting clinical development strategies
• Demonstrated ability to apply scientific judgment to address complex imaging-related clinical trial issues and risks
• Experience advancing imaging standards, process improvements, technology evaluations, or strategic initiatives supporting clinical development
• Experience supporting regulatory submissions, health authority interactions, and imaging related aspects of drug filings

Nice To Haves

• Certification, training, or professional experience in one or more clinical imaging modalities, including experience as a radiologic technologist, at an imaging Clinical Research Organization (CRO), imaging core laboratory, or pharmaceutical sponsor
• Experience working with or overseeing external imaging vendors, imaging core laboratories, and specialty service providers
• Experience advising cross-functional study teams on imaging strategy and implementation
• Experience collaborating across functional groups to improve and implement processes supporting complex imaging deliverables
• Experience supporting imaging components of regulatory submissions and responses to health authority questions
• Demonstrated understanding of emerging imaging technologies, quantitative imaging approaches, and industry trends relevant to drug development
• Experience leading strategic, operational, or scientific initiatives with broad organizational impact

Responsibilities

• Provide day-to-day leadership and oversight of key imaging deliverables across assigned clinical trials
• Partner with internal stakeholders and external collaborators, including imaging vendors and specialty providers, to ensure seamless execution and support of imaging components within clinical trials
• Develop and maintain subject matter expertise in one or more disease areas, supporting internal and external teams while leveraging and advancing standards, best practices, and efficiencies across the portfolio
• Design and recommend imaging approaches, standards, and process improvements that strengthen clinical imaging support for assigned disease areas and development programs
• Apply scientific judgment and technical expertise to resolve complex imaging-related challenges across internal functions and external imaging service providers
• Develop, execute, and oversee imaging strategies supporting early- and late-stage clinical development programs
• Exercise independent judgment and strategic foresight in planning, organizing, and guiding complex imaging initiatives and projects
• Provide primary operational oversight of imaging processes, design imaging methodologies and standards, and author key imaging-related documents and study deliverables
• Collaborate across departments to advance imaging capabilities, improve operational efficiency, and challenge existing practices when appropriate to foster innovation
• Drive the development and implementation of imaging standards, approaches, and process improvements that contribute to the future direction of clinical imaging support
• Evaluate and recommend emerging technologies, imaging methodologies, and supporting systems to enhance imaging strategy and trial execution
• Partner with Quality and Compliance organizations to support quality-related decisions, vendor oversight activities, and internal or external audits involving imaging service providers
• Provide regulatory-facing imaging expertise to support health authority interactions, filing activities, and imaging-related components of regulatory strategy
• Apply knowledge of global regulatory expectations and industry best practices to support imaging-related questions associated with drug development and regulatory submissions.
• Represent the company in clinical imaging through participation at scientific meetings, industry forums, and professional organizations
• Lead and contribute to cross-functional initiatives focused on process improvement, imaging strategy, innovation, and organizational effectiveness, identifying solutions and recommending actionable paths forward that align with company objectives
• Demonstrate working proficiency with enterprise-approved digital, data, and AI tools relevant to the role
• Apply automation and data-driven approaches in day-to-day work
• Hold and maintain Global Clinical Trial Operations (GCTO) Elevate – Beginner (minimum) within first 6 months in role; progress to role-appropriate tier annually

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
• annual bonus
• long-term incentive

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Principal