Distinguished Scientist, Clinical Research, Thoracic Malignancies

MSD • Boston, MA

7d • $310,900 - $489,400 • Hybrid

About The Position

The Distinguished Scientist (Executive Director) and Product Development Team (PDT) Lead in Oncology Global Clinical Development directs clinical research involving new or marketed drugs in Oncology Clinical Research, with a focus on Thoracic Oncology. The role manages the full clinical development cycle, from development strategy and study design through initiation, execution, monitoring, analysis, regulatory reporting, publication, and presentation at scientific meetings. The position provides scientific leadership to cross-functional teams supporting clinical trials and engages with external key opinion leaders.

Responsibilities may include evaluating preclinical and translational research to develop early clinical plans and Investigational New Drug applications; setting clinical development strategies that consider scientific advances, regulatory requirements, competition, and commercial factors; planning and managing clinical trials; and analyzing and communicating findings to inform safety and efficacy decisions, applications, study reports, and publications. The role also contributes to research teams, studies of marketed compounds, business development assessments, and clinical oncology support for other therapeutic areas.

The Executive Director may manage Directors or Senior Directors and supervise clinical teams. The position reports to and collaborates with the Section Head, working with experts in commercialization, regulatory affairs, statistics, medical affairs, and manufacturing. It helps keep relevant corporate personnel informed about study progress, competitor drugs, and scientific opinion. The role maintains scientific expertise, develops relationships with investigators, attends scientific meetings, produces development documents and materials, and facilitates collaborations with external researchers. Travel is required for clinical research projects; the posting lists travel requirements as 25%. The position is hybrid, with the primary location in Rahway, New Jersey.

Requirements

• M.D. or M.D./Ph.D.
• Industry experience in Thoracic Oncology.
• At least 3 years of clinical medicine experience.
• At least 5 years of industry experience in drug development.
• Demonstrated record of scientific scholarship and achievement.
• Proven track record in clinical medicine and a background in biomedical research.
• Strong interpersonal skills and ability to function in a team environment.
• Skills listed as required: Clinical Development, Clinical Judgment, Clinical Medicine, Clinical Research, Clinical Trial Planning, Clinical Trials, Cross-Cultural Awareness, Cross-Functional Teamwork, Drug Development, Ethical Standards, Medical Research, Oncology, Pulmonology, Regulatory Requirements, Research Methodologies, Scientific Consulting, Scientific Leadership, Scientific Research, and Strategic Leadership.

Nice To Haves

• Board certified or board eligible in Oncology and/or Hematology.
• Prior specific experience in clinical research and prior publication.

Responsibilities

• Plan and direct clinical research activities involving new or marketed oncology drugs, particularly in Thoracic Oncology.
• Manage the clinical development cycle, including strategy, study design, initiation, execution, monitoring, analysis, regulatory reporting, publication, and presentation.
• Evaluate preclinical and translational work to develop early clinical development plans and Investigational New Drug applications.
• Develop clinical strategies incorporating scientific developments, regulatory requirements, competitive conditions, and commercial considerations.
• Plan clinical trials, including their design, operational plans, and settings.
• Monitor and manage ongoing and new clinical trials.
• Analyze and summarize clinical findings to support safety and efficacy decisions, new drug applications, clinical study reports, and publications.
• Participate in internal and joint internal/external research project teams, including projects involving new compounds, marketed compounds, and business development assessments.
• Provide clinical support to other therapeutic areas regarding oncology compounds.
• Manage Directors and/or Senior Directors and supervise clinical teams, as applicable.
• Collaborate with the Section Head to advance the company’s development strategy for the relevant indication.
• Work with cross-functional experts in commercialization, regulatory affairs, statistics, medical affairs, and manufacturing to manage development projects.
• Help keep appropriate corporate personnel informed about study progress, competitor drugs, and relevant internal and external scientific opinion.
• Maintain awareness of scientific developments and research methodologies in the area of expertise.
• Identify strong investigators and establish relationships with prominent clinical investigators.
• Attend scientific meetings to maintain competency and awareness of research activities.
• Author development documents, presentations, budgets, and position papers for internal and external audiences.
• Facilitate collaborations with external researchers around the world.
• Travel on company business to manage current or future clinical research projects.

Benefits

• Medical, dental, and vision healthcare and other insurance benefits for employees and family.
• Retirement benefits, including 401(k).
• Paid holidays.
• Vacation.
• Compassionate and sick days.
• Eligible for annual bonus and long-term incentive, if applicable.
• Domestic relocation.

What This Job Offers

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