Distinguished Scientist, Neglected Tropical Disease Discovery

Merck•Upper Gwynedd Township, PA

1d•Hybrid

About The Position

We are seeking a highly motivated senior level scientist to develop and lead a discovery portfolio focused on neglected tropical diseases (NTDs), with a primary focus on Malaria, TB, and AMR. The successful candidate will shape scientific strategy, drive target and lead identification, and progress innovative therapeutic concepts from early discovery toward development. This role requires strong scientific depth, strategic thinking, and the ability to work effectively in multidisciplinary, matrixed teams. The candidate will also have to work to secure funding through external partnerships. Depending on level and experience, the role will have increasing expectations for scientific leadership, strategic impact, and portfolio ownership.

Requirements

PhD in Microbiology, Chemistry, Infectious Diseases, Molecular/Cell Biology, or a related discipline
10+ years of relevant experience with demonstrated success in leading discovery projects or portfolios.
strong research experience in infectious diseases or global health favorable.
Strong strategic and systems thinking: ability to connect molecular mechanisms to disease burden, clinical context, and global health impact.
Proven ability to work effectively in multidisciplinary, matrixed environments and across cultural and geographic boundaries.
Excellent oral and written communication skills, with an ability to tailor messages to scientific, strategic, and non-technical audiences.
Demonstrated ability to drive projects forward, manage multiple priorities, and meet timelines in the face of uncertainty.
Evidence of scientific leadership (e.g., leading project teams, shaping portfolio strategy, key authorships, invited talks, or recognized expertise).
Cross-Functional Collaboration
Drug Discovery Process
External Collaboration
Funding
Innovation
Mentorship
Neglected Tropical Diseases
Pathogens
Scientific Leadership
Strategic

Responsibilities

Scientific and Portfolio Leadership
Develop and own a coherent neglected tropical diseases (NTDs) discovery strategy aligned with organizational goals, focusing on high-burden diseases and areas of greatest patient and public health impact.
Design and execute innovative research plans to identify and validate novel drug targets, hit/lead series, or biological modalities for NTDs.
Integrate human and pathogen biology, pharmacology, and translational considerations to inform compound or modality design and selection.
Prioritize opportunities and make data-driven go/no-go recommendations to advance, redirect, or terminate projects within the NTD portfolio.
Provide strategic portfolio leadership across multiple programs, including long-range planning, risk/benefit assessment, and resource allocation recommendations.
Experimental and Technical Excellence
Demonstrate an excellent understanding of the steps associated with drug discovery and path into early clinical development.
Lead the design, execution, and interpretation of in vitro and/or in vivo studies to support target validation, mechanism-of-action studies, and candidate optimization.
Establish or optimize relevant models (e.g., cellular, biochemical, parasite/ pathogen models, animal disease models) and associated readouts.
Ensure scientific rigor, reproducibility, and data quality through appropriate controls, statistical analysis, and documentation.
Collaboration and Cross-Functional Partnership
Work closely with medicinal chemistry, pharmacology, DMPK, clinical, safety, and other partners to shape and deliver integrated discovery plans.
Collaborate with global health organizations, academic groups, NGOs, and consortia to access unique expertise, models, and funding.
Contribute to and/or lead cross-functional project teams, ensuring clear communication of objectives, timelines, data, and decision points.
Lead or co-lead project teams or working groups; influence broader discovery or global health strategy beyond direct projects.
External Engagement and Visibility
Maintain deep awareness of the external NTD landscape, including epidemiology, biology, competitive intelligence, and technological advances.
Identify, evaluate, and help establish external collaborations, academic partnerships, and consortia relevant to NTD discovery.
Present research at internal governance meetings and external scientific conferences; publish impactful findings in peer-reviewed journals.
Serve as a recognized internal expert in NTD discovery and represent the organization in external scientific and stakeholder forums.
Leadership, Mentoring, and Culture
Provide scientific guidance and day-to-day leadership for junior scientists and research associates; foster a culture of curiosity, rigor, and accountability.
Promote an inclusive, collaborative, and learning-oriented environment across sites and disciplines.
Act as a scientific role model and thought leader, mentoring others in portfolio-thinking, strategic decision-making, and stakeholder management.