Principal Scientist (Director), Translational Medicine - Cardiovascular

Merck • Boston, MA

2d • $260,300 - $409,700 • Hybrid

About The Position

Translational Medicine leads early clinical development of novel therapeutics in collaboration with Discovery Sciences and late-stage Clinical Research. This role focuses on cardiovascular disease and related conditions and calls for a strong background in basic and/or clinical translational research, along with a collaborative approach across therapeutic areas.

The Principal Scientist is a key member of early development teams, providing leadership in strategy and execution from preclinical candidate approval through Phase 1 clinical pharmacology testing and Phase 2 clinical proof-of-concept. The role also contributes to target identification and validation, biomarker strategy and platform validation, and clinical pharmacology support through worldwide marketing application filing. The scientist works with internal and external clinical study teams and functions across research, development, regulatory affairs, and global clinical operations.

The position is based in Boston, Massachusetts, with a hybrid work arrangement. Travel requirements are 10%. The role offers a base salary range of $260,300 to $409,700 for the primary location, and eligibility for an annual bonus and long-term incentive, if applicable. The position is regular, with domestic relocation available; visa sponsorship is not available.

Requirements

• MD or MD/PhD.
• Proven track record in clinical medicine or clinical research and a background in biomedical research.
• Demonstrated scientific scholarship and achievement, including publications or presentations.
• Strong interpersonal, writing, and presentation skills.
• Ability to function effectively in a team environment.
• Required skills include cardiology, cardiovascular medicine, clinical trials, nephrology, scientific research, translational medicine, and translational research.

Nice To Haves

• Clinical board certification or eligibility.
• Subspecialty clinical and research experience in cardiology or a related subspecialty, such as nephrology or pulmonary medicine.
• Prior experience in translational research and/or early clinical development.
• A proven track record in clinical care of patient populations or management of clinical problem-solving.

Responsibilities

• Provide leadership in designing and executing early clinical development strategy as a member of an early development team.
• Develop and execute early clinical strategies 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.
• Develop and execute studies to validate clinical platforms using established and novel biomarkers, including imaging, electrophysiological, and behavioral responses to assess biological activity in humans.
• Provide clinical expertise for identifying and validating novel targets, including designing preclinical and/or clinical pharmacology experiments to validate targets or pathways.
• Ensure safe and timely execution of Phase I studies, collaborating with internal and external clinical study support staff and scientists.
• Provide clinical pharmacology support through worldwide marketing application filing, including supporting registration documents and presentations.
• Communicate and interpret study results clearly and promptly 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.
• Collaborate broadly with 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 teams around the world.

Benefits

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

What This Job Offers

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