Principal Scientist (Director), Translational Medicine - Cardiovascular

MSD•Boston, MA

3d•$260,300 - $409,700•Hybrid

About The Position

The Principal Scientist (Clinical Director) will work in Translational Medicine, which 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 contributes across therapeutic areas. The position requires a strong background in basic and/or clinical translational research and a collaborative approach. The role provides leadership for early clinical development from Preclinical Candidate approval through Phase 1 clinical pharmacology testing and Phase 2 clinical proof of concept. It also develops biomarker strategies and experimental medicine studies, contributes a clinical perspective to target identification and validation, and supports clinical pharmacology strategy through worldwide marketing application. The Principal Scientist is a key member of early development teams and is responsible for designing and executing clinical strategies and studies, communicating study results to governance and review committees, and collaborating with internal and external teams across research and development functions. The position is based in Boston, Massachusetts, with a hybrid work arrangement and 10% travel. Domestic relocation is offered; 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.
Proven track record in clinical care of patient populations or management of clinical problem-solving.

Responsibilities

Lead the design and execution of early clinical development strategy as a key member of early development teams.
Develop and execute early clinical strategies for novel therapeutics, including initial clinical and biomarker plans for Lead Optimization programs, development plans for Preclinical Candidate molecules, and clinical pharmacology studies for 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 identification and validation of novel targets, including designing preclinical and/or clinical pharmacology experiments to validate targets or pathways.
Ensure safe and timely execution of Phase I studies in collaboration with 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 through worldwide marketing application filing, including preparation of 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 at research sites worldwide.