Principal Scientist (Scientific Director Level)– Nonclinical Drug Safety

MSD•San Diego, CA

8d•$176,200 - $277,300•Hybrid

About The Position

The Principal Scientist serves as a Discovery Program Leader (DPL), representing Nonclinical Drug Safety (NDS) on discovery research teams and in scientific and strategic review meetings, primarily focused on immunology and oncology. The role calls for exceptional leadership, collaboration, independence, and a commitment to working across functions and sites to discover medicines that improve patients’ lives. The DPL defines and oversees NDS strategy for programs across modalities—including small molecules, peptides, biologics, and ADCs—from target identification through approval of First-in-Human-enabling GLP toxicity studies. The role assesses target risks, develops de-risking strategies, and collaborates with NDS colleagues at other sites on studies supporting therapeutic-target selection and the identification and development of drug candidates. The DPL may also serve on development teams, helping define and execute GLP toxicology strategies and prepare nonclinical safety sections of regulatory documents supporting clinical trials and worldwide marketing authorization. The position represents NDS on discovery teams and participates in therapeutic-area discovery governance reviews. It promotes creative thinking from target identification and validation through lead optimization across infectious disease, neuroscience, immunology, oncology, and/or cardiometabolic therapeutic areas. The role influences cross-site disease-area groups and functional disciplines, assesses risks using literature, internal data, and external information, and may lead early development teams to inform preclinical studies supporting product development. The primary location is West Point, Pennsylvania, and the role is designated hybrid with a first-shift schedule. Domestic relocation is listed as available, visa sponsorship is available, and travel requirements are 10%. The position is regular, and the posting lists an annual base salary range of $176,200 to $277,300 for the primary location, with eligibility for an annual bonus and long-term incentive if applicable.

Requirements

PhD in a relevant field, DVM, MD, or equivalent.
At least 8 years of pharmaceutical industry experience as a nonclinical safety scientist (for example, in toxicology or pathology) and/or as a nonclinical safety assessment representative to cross-functional development or discovery teams.
Demonstrated ability to navigate cross-functional lines and drive team decision-making in a matrix organizational structure.
Ability to solve problems creatively and deliver goals and objectives in a timely manner.
Ability to work collaboratively with discovery team members from various functions, other DPLs, and scientists responsible for study conduct and portfolio management.
Excellent interpersonal skills and ability to establish working relationships with employees at all levels.
Excellent communication skills, including knowing when and how to raise issues with stakeholders and management.
Required skills listed: Clinical Safety, Finite Element Analysis (FEA), Good Lab Practices, Immuno-Oncology, Innovative Thinking, Matrix Management, Quality by Design, Regulatory Filings, Regulatory Submissions, Safety Management, Strategic Thinking, Technology Transfer, and Toxicology.

Nice To Haves

Experience with biopharmaceutical and small-molecule pharmaceutical development and/or discovery.
Experience with regulatory submissions and responses.
Membership in pharmaceutical consortia and/or external scientific or professional organizations.

Responsibilities

Represent Nonclinical Drug Safety on discovery teams and participate in therapeutic-area discovery governance committee reviews.
Define and oversee NDS strategy for programs across modalities, from target identification through approval of First-in-Human-enabling GLP toxicity studies.
Provide risk assessments for therapeutic targets and development candidates using literature, internal data, and external information.
Develop de-risking strategies for discovery programs.
Collaborate with NDS staff at other sites to execute studies supporting therapeutic-target selection and identification and development of drug candidates.
Promote and facilitate creative thinking from target identification and validation through lead optimization in infectious disease, neuroscience, immunology, oncology, and/or cardiometabolic therapeutic areas.
Influence cross-site disease-area groups and functional-area disciplines to promote innovative drug discovery.
Potentially serve on development teams and define GLP toxicology study strategy and execution.
Prepare or contribute to nonclinical safety sections of regulatory documents supporting clinical trials and worldwide marketing authorization.
Potentially lead early development teams and inform preclinical studies supporting product development.
Drive team decision-making across functional lines in a matrix organization.