Principal Scientist (Director), Translational Medicine - Infectious Diseases
About The Position
Merck’s Research Division is seeking a physician-scientist to join its Translational Medicine/Early Clinical Development group in the Infectious Diseases Therapeutic Area. Translational Medicine works closely with discovery scientists and late-stage clinical researchers to develop novel therapeutics. The Infectious Diseases team focuses on translational and clinical development of anti-infectives for treatment and prophylaxis. The role contributes clinical expertise to early target identification and validation, leads early clinical development strategy from preclinical development through Phase 1 and Phase 2, develops biomarker strategies and experimental medicine studies, and supports clinical pharmacology strategy through later development and regulatory applications. The Principal Scientist collaborates with internal and external partners across disciplines and therapeutic areas, and works with colleagues at research sites around the world. The position is based primarily in South San Francisco, California, with a hybrid work arrangement and 10% travel. The employee status is regular. Relocation is not offered, and visa sponsorship is not available.
Requirements
- MD or MD/PhD.
- Clinical research experience or expertise.
- Early clinical development experience or expertise.
- Infectious disease expertise.
- Translational medicine experience or expertise.
Responsibilities
- Partner with basic science teams to provide clinical expertise in identifying and validating novel targets, including designing preclinical and clinical experiments to validate targets or pathways and support development of novel therapeutics.
- Collaborate with discovery scientists, pharmacologists, toxicologists, and other specialists to advance novel therapeutics from preclinical into clinical development.
- As a key member or leader of an early development team, collaborate with internal and external staff and scientists to design and execute early clinical development strategy.
- Lead development and execution of clinical pharmacology studies for programs across Phases I–IV, including formulation or device changes, drug-drug interaction studies, and studies in special populations.
- Provide early-phase and clinical pharmacology support through regulatory filings, including preparing supporting documents and presentations.
- Develop and execute studies to validate established and novel clinical biomarkers, including approaches involving blood or tissue sampling, imaging, electrophysiology, wearable devices, and behavioral responses.
- Provide clinical and scientific expertise to assess internal and external partnership opportunities.
- Engage with scientific communities through consultation with scientific and academic thought leaders, preparation of posters and publications, and conference attendance or presentations.
- Work with key functions across the company at research sites around the world.
Benefits
- Medical, dental, and vision healthcare and other insurance benefits for employees and family.
- Retirement benefits, including a 401(k).
- Paid holidays, vacation, compassionate days, and sick days.
- Eligible for an annual bonus and long-term incentive, if applicable.
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What This Job Offers
Job Type
Full-time
Career Level
Senior
Education Level
Ph.D. or professional degree
