Senior Principal Scientist, Precision Medicine, Immunology

Merck KGaA Darmstadt Germany • Rahway, NJ

123d • $206,200 - $324,600 • Onsite

About The Position

Precision Medicine is an integral part of our Immunology Therapeutic Area. To support our growing Immunology pipeline across Gastroenterology, Rheumatology and Dermatology we are seeking an experienced experimental medicine leader in our newly created Precision Medicine and Diagnostics function. Reporting to the Associate Vice President, Precision Medicine and Diagnostics, in this role, you will serve as the translational lead on late-stage immunology programs, driving the Precision Medicine objectives in alignment with clinical development plans. Collaborating with Discovery, Translational Medicine and Product Development Teams, you will be the authority in defining and interpreting the translational experiments and data generated respectively from our clinical trials, and understanding the potential clinical application of biomarkers/diagnostics arising from these.

Requirements

• PhD degree in Immunology required.
• Minimum of 8 years of experience in immunology translational research in a pharmaceutical and academic setting, with a focus on inflammatory and autoimmune diseases in Gastroenterology, Rheumatology, and Dermatology.
• Strong knowledge of the pathogenesis of immune mediated disease and the application of cellular, molecular technologies and models to drive program decisions.
• Detailed understanding of translational and clinical research methodology and biostatistics principles.
• Prior experience in drafting regulatory documents and interactions with global regulatory agencies required.
• Self-driven leader willing to advance Precision Medicine in Immunology.
• Demonstrated ability to work in a highly matrixed environment.

Nice To Haves

• People management experience.

Responsibilities

• Work with the Associate Vice President Precision Medicine and Diagnostics/TA Vice President and cross-functional partners to define Precision Medicine strategy within the Immunology TA.
• Work closely with a cross-functional group of experts, including clinical directors, clinical trial operations, and biomarker operations teams as the key liaison to enable implementation of precision medicine strategy in clinical trials.
• Contribute to creation of translational plans for all programs within the Immunology TA, aligned with overall TA strategy and with relevant disease area and/or pathway strategies.
• Collaborate with discovery colleagues for programs in early stage to influence biomarker assessments and readouts to drive forward and reverse translation tied to Precision Medicine goals.
• Champion the use of new technologies and modalities to drive Precision Medicine vision.
• Support the development, approval and commercialization of diagnostics developed as companion or complementary.
• Serve as the key stakeholder engaging with external experts on drafting and reviewing concepts aligned with the Precision Medicine goals for relevant programs/assets.
• Maintain a strong scientific fund of knowledge by staying aware of scientific developments within one's area of expertise.
• Attend appropriate scientific meetings to maintain competency and awareness of research activities in one's area of responsibility.
• Author detailed development documents, presentations, budgets, and position papers for internal and external audiences.
• Collaborate with external experts/researchers around the world with a specific interest and expertise related to Precision Medicine.

Benefits

• Medical, dental, vision healthcare and other insurance benefits (for employee and family).
• Retirement benefits, including 401(k).
• Paid holidays, vacation, and compassionate and sick days.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Senior
• Industry: Chemical Manufacturing
• Education Level: Ph.D. or professional degree