About The Position
Translational Medicine (TMed) drives early clinical development of novel therapeutics by partnering with Discovery Sciences and Late-Stage Clinical Research to translate scientific discoveries into human proof-of-concept and advance the most promising candidates through the pipeline to patients . We design and execute clinical pharmacology strategies spanning first-in-human studies through proof - of -biology/ proof-of- concept and into late-stage development , supporting worldwide marketing applications and lifecycle management . In a competitive external landscape and fast-pa ced internal environment , t h is position provide s both strategic and operation al leadership across early immunology programs , ensuring timely , high-quality execution of clinical studies and clinical pharmacology strategies worldwide . The successful candidate will telescope between strategy and hands-on execution across a portfolio of diverse modalities (e.g. peptides, small molecules, biologics ), and partner cross-functionally to develop the needed ex pertise to successfully advance programs to key inflection points in development . Why join us : Take a leadership role at the intersection of discovery and clinical development to advance novel immunology therapeutics from bench to bedside. Influence strategy, build teams, and deliver high-impact clinical programs that shape the future of patient care.
Requirements
- Proven track record build ing and lead ing high - perform ing cross-functional teams in a matrixed environment
- Deep knowledge of early clinical development (Phase 1 and early proof-of-concept)
- D emonstrated ability to collaborate, network, and influence peers , senior leaders , and external partners
- Strong oral and written communication skills
- Track record delivering results on firm deadlines
- Strong decision-making skills, weighing advantages, disadvantages, and business impact for rapid decisions
- Ability to work successfully with ambiguity and embrace uncertainty
- Experience attracting, developing, and retaining talent
- Degree in Life Sciences with one of the following experience combinations: Bachelor ’s degree + ≥ 12 years related experience , OR Master’s degree + ≥ 10 years related experience , OR Ph.D . or doctorate + ≥ 8 years related experience
- Related Experience Includes: pharmaceutical industry roles in clinical drug development, clinical trial management, clinical site monitoring/ training , medical /r egulatory writing , or translational science
Nice To Haves
- Experience leading clinical programs and trials for gastroenterology, dermatology, and/or rheumatology, especially autoimmune or immune-mediated disorders , including in both large and small pharma contexts
- Familiarity with broader pharmaceutical industry considerations and trends beyond clinical development
Responsibilities
- Co-own and execute the early development strategy for the immunology portfolio with the Head of TMed Immunology
- Provide c omprehensive s trategic planning and operational oversight for immunology clinical programs and trials to ensure efficient, timely execution against milestones
- E nsure a ppropriate resources , competencies , and partnerships are in place to meet o bjectives
- Serve as the deep subject matter expert for early immunology clinical operations
- Critically r eview strategy and clinical program documents (development plans, investigator’s brochures , protocols, etc. ), providing scientific and operational insight to ensure best path forward
- Partner with Business Development and Licensing to evaluate internal and external opportunities that align with portfolio strategy
- Actively participate in annual and quarterly planning cycles : identify risks , develop and execute mitigation plans, and track performance metrics and outcomes
- Ensure immunology data integrity across organization (Book of Business, CTMS, etc.)
- Build and sustain strong cross-functional relationships (country operations, clinical supplies, data management, regulatory, etc.) across departmen ts , division s , and geographi es
- Foster the people pipeline: Attract, coach, mentor, and retain talent ; provide performance management support; a ct as ‘player-coach’ to enrich group skillsets . Potentia l for people management.
- R epresent TMed on enterprise strategic initiatives and lead continuous-improvement efforts that increase program efficiency and scientific impact
- Serve as a member of the TMed U.S. Clinical Operations leadership team and contribute to shaping department strategy
Benefits
- The successful candidate will be eligible for annual bonus and long-term incentive, if applicable.
- We offer a comprehensive package of benefits.
- Available benefits include 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.
- More information about benefits is available at https://jobs.merck.com/us/en/compensation-and-benefits
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What This Job Offers
Job Type
Full-time
Career Level
Mid Level
Education Level
Ph.D. or professional degree
Number of Employees
5,001-10,000 employees
