
Distinguished Scientist, Clinical Research, Thoracic Malignancies
Merck
Summary
Our Clinical Development teams manage studies to provide the safety and efficacy data required for regulatory approval of potential new drugs and new indications for existing products. We ensure we conduct high quality clinical trials by integrating state-of-the-art technology and applying rigorous scientific and ethical standards.
Job description
The Distinguished Scientist (Executive Director) and Product Development Team (PDT) Lead, Oncology Global Clinical Development, has primary responsibility for the planning and directing clinical research activities involving new or marketed drugs in the Oncology Clinical Research group and in the field of Thoracic Oncology. The Executive Director, PDT Lead will manage the entire cycle of clinical development, including development strategy, study design, initiation, execution, monitoring, analysis, regulatory reporting, publication, and presentation at national and international meetings. They will provide internal scientific leadership for cross-functional areas supporting clinical trials and will interact externally with key opinion leaders.
Responsibilities
- Evaluating pre-clinical and translational work for the purpose of generating early clinical development plan and Investigational New Drug applications.
- Developing clinical development strategies for investigational or marketed agents that incorporate the latest scientific developments, regulatory requirements, the competitive landscape, and commercial considerations.
- Planning clinical trials (design, operational plans, settings) based on these clinical development strategies.
- Monitoring and managing the conduct of ongoing or new clinical trials for investigational or marketed agents.
- Analyzing and summarizing the clinical findings from studies to support decisions regarding safety and efficacy as well as new drug applications, clinical study reports, or publications.
- Participation in internal and joint internal/external research project teams relevant to the development of new compounds, and the further study of marketed compounds and support of business development assessments of external opportunities.
- Provide support for other therapeutic areas regarding clinical issues related to oncology compounds.
- Manage Directors and/or Senior Directors responsible for Oncology Global Clinical Development projects.
- Supervise the activities of entire Clinical Teams in the execution of clinical studies.
- Report to and work collaboratively with the Section Head to promote the development strategy of the company on the indication of interest.
- Work closely with a cross-functional group of experts in commercialization, regulatory affairs, statistics, medical affairs and manufacturing to manage clinical development projects.
- Maintain awareness of scientific developments within area of expertise, in terms of new scientific findings and research methodologies.
- Identify scientifically and operationally strong investigators who can assist in the development of investigational and marketed drugs.
- Establish communications with prominent clinical investigators in the field of interest.
- Attend appropriate scientific meetings to maintain competency and awareness of research activities.
- Author detailed development documents, presentations, budgets, and position papers for internal and external audiences.
- Facilitate collaborations with external researchers around the world.
- Travel on company business about twenty (20) percent of the time to manage future or ongoing clinical research projects.
Education
M.D. or M.D./Ph.D. Required.
Required Experience and Skills
- Must have experience in industry in the field of Thoracic Oncology.
- Minimum of 3 years of clinical medicine experience.
- Minimum of 5 years of industry experience in drug development.
- Demonstrated record of scientific scholarship and achievement.
- A proven track record in clinical medicine and background in biomedical research is essential.
- Strong interpersonal skills, as well as the ability to function in a team environment, are essential.
Preferred Experience and Skills
- Board Certified or Eligible in Oncology (and/or Hematology).
- Prior specific experience in clinical research and prior publication.
Requirements
- M.D. or M.D./Ph.D. required
- Must have experience in industry in the field of Thoracic Oncology
- Minimum of 3 years of clinical medicine experience
- Minimum of 5 years of industry experience in drug development
- Demonstrated record of scientific scholarship and achievement
- A proven track record in clinical medicine and background in biomedical research is essential
- Strong interpersonal skills and ability to function in a team environment
- Board Certified or Eligible in Oncology (and/or Hematology) preferred
- Prior specific experience in clinical research and prior publication preferred
Benefits
- Medical, Dental & Vision
- 401(k) Matching
- Retirement Benefits
- Paid Holidays
- Vacation
- Compassionate & Sick Days
- Annual Bonus
- Long-Term Incentive
Company overview
Merck & Co., Inc., known as Merck in the United States and Canada and MSD (Merck Sharp & Dohme) internationally, is a premier American multinational pharmaceutical company headquartered in Rahway, New Jersey. Founded in 1891 as the U.S. subsidiary of the German Merck Group, the company became independent following World War I and has since grown into one of the world's largest biomedical companies, ranking fourth globally by revenue. Merck operates across three core business segments: pharmaceuticals, vaccines, and animal health products. The company is renowned for its groundbreaking research and development, having brought numerous life-saving medicines to market including Keytruda (pembrolizumab), a leading immunotherapy for cancer treatment that generated $29.5 billion in 2024 revenue, and Gardasil, a revolutionary HPV vaccine. With approximately 75,000 employees worldwide, Merck maintains a robust pipeline of innovative therapies focused on oncology, vaccines, hospital acute care, cardiology, neuroscience, virology, immunology, and diabetes. The company invests heavily in R&D, spending $17.9 billion in 2024 alone, demonstrating its commitment to advancing scientific discovery. Merck's legacy spans over 130 years of bringing hope to humanity through important medicines and vaccines, operating with a purpose to use leading-edge science to save and improve lives globally while fostering an inclusive workforce and responsible business practices.