Associate Principal Scientist, Clinical Research
Merck
September 03, 2026
Remote friendly (Rahway, NJ)
United States
Clinical Research and Development
Associate Principal Scientist, Biomarker Operations (Project Management)
Primary Activities
- Plan and execute clinical-trial biomarkers across the pipeline, ensuring compliant, efficient biospecimen collection, assay execution, and data delivery.
- Collaborate with biomarker scientists and study teams on biomarker set-up, logistics, and study execution.
- Partner with Biomarker Leads to implement strategies advancing biomarker programs.
- Co-author biomarker-related sections of clinical study protocols.
- Define/manage specimen requirements (collection, handling, shipping, storage, processing) aligned to the biomarker plan and protocol.
- Develop vendor statements of work and data-transfer specifications; coordinate sample/assay logistics, issue resolution, and risk mitigation.
- Partner with Data Management to transfer biomarker data from external vendors into the clinical data repository.
- Design sample collection kits, laboratory manuals, and specimen logistics for shipments to third-party vendors.
- Maintain partnerships with external vendors and internal teams; resolve conflicting stakeholder needs.
- Implement and continuously improve streamlined workflows to maximize efficiency and data quality.
Education
- Bachelor’s (≥8 years relevant experience) OR Master’s+ (≥5 years relevant experience) in a scientific/technical field.
Required
- Project management experience.
- Proven experience in drug discovery and/or clinical research.
- Ability to excel in fast-paced, evolving conditions; advocate for operational excellence.
- Excellent written/verbal communication; able to work independently in a collaborative, matrixed environment.
Preferred
- Experience with Microsoft Power BI, Power Automate, Copilot, or similar automation tools.
Required Skills
- Biobank, Biomarker Development/Discovery/Identification/Qualification, Clinical Research, Clinical Trials Operations, Drug Research, Good Clinical Practice (GCP), Sample Handling, Translational Medicine.
Application
- Apply at https://jobs.merck.com/us/en (application deadline listed on the posting).
Primary Activities
- Plan and execute clinical-trial biomarkers across the pipeline, ensuring compliant, efficient biospecimen collection, assay execution, and data delivery.
- Collaborate with biomarker scientists and study teams on biomarker set-up, logistics, and study execution.
- Partner with Biomarker Leads to implement strategies advancing biomarker programs.
- Co-author biomarker-related sections of clinical study protocols.
- Define/manage specimen requirements (collection, handling, shipping, storage, processing) aligned to the biomarker plan and protocol.
- Develop vendor statements of work and data-transfer specifications; coordinate sample/assay logistics, issue resolution, and risk mitigation.
- Partner with Data Management to transfer biomarker data from external vendors into the clinical data repository.
- Design sample collection kits, laboratory manuals, and specimen logistics for shipments to third-party vendors.
- Maintain partnerships with external vendors and internal teams; resolve conflicting stakeholder needs.
- Implement and continuously improve streamlined workflows to maximize efficiency and data quality.
Education
- Bachelor’s (≥8 years relevant experience) OR Master’s+ (≥5 years relevant experience) in a scientific/technical field.
Required
- Project management experience.
- Proven experience in drug discovery and/or clinical research.
- Ability to excel in fast-paced, evolving conditions; advocate for operational excellence.
- Excellent written/verbal communication; able to work independently in a collaborative, matrixed environment.
Preferred
- Experience with Microsoft Power BI, Power Automate, Copilot, or similar automation tools.
Required Skills
- Biobank, Biomarker Development/Discovery/Identification/Qualification, Clinical Research, Clinical Trials Operations, Drug Research, Good Clinical Practice (GCP), Sample Handling, Translational Medicine.
Application
- Apply at https://jobs.merck.com/us/en (application deadline listed on the posting).