Associate Principal Scientist, Clinical Research
Merck
September 03, 2026
Remote friendly (Upper Gwynedd, PA)
United States
Clinical Research and Development
Associate Principal Scientist, Biomarker Operations Project Management
Role Summary
- Plan and execute clinical-trial biomarkers across the pipeline, ensuring compliant, efficient biospecimen collection, assay execution, and data delivery. Partner with scientific and operational teams to deliver high-quality biomarker data.
Primary Activities
- Plan clinical-trial biomarker set-up and logistics with biomarker scientists and study teams.
- Serve as operational partner to Biomarker Leads; implement biomarker program strategies.
- Co-author biomarker sections of clinical study protocols.
- Define/manage specimen collection, handling, shipping, storage, and processing requirements.
- Develop vendor statements of work and data-transfer specifications; coordinate sample/assay logistics and risk mitigation.
- Coordinate biomarker data transfer from external vendors into the clinical data repository.
- Design sample collection kits, lab manuals, and specimen logistics for shipments to third-party vendors.
- Partner with external biomarker vendors and internal teams; resolve stakeholder needs.
- Implement and continuously improve streamlined workflows to maximize efficiency and data quality.
Education
- Bachelor’s degree (≥8 years) or Master’s+ (≥5 years) in a scientific/technical field.
Required
- Project management experience.
- Experience in drug discovery and/or clinical research.
- Ability to operate in fast-paced, evolving conditions; advocate for operational excellence.
- Excellent written/verbal communication; ability to work independently in a matrixed environment.
Preferred
- Microsoft Power BI, Power Automate, Copilot, or similar automation tools.
Required Skills
- Biobank, biomarker development/discovery/identification/qualification; clinical research; clinical trials operations; Good Clinical Practice (GCP); sample handling; translational medicine.
Compensation/Benefits (if applicable)
- Salary range: $142,400.00–$224,100.00. Eligible for annual bonus and long-term incentive (if applicable). Comprehensive benefits include medical/dental/vision, retirement (401k), paid holidays, vacation, and compassionate/sick days.
Application Instructions
- Apply at https://jobs.merck.com/us/en (or via Workday Jobs Hub). Application deadline is stated on the posting.
Role Summary
- Plan and execute clinical-trial biomarkers across the pipeline, ensuring compliant, efficient biospecimen collection, assay execution, and data delivery. Partner with scientific and operational teams to deliver high-quality biomarker data.
Primary Activities
- Plan clinical-trial biomarker set-up and logistics with biomarker scientists and study teams.
- Serve as operational partner to Biomarker Leads; implement biomarker program strategies.
- Co-author biomarker sections of clinical study protocols.
- Define/manage specimen collection, handling, shipping, storage, and processing requirements.
- Develop vendor statements of work and data-transfer specifications; coordinate sample/assay logistics and risk mitigation.
- Coordinate biomarker data transfer from external vendors into the clinical data repository.
- Design sample collection kits, lab manuals, and specimen logistics for shipments to third-party vendors.
- Partner with external biomarker vendors and internal teams; resolve stakeholder needs.
- Implement and continuously improve streamlined workflows to maximize efficiency and data quality.
Education
- Bachelor’s degree (≥8 years) or Master’s+ (≥5 years) in a scientific/technical field.
Required
- Project management experience.
- Experience in drug discovery and/or clinical research.
- Ability to operate in fast-paced, evolving conditions; advocate for operational excellence.
- Excellent written/verbal communication; ability to work independently in a matrixed environment.
Preferred
- Microsoft Power BI, Power Automate, Copilot, or similar automation tools.
Required Skills
- Biobank, biomarker development/discovery/identification/qualification; clinical research; clinical trials operations; Good Clinical Practice (GCP); sample handling; translational medicine.
Compensation/Benefits (if applicable)
- Salary range: $142,400.00–$224,100.00. Eligible for annual bonus and long-term incentive (if applicable). Comprehensive benefits include medical/dental/vision, retirement (401k), paid holidays, vacation, and compassionate/sick days.
Application Instructions
- Apply at https://jobs.merck.com/us/en (or via Workday Jobs Hub). Application deadline is stated on the posting.