Distinguished Scientist, Clinical Research, Thoracic Malignancies
Merck
August 22, 2026
Remote friendly (Rahway, NJ)
United States
Clinical Research and Development
The Distinguished Scientist (Executive Director) and Product Development Team (PDT) Lead, Oncology Global Clinical Development, leads planning and directing clinical research for new or marketed drugs in Oncology (including Thoracic Oncology).
Responsibilities:
- Manage the full clinical development cycle: strategy, study design, initiation, execution, monitoring, analysis, regulatory reporting, publication, and presentations.
- Evaluate pre-clinical/translational work to form early clinical plans and Investigational New Drug (IND) applications.
- Develop clinical development strategies incorporating scientific advances, regulatory needs, competitive landscape, and commercial considerations.
- Plan and oversee clinical trials (design and operational plans).
- Analyze clinical findings to support safety/efficacy decisions and regulatory submissions/publications.
- Lead cross-functional and external interactions with KOLs; support related oncology therapeutic areas.
- Maintain scientific expertise (track developments, identify investigators, attend meetings) and author key documents; facilitate external collaborations; travel ~20%.
- People leadership: manage Directors/Senior Directors and supervise clinical teams.
Education:
- M.D. or M.D./Ph.D.
Required:
- Industry experience in Thoracic Oncology; 3+ years clinical medicine; 5+ years industry drug development; scientific scholarship record; clinical medicine + biomedical research background; strong interpersonal/team skills.
Preferred:
- Board Certified/Eligible in Oncology (and/or Hematology); prior clinical research experience and publication record.
Skills (required): clinical development/judgment/medicine/research; clinical trial planning; ethical standards; regulatory requirements; scientific leadership.
Benefits/Compensation:
- Eligible for annual bonus and long-term incentive (if applicable); comprehensive benefits (medical/dental/vision, retirement/401(k), paid time off).
Application:
- Apply via https://jobs.merck.com/us/en (deadline listed on the posting).
Responsibilities:
- Manage the full clinical development cycle: strategy, study design, initiation, execution, monitoring, analysis, regulatory reporting, publication, and presentations.
- Evaluate pre-clinical/translational work to form early clinical plans and Investigational New Drug (IND) applications.
- Develop clinical development strategies incorporating scientific advances, regulatory needs, competitive landscape, and commercial considerations.
- Plan and oversee clinical trials (design and operational plans).
- Analyze clinical findings to support safety/efficacy decisions and regulatory submissions/publications.
- Lead cross-functional and external interactions with KOLs; support related oncology therapeutic areas.
- Maintain scientific expertise (track developments, identify investigators, attend meetings) and author key documents; facilitate external collaborations; travel ~20%.
- People leadership: manage Directors/Senior Directors and supervise clinical teams.
Education:
- M.D. or M.D./Ph.D.
Required:
- Industry experience in Thoracic Oncology; 3+ years clinical medicine; 5+ years industry drug development; scientific scholarship record; clinical medicine + biomedical research background; strong interpersonal/team skills.
Preferred:
- Board Certified/Eligible in Oncology (and/or Hematology); prior clinical research experience and publication record.
Skills (required): clinical development/judgment/medicine/research; clinical trial planning; ethical standards; regulatory requirements; scientific leadership.
Benefits/Compensation:
- Eligible for annual bonus and long-term incentive (if applicable); comprehensive benefits (medical/dental/vision, retirement/401(k), paid time off).
Application:
- Apply via https://jobs.merck.com/us/en (deadline listed on the posting).