Distinguished Scientist, Clinical Research, Thoracic Malignancies
Merck
August 23, 2026
Remote friendly (Upper Gwynedd, PA)
United States
Clinical Research and Development
Responsibilities:
- Plan and direct clinical research for new or marketed drugs in Oncology (Thoracic Oncology).
- Manage full clinical development cycle: strategy, study design, initiation, execution, monitoring, analysis, regulatory reporting, publication, and conference presentations.
- Provide internal scientific leadership across cross-functional teams supporting clinical trials; interact externally with key opinion leaders.
- Evaluate pre-clinical/translational work to support early clinical plans and Investigational New Drug (IND) applications.
- Develop clinical development strategies considering latest science, regulatory requirements, competitive landscape, and commercial considerations.
- Plan, monitor, and manage clinical trials; analyze/summarize clinical findings for safety/efficacy decisions and submissions (clinical study reports, publications, new drug applications).
- Lead/participate in internal and joint project teams; support other therapeutic areas on oncology clinical issues.
People leadership (may include):
- Manage Directors/Senior Directors and supervise Clinical Teams.
Scientific leadership:
- Maintain knowledge of scientific developments; identify strong investigators; establish investigator communications; attend scientific meetings.
Education:
- M.D. or M.D./Ph.D.
Required Qualifications/Experience:
- Industry experience in Thoracic Oncology.
- 3+ years clinical medicine experience; 5+ years industry drug development experience.
- Demonstrated scientific scholarship; proven clinical medicine track record and biomedical research background.
- Strong interpersonal skills; effective team function.
Preferred Qualifications:
- Board Certified or Eligible in Oncology (and/or Hematology).
- Prior clinical research experience and prior publication.
Required Skills:
Clinical Development, Clinical Judgment, Clinical Medicine/Research, Clinical Trial Planning/Trials, Drug Development, Ethical Standards, Oncology, Pulmonology, Regulatory Requirements, Research Methodologies, Scientific Consulting/Leadership, Strategic Leadership.
Benefits (as stated):
- Medical, dental, vision, retirement (401(k)), paid holidays, vacation, compassionate and sick days; bonus/long-term incentive if applicable.
Application:
- Apply at https://jobs.merck.com/us/en (or Workday Jobs Hub for current employees). Deadline is stated on the posting.
- Plan and direct clinical research for new or marketed drugs in Oncology (Thoracic Oncology).
- Manage full clinical development cycle: strategy, study design, initiation, execution, monitoring, analysis, regulatory reporting, publication, and conference presentations.
- Provide internal scientific leadership across cross-functional teams supporting clinical trials; interact externally with key opinion leaders.
- Evaluate pre-clinical/translational work to support early clinical plans and Investigational New Drug (IND) applications.
- Develop clinical development strategies considering latest science, regulatory requirements, competitive landscape, and commercial considerations.
- Plan, monitor, and manage clinical trials; analyze/summarize clinical findings for safety/efficacy decisions and submissions (clinical study reports, publications, new drug applications).
- Lead/participate in internal and joint project teams; support other therapeutic areas on oncology clinical issues.
People leadership (may include):
- Manage Directors/Senior Directors and supervise Clinical Teams.
Scientific leadership:
- Maintain knowledge of scientific developments; identify strong investigators; establish investigator communications; attend scientific meetings.
Education:
- M.D. or M.D./Ph.D.
Required Qualifications/Experience:
- Industry experience in Thoracic Oncology.
- 3+ years clinical medicine experience; 5+ years industry drug development experience.
- Demonstrated scientific scholarship; proven clinical medicine track record and biomedical research background.
- Strong interpersonal skills; effective team function.
Preferred Qualifications:
- Board Certified or Eligible in Oncology (and/or Hematology).
- Prior clinical research experience and prior publication.
Required Skills:
Clinical Development, Clinical Judgment, Clinical Medicine/Research, Clinical Trial Planning/Trials, Drug Development, Ethical Standards, Oncology, Pulmonology, Regulatory Requirements, Research Methodologies, Scientific Consulting/Leadership, Strategic Leadership.
Benefits (as stated):
- Medical, dental, vision, retirement (401(k)), paid holidays, vacation, compassionate and sick days; bonus/long-term incentive if applicable.
Application:
- Apply at https://jobs.merck.com/us/en (or Workday Jobs Hub for current employees). Deadline is stated on the posting.