Prin. Scientist, Clinical Research
Merck
August 23, 2026
Remote friendly (Rahway, NJ)
United States
Clinical Research and Development
Principal Scientist (Director) in Translational Medicine-Oncology
Translational Medicine responsibilities include early clinical development of novel therapeutics in collaboration with Discovery Sciences and late-stage Clinical Research.
Responsibilities:
- Lead early clinical development strategy from Preclinical Candidate approval through Phase 1 clinical pharmacology testing and Phase 2 proof-of-concept.
- Develop biomarker strategies (including Experimental Medicine) from First-in-Human through Phase 2.
- Partner with discovery teams to bring clinical perspective to target identification/validation; execute studies to assess relevance to human disease.
- Develop and execute clinical pharmacology strategies to support later development through worldwide marketing application.
- Provide leadership on Phase I execution; collaborate with internal/external study support (e.g., biostatistics, drug metabolism, modeling/simulation, regulatory, clinical operations).
- Author initial clinical and biomarker plans for lead optimization and early development plans for Phase I–IV.
- Validate clinical platforms using established/novel biomarkers (imaging, electrophysiology, behavioral responses).
- Provide clinical expertise for target/pathway validation and communicate results to governance and review committees.
Education/Qualifications:
- MD/PhD or MD.
- Clinical experience and/or basic science background in internal medicine, pathology, and/or oncology.
- Record of scientific scholarship/achievement; oncology preferred.
- Strong interpersonal, writing, and presentation skills.
- Clinical Board Certification preferred.
- Translational research and/or early clinical development experience preferred.
Required Skills: Clinical Development, Clinical Research, Early Clinical Development, Ethical Compliance/Standards, Internal Medicine, Pharmaceutical Development/Sciences, Pharmacokinetics, Pharmacotherapeutics, Protocol Development, Scientific Writing, Strategic Thinking, Translational Research.
Benefits (if applicable): Annual bonus and long-term incentive; comprehensive medical/dental/vision, retirement (401(k)), paid holidays, vacation, and sick/compassionate days.
Application: Apply via https://jobs.merck.com/us/en (or Workday Jobs Hub). Requisition ID: R405907.
Translational Medicine responsibilities include early clinical development of novel therapeutics in collaboration with Discovery Sciences and late-stage Clinical Research.
Responsibilities:
- Lead early clinical development strategy from Preclinical Candidate approval through Phase 1 clinical pharmacology testing and Phase 2 proof-of-concept.
- Develop biomarker strategies (including Experimental Medicine) from First-in-Human through Phase 2.
- Partner with discovery teams to bring clinical perspective to target identification/validation; execute studies to assess relevance to human disease.
- Develop and execute clinical pharmacology strategies to support later development through worldwide marketing application.
- Provide leadership on Phase I execution; collaborate with internal/external study support (e.g., biostatistics, drug metabolism, modeling/simulation, regulatory, clinical operations).
- Author initial clinical and biomarker plans for lead optimization and early development plans for Phase I–IV.
- Validate clinical platforms using established/novel biomarkers (imaging, electrophysiology, behavioral responses).
- Provide clinical expertise for target/pathway validation and communicate results to governance and review committees.
Education/Qualifications:
- MD/PhD or MD.
- Clinical experience and/or basic science background in internal medicine, pathology, and/or oncology.
- Record of scientific scholarship/achievement; oncology preferred.
- Strong interpersonal, writing, and presentation skills.
- Clinical Board Certification preferred.
- Translational research and/or early clinical development experience preferred.
Required Skills: Clinical Development, Clinical Research, Early Clinical Development, Ethical Compliance/Standards, Internal Medicine, Pharmaceutical Development/Sciences, Pharmacokinetics, Pharmacotherapeutics, Protocol Development, Scientific Writing, Strategic Thinking, Translational Research.
Benefits (if applicable): Annual bonus and long-term incentive; comprehensive medical/dental/vision, retirement (401(k)), paid holidays, vacation, and sick/compassionate days.
Application: Apply via https://jobs.merck.com/us/en (or Workday Jobs Hub). Requisition ID: R405907.