Principal Scientist (Scientific Director Level)β Nonclinical Drug Safety
Merck
September 08, 2026
Full-time
Remote friendly (Cambridge, MA)
Worldwide
Clinical Research and Development
Role: Discovery Program Leader (DPL) to oversee Nonclinical Drug Safety (NDS) strategies in early discovery research, primarily in immunology and oncology. Responsibilities: define and execute NDS strategies across modalities (small molecules, biologics, ADCs) from target identification through GLP toxicity studies; provide target risk assessments; collaborate with NDS teams across sites; serve on early development teams and contribute to regulatory safety sections. Requirements: PhD, DVM, or MD; 8+ years in pharmaceutical industry as a non-clinical safety scientist or in safety assessment; strong cross-functional leadership, collaboration, and communication skills. High-Value: immunology and oncology therapeutic areas, early discovery to preclinical stage, GLP toxicity, regulatory input, cross-site coordination. WorkSetup: hybrid in the US with ~10% travel.