Senior Scientist, Clinical Research
Merck
August 06, 2026
Remote friendly (South San Francisco, CA)
United States
Clinical Research and Development
Early Clinical Scientist (ECS) coordinates the design, planning, and execution of early phase clinical trials with the Clinical Director and internal/external teams. Oversees trials within/across programs/therapeutic areas to ensure excellent execution and compliance supporting study objectives and data validity. Manages internal/external team performance, resolves performance issues, and ensures appropriate clinical safety assessment and risk management. Provides real-time oversight of ongoing trials to identify/mitigate patient, study design, data, or conduct issues; reviews and interprets clinical trial data. May conduct on-site monitoring, including site training and supervision of novel endpoint/biomarker collection. Applies GCP, ICH, and regulatory requirements.
Represents Early Stage Development on cross-functional teams; develops/improves job aids/SOPs/procedures and promotes best practices.
Technical writing: Co-authors protocols, investigator brochures, clinical study reports, WMA/CTD sections, safety reports, clinical development plans, publications, and abstracts; develops study operational documents.
Project management: Manages trial/program projects; meetings and document workspace management; risk assessment and contingency planning under accelerated timelines.
Education: Degree in Life Sciences; Bachelor’s +6 years, or Master’s +4 years, or PhD/doctorate +2 years (clinical trial management/execution; site training/monitoring; medical/regulatory writing).
Required: 3+ years operational clinical scientist/study manager in pharma/biotech; clinical research development process knowledge (program planning to regulatory submission); ability to learn therapeutic areas quickly; manage complex projects under accelerated timelines; scientific/medical/safety writing & reporting (at least one); partner with internal/external teams; collaboration/leadership/communication; GCP/ICH/regulatory knowledge.
Preferred: Global Phase I trials/safety reporting/WMA submission; Immunology and/or vaccine trial experience.
Application: Apply via https://jobs.merck.com/us/en. Salary range: $117,000.00–$184,200.00; annual bonus/long-term incentive if applicable. Benefits include medical/dental/vision, 401(k), paid holidays, vacation, and sick/compassionate days.
Represents Early Stage Development on cross-functional teams; develops/improves job aids/SOPs/procedures and promotes best practices.
Technical writing: Co-authors protocols, investigator brochures, clinical study reports, WMA/CTD sections, safety reports, clinical development plans, publications, and abstracts; develops study operational documents.
Project management: Manages trial/program projects; meetings and document workspace management; risk assessment and contingency planning under accelerated timelines.
Education: Degree in Life Sciences; Bachelor’s +6 years, or Master’s +4 years, or PhD/doctorate +2 years (clinical trial management/execution; site training/monitoring; medical/regulatory writing).
Required: 3+ years operational clinical scientist/study manager in pharma/biotech; clinical research development process knowledge (program planning to regulatory submission); ability to learn therapeutic areas quickly; manage complex projects under accelerated timelines; scientific/medical/safety writing & reporting (at least one); partner with internal/external teams; collaboration/leadership/communication; GCP/ICH/regulatory knowledge.
Preferred: Global Phase I trials/safety reporting/WMA submission; Immunology and/or vaccine trial experience.
Application: Apply via https://jobs.merck.com/us/en. Salary range: $117,000.00–$184,200.00; annual bonus/long-term incentive if applicable. Benefits include medical/dental/vision, 401(k), paid holidays, vacation, and sick/compassionate days.