Sr. Principal Scientist, Clinical Operations Immunology Lead
Merck
September 03, 2026
Remote friendly (South San Francisco, CA)
United States
Operations
Key Responsibilities:
- Co-own and execute the early clinical development strategy for the immunology portfolio with the Head of TMed Immunology.
- Provide strategic planning and operational oversight for immunology clinical programs and trials to maximize feasibility, efficiency, and quality.
- Build a global network of immunology sites and partner with key investigators for Ph1b/2a patient trials.
- Serve as the subject matter expert and issue escalation point for early immunology clinical operations.
- Ensure appropriate resources, competencies, and partnerships are in place.
- Critically review strategy and clinical program documents (e.g., development plans, investigator’s brochures, protocols) and provide scientific/operational insight.
- Partner with Business Development and Licensing to evaluate opportunities aligned with portfolio strategy.
- Participate in annual/quarterly planning: identify risks, develop/execute mitigation plans, and track performance metrics.
- Ensure immunology data integrity (e.g., Book of Business, CTMS).
- Build cross-functional relationships across country operations, clinical supplies, data management, regulatory, etc.
- Attract, coach, mentor, and retain talent; provide performance management (potential people management).
- Represent TMed on enterprise strategic initiatives and lead continuous-improvement efforts.
Education Requirement:
- Degree in Life Sciences with: Bachelor’s + ≥16 years; or Master’s + ≥15 years; or PhD/PharmD + ≥12 years (clinical drug development, trial management/site monitoring/training, medical/regulatory writing, or translational science).
Required Experience And Skills:
- Extensive clinical operations experience planning/executing early development trials (Phase 1 and early proof-of-concept).
- Ability to translate knowledge to collaborate, network, and influence peers and leaders.
- Track record leading cross-functional teams in a matrix environment.
- Strong decision-making; able to deliver results on firm deadlines.
- Works well with ambiguity; strong oral and written communication.
- Experience attracting, developing, and retaining talent.
Preferred Experience And Skills:
- Experience leading clinical programs/trials in gastroenterology, dermatology, and/or rheumatology, especially autoimmune/immune-mediated disorders, in large/small pharma.
- Familiarity with broader pharma industry considerations and trends.
Required Skills (examples):
Clinical Development, Clinical Trial Management, Clinical Trials Operations/Monitoring, Cross-Functional Teamwork, Early Phase Clinical Trials, Immunology, Mentorship, Protocol Development, Study/Trial Design, Translational Medicine, Sample Collection.
Application Instructions:
- Apply via https://jobs.merck.com/us/en (or Workday Jobs Hub for current employees).
- Co-own and execute the early clinical development strategy for the immunology portfolio with the Head of TMed Immunology.
- Provide strategic planning and operational oversight for immunology clinical programs and trials to maximize feasibility, efficiency, and quality.
- Build a global network of immunology sites and partner with key investigators for Ph1b/2a patient trials.
- Serve as the subject matter expert and issue escalation point for early immunology clinical operations.
- Ensure appropriate resources, competencies, and partnerships are in place.
- Critically review strategy and clinical program documents (e.g., development plans, investigator’s brochures, protocols) and provide scientific/operational insight.
- Partner with Business Development and Licensing to evaluate opportunities aligned with portfolio strategy.
- Participate in annual/quarterly planning: identify risks, develop/execute mitigation plans, and track performance metrics.
- Ensure immunology data integrity (e.g., Book of Business, CTMS).
- Build cross-functional relationships across country operations, clinical supplies, data management, regulatory, etc.
- Attract, coach, mentor, and retain talent; provide performance management (potential people management).
- Represent TMed on enterprise strategic initiatives and lead continuous-improvement efforts.
Education Requirement:
- Degree in Life Sciences with: Bachelor’s + ≥16 years; or Master’s + ≥15 years; or PhD/PharmD + ≥12 years (clinical drug development, trial management/site monitoring/training, medical/regulatory writing, or translational science).
Required Experience And Skills:
- Extensive clinical operations experience planning/executing early development trials (Phase 1 and early proof-of-concept).
- Ability to translate knowledge to collaborate, network, and influence peers and leaders.
- Track record leading cross-functional teams in a matrix environment.
- Strong decision-making; able to deliver results on firm deadlines.
- Works well with ambiguity; strong oral and written communication.
- Experience attracting, developing, and retaining talent.
Preferred Experience And Skills:
- Experience leading clinical programs/trials in gastroenterology, dermatology, and/or rheumatology, especially autoimmune/immune-mediated disorders, in large/small pharma.
- Familiarity with broader pharma industry considerations and trends.
Required Skills (examples):
Clinical Development, Clinical Trial Management, Clinical Trials Operations/Monitoring, Cross-Functional Teamwork, Early Phase Clinical Trials, Immunology, Mentorship, Protocol Development, Study/Trial Design, Translational Medicine, Sample Collection.
Application Instructions:
- Apply via https://jobs.merck.com/us/en (or Workday Jobs Hub for current employees).