Senior Principal Scientist, Clinical Research, Upper GI cancer at Merck & Co. Rahway, NJ

Responsibilities

• Evaluating pre‑clinical and translational work for early clinical development plan and Investigational New Drug applications.
• Developing clinical development strategies for investigational or marketed oncology drugs.
• Planning clinical trials (design, operational plans, settings) based on these strategies.
• Monitoring and managing the conduct of ongoing or new clinical trials for investigational or marketed oncology drugs.
• Analyzing and summarizing clinical findings from studies to support decisions regarding safety and efficacy as well as new drug applications, clinical study reports, or publications.
• Participating in internal and joint internal/external research project teams relevant to the development of new compounds and the further study of marketed compounds.
• Supervising the activities of Clinical Scientists in the execution of clinical studies.
• Working closely with a cross‑functional group of experts in commercialization, regulatory affairs, statistics, and manufacturing to manage clinical development projects.
• Assisting the Senior/Executive Director in ensuring that appropriate corporate personnel are informed of the progress of studies of competitors' drugs and internal and external expert opinion on scientific questions relevant to the area of responsibility.
• Maintaining a strong scientific fund of knowledge by:
  • Maintaining awareness of scientific developments within the area of expertise, including new scientific findings and research methodologies.
  • Identifying scientifically and operationally strong investigators who can assist in the development of investigational and marketed drugs.
  • Establishing communications with prominent clinical investigators in the field of interest, particularly those willing and able to assist in the evaluation of the company's drugs.
  • Attending appropriate scientific meetings to maintain competency and awareness of research activities.

• Minimum 3 years of clinical medicine experience.
• Minimum 3 years of industry experience in drug development or biomedical research experience in academia.
• Demonstrated record of scientific scholarship and achievement.
• A proven track record in clinical medicine and background in biomedical research is essential.

• Board Certified or Eligible in Oncology (and/or Hematology).
• Prior specific experience in clinical research and prior publication is desirable but not necessary.

M.D or M.D./Ph.D

Salary range: $ – $. Eligible for annual bonus and long‑term incentive if applicable. Comprehensive benefits include medical, dental, vision, retirement benefits (401(k)), paid holidays, vacation, and compassionate and sick days.

U.S. Hybrid Work Model (Effective September 5, 2023): employees in office‑based positions will work a hybrid schedule of three total days on‑site per week (Monday–Thursday) with Friday remote unless required. Not applicable to field‑based, facility‑based, manufacturing‑based, or research‑based positions or positions covered by collective bargaining agreements or remote positions.

As an Equal Employment Opportunity Employer, we provide equal opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibit discrimination on the basis of race, color, age, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, protected veteran status, disability status, or other legally protected characteristics. We comply with all affirmative action requirements. For more information about personal rights under U.S. Equal Opportunity Employment laws, visit: EEOC Know Your Rights, EEOC GINA Supplement.