Associate Principal Scientist, Toxicology/Study Director

Merck; West Point (PA); On-site; USD 142,000 - 224,000; Full time

Job summary

Merck's Nonclinical Drug Safety department seeks a motivated toxicologist to conduct and monitor GLP and non-GLP toxicity studies as Study Director or Study Monitor. You will lead study design, oversee execution, and integrate data across disciplines to define the safety profile of drug candidates.

Collaborate with cross-functional teams, ensure regulatory compliance, provide scientific leadership, and contribute to method development and initiatives.

Qualifications

• Master’s degree with training in toxicology, pharmacology, or related scientific discipline.

Responsibilities

• Serve as the single point of control (Study Director) on assigned acute through chronic general toxicology studies across all modalities.
• Critically analyze and interpret data and prepare reports for regulatory submissions.
• Ensure regulatory rigor and timely study execution.
• Demonstrate enterprise mindset and leadership, identifying opportunities and driving solutions.
• Lead and/or participate in method development and cross-group initiatives.

Skills

Animal studies

Effective written communication

Evaluate information

Good Laboratory Practices (GLPs)

Oral communications

Proactive thinking

Study directing

Study monitoring

Teamwork

Toxicology

Education

Master’s degree in toxicology or related field

Job description

Job Description

The Nonclinical Drug Safety department is seeking a motivated and talented toxicologist to conduct and/or monitor toxicity studies (GLP and non-GLP) as a Study Director or Study Monitor. Toxicologists at our Company are integral members and leaders of collaborative cross functional scientific teams, addressing challenges from early discovery to late development. Our toxicologists provide scientific leadership in the design and overall conduct of in vivo studies and integrate the findings from all contributing scientists into reports that characterize the safety profile of drug candidates.

Key Responsibilities

• Serve as the single point of control (Study Director) on assigned acute through chronic general toxicology studies across all modalities.Interact with technical, veterinary, and scientific staff to ensure that the study is in compliance with the protocol, amendments, Standard Operating Procedures, regulations, safety guidelines, and company policies and procedures.
• Critically analyze and interpret data. Integrate data from other areas (e.g., clinical pathology, pathology, toxicokinetics) in written reports used for regulatory submissions, and communicate results within established timelines.
• Ensure regulatory rigor, proactive risk identification, and timely study execution.
• Demonstrate enterprise mindset and strategic thinking, proactively identifying opportunities, anticipating challenges, and contributing to solutions aligned with Nonclinical Drug Safety organizational priorities.
• Build strong collaborative relationships and influences without authority, contributing to an inclusive team environment.
• Deliver high-quality results with accountability and agility, translating objectives into action while continuously improving, embracing change, and demonstrating leadership.
• As needed, lead and/or participate in method development, inter-group initiatives, and various related scientific projects.

Education

• Master’s degree with training in toxicology, pharmacology, or related scientific discipline.

Requirements

• Minimum of 8 years of relevant experience.
• Minimum of 5 years as a Study Director in pharma, biotech, or at a CRO.
• General toxicology GLP Study Director experience with varied models, routes of administration, and study designs.
• Demonstrated understanding of Good Laboratory Practices (US FDA 21 CFR Part 58)
• Strong interest in collaborating with diverse cross-functional teams and communicating openly and often with colleagues.
• Strong listening and leadership skills
• Ability to communicate clearly using verbal and written formats, including presentations

Preferred

• GLP Study Director experience with varied modalities (e.g. biologics and small molecule therapeutics)
• Familiarity with outsourced study monitoring
• Familiarity with ICH safety guidelines

Required Skills

• Animal Studies
• Effective Written Communication
• Evaluate Information
• Good Laboratory Practices (GLPs)
• Oral Communications
• Proactive Thinking
• Study Directing
• Study Monitoring
• Teamwork
• Toxicology

San Francisco Residents Only

We will consider qualified applicants with arrest and conviction records for employment in compliance with the San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance

Los Angeles Residents Only

We will consider for employment all qualified applicants, including those with criminal histories, in a manner consistent with the requirements of applicable state and local laws, including the City of Los Angeles’ Fair Chance Initiative for Hiring Ordinance

US And Puerto Rico Residents Only

Our company is committed to inclusion, ensuring that candidates can engage in a hiring process that exhibits their true capabilities.

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 Applicable Legally Protected Characteristics. As a Federal Contractor, We Comply With All Assertion

For More Information About Personal Rights Under The U.S. Equal Opportunity Employment Laws, Visit:

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We are proud to be a company that embraces the value of bringing together, talented, and committed people with diverse experiences, perspectives, skills and backgrounds. The fastest way to breakthrough innovation is when people with diverse ideas, broad experiences backgrounds, and skills come together in an inclusive environment. We encourage our colleagues to respectfully challenge one another’s thinking and approach problems collectively.

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Employee Status

Regular

Relocation

Domestic

VISA Sponsorship

No

Travel Requirements

No Travel Required

Flexible Work Arrangements

Not Applicable

Shift

Not Indicated

Valid Driving License

No

Hazardous Material(s)

N/A

Job Posting End Date

09/30/2026

A job posting is effective until 11:59:59PM on the day BEFORE the listed job posting end date. Please ensure you apply to a job posting no later than the day BEFORE the job posting end date.

Requisition ID

R413396

Salary

The salary range for this role is

$142,400.00 - $224,100.00

This is the lowest to highest salary we in good faith believe we would pay for this role at the time of this posting. An employee’s position within the salary range will be based on several factors including, but not limited to relevant education, qualifications, certifications, experience, skills, geographic location, government requirements, and business or organizational needs.

The successful candidate will be eligible for annual bonus and long-term incentive, if applicable.

Benefits

We offer a comprehensive package of benefits.

• medical, dental, vision healthcare and other insurance benefits (for employee and family)
• retirement benefits, including 401(k)
• paid holidays
• vacation
• compassionate and sick days

More information about benefits is available at https://jobs.merck.com/us/en/compensation-and-benefits.