Director, Drug Metabolism & PK/PD

Merck; West Point (PA); Hybrid; USD 180,000 - 230,000; Full time

Job summary

Merck in West Point, PA, seeks a Director of DMPK to lead a multidisciplinary team in drug metabolism and pharmacokinetics, influencing lead selection through FIH. The role focuses on talent development and scientific creativity within a fast-paced environment.

The ideal candidate will drive in silico, in vitro, and in vivo studies, integrating ADME/PK data to guide strategic decisions across modalities and therapeutic areas. Strong leadership and communication are essential.

Qualifications

• Experienced providing DMPK support in drug discovery programs and communicating analyses to multidisciplinary teams.
• Integrating preclinical ADME, PK, and pharmacology data to enable translational PK/PD modeling.
• Knowledge of in silico approaches to inform metabolism, drug interactions, exposure–response, and variability.
• Knowledge of modern instrumentation in support of DMPK workflows.
• Strong leadership, interpersonal, communication, problem solving, and collaboration skills with deadlines.
• At least 3 years of management or supervision of staff.
• Aptitude for managing scientific teams, attracting, developing, and retaining talent.

Responsibilities

• Provide strategic scientific and operational leadership for a group of scientists.
• Support staff career development and mentoring.
• Collaborate with internal stakeholders for timely data and documentation delivery.
• Coordinate with DMPK and PDMB teams on strategic initiatives.
• Set future strategy and implement new technologies.
• Provide scientific oversight and timely review of documents.

Skills

DMPK leadership

PK/PD modeling

In silico approaches

ADME integration

Mentoring staff

Education

PhD in Chemistry/Pharmaceutical Sciences/Biochemistry or related field

MSci with 12+ years industry experience

Job description

Merck in West Point, PA, seeks a Director of DMPK to lead a multidisciplinary team in drug metabolism and pharmacokinetics, influencing lead selection through FIH. The role focuses on talent development and scientific creativity within a fast-paced environment.

The ideal candidate will drive in silico, in vitro, and in vivo studies, integrating ADME/PK data to guide strategic decisions across modalities and therapeutic areas. Strong leadership and communication are essential.