Discovery Program Leader: Nonclinical Safety (Hybrid)

Merck & Co.; Cambridge (MA); Hybrid; USD 176,000 - 277,000; Full time

Job summary

Merck & Co. seeks a Discovery Program Leader to steer nonclinical safety strategy across immunology and oncology discovery programs, from target identification through GLP toxicity studies.

The role emphasizes risk assessment, de-risking strategies, and collaboration with NDS staff across sites to support target and candidate development. The position requires exceptional leadership, independent work style, and strong communication to drive cross-functional decisions, regulatory input, and

Qualifications

• PhD or MD/DVM or equivalent required.
• 8+ years of pharmaceutical industry experience as a non-clinical safety scientist or safety representative on cross-functional teams.
• Proven ability to navigate cross-functional lines and drive decisions in a matrix organization.
• Strong problem-solving, adaptability, and collaborative skills.
• Excellent interpersonal and communication abilities for cross-site collaboration.

Responsibilities

• Represent NDS on discovery teams and governance reviews.
• Facilitate creative thinking from target identification to lead optimization across multiple therapeutic areas.
• Influence cross-site groups and functional disciplines to promote drug discovery.
• Identify and assess risks for targets or development candidates using literature, data, and external information.
• May lead early development teams and guide preclinical study strategy.

Skills

Clinical Safety

FEA

Good Lab Practices

Immuno-Oncology

Innovative Thinking

Matrix Management

Quality by Design

Regulatory Filings

Regulatory Submissions

Safety Management

Strategic Thinking

Technology Transfer

Toxicology

Education

PhD, DVM, or MD degree

Job description

Merck & Co. seeks a Discovery Program Leader to steer nonclinical safety strategy across immunology and oncology discovery programs, from target identification through GLP toxicity studies.

The role emphasizes risk assessment, de-risking strategies, and collaboration with NDS staff across sites to support target and candidate development. The position requires exceptional leadership, independent work style, and strong communication to drive cross-functional decisions, regulatory input, and