Discovery Program Leader: Nonclinical Safety & Targets

MSD Malaysia; West Point (PA); Hybrid; USD 176,000 - 277,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical coverage

Retirement plan

Paid time off

Job summary

Merck & Co., Inc. is seeking a Discovery Program Leader to represent Nonclinical Drug Safety across discovery teams, leading immunology, oncology and related therapeutic areas.

The role requires leadership, collaboration, and independent thinking to drive target identification through to First-In-Human studies and regulatory submissions. The DPL will de-risk programs, assess target risks, and coordinate with global NDS staff to ensure robust safety strategies.

Qualifications

• PhD in relevant field, DVM, MD degree or equivalent.
• Minimum 8+ years of pharmaceutical industry experience as a non-clinical safety scientist or equivalent.

Responsibilities

• Lead NDS strategy for programs from Target Identification through First-In-Human GLP toxicity studies.
• Provide risk assessments for targets and de-risk discovery programs.
• Collaborate with cross-site NDS staff to support target development and regulatory documentation.

Skills

Clinical Safety

Finite Element Analysis

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 or MD or DVM

Job description

Merck & Co., Inc. is seeking a Discovery Program Leader to represent Nonclinical Drug Safety across discovery teams, leading immunology, oncology and related therapeutic areas.

The role requires leadership, collaboration, and independent thinking to drive target identification through to First-In-Human studies and regulatory submissions. The DPL will de-risk programs, assess target risks, and coordinate with global NDS staff to ensure robust safety strategies.