Lead Early-Phase Clinical Scientist (Hybrid)

Merck & Co.; San Francisco (CA); Hybrid; USD 142,000 - 224,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical insurance

401(k) matching

Paid time off

Hybrid work model

Job summary

Merck & Co., Inc. in Rahway, NJ, USA, seeks an Early Clinical Scientist to lead the design, planning, and execution of early-phase clinical trials, partnering with Clinical Director and cross-functional teams to deliver high-quality data and regulatory-compliant outcomes.

The role emphasizes risk management, trial oversight, team coaching, and collaboration across departments to accelerate development while maintaining rigorous scientific standards.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Life Sciences or higher with relevant trial management experience.
• Experience leading early-phase clinical trials and programs.
• Strong knowledge of GCP/ICH guidelines and regulatory requirements.

Responsibilities

• Provide operational and scientific leadership for design, planning and execution of early-phase trials.
• Ensure appropriate risk management and data quality to support regulatory submissions.
• Mentor junior staff and drive cross-functional collaboration across teams.

Skills

Clinical trial leadership

Cross-functional collaboration

GCP/ICH compliance

Data analysis

Study design

Mentoring

Education

Bachelor's degree in Life Sciences

Master's degree or PhD

Tools

CTMS

Job description

Merck & Co., Inc. in Rahway, NJ, USA, seeks an Early Clinical Scientist to lead the design, planning, and execution of early-phase clinical trials, partnering with Clinical Director and cross-functional teams to deliver high-quality data and regulatory-compliant outcomes.

The role emphasizes risk management, trial oversight, team coaching, and collaboration across departments to accelerate development while maintaining rigorous scientific standards.