Lead Early-Phase Scientist - Vaccine Programs (Hybrid)

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

Benefits offered by this job

Annual bonus

Long-term incentive

Comprehensive benefits

Job summary

Merck & Co., Inc. is seeking an Early Clinical Scientist (ECS) to provide operational and scientific leadership for early-phase vaccine trials, working with Clinical Director and cross-functional teams to drive study objectives and data quality.

The role emphasizes GCP/ICH compliance and risk management. Responsibilities include overseeing trial planning, cross-functional coordination, and development of SOPs, with opportunity to contribute to global clinical development procedures and staff

Qualifications

• Education: degree in Life Sciences or equivalent with clinical trial management exposure.
• Experience: Phase 1–3 vaccine program leadership and regulatory writing experience preferred.
• Team leadership: ability to mentor and lead cross-functional teams in a fast-paced setting.

Responsibilities

• Design, planning, and execution of early-phase clinical trials and programs.
• Lead cross-functional teams; ensure GCP/ICH compliance and data quality.
• Authoring clinical protocols, investigator brochures, and regulatory documents.
• Develop and implement departmental SOPs and best practices.
• Mentor junior staff and drive process improvements across teams.

Skills

Clinical trial management

Vaccine program management

Regulatory compliance

GCP & ICH knowledge

Medical writing

Cross-functional collaboration

Education

Life Sciences degree

Bachelor’s degree + 11+ years related experience

Master’s degree + 8+ years related experience

PhD + 3+ years related experience

Job description

Merck & Co., Inc. is seeking an Early Clinical Scientist (ECS) to provide operational and scientific leadership for early-phase vaccine trials, working with Clinical Director and cross-functional teams to drive study objectives and data quality.

The role emphasizes GCP/ICH compliance and risk management. Responsibilities include overseeing trial planning, cross-functional coordination, and development of SOPs, with opportunity to contribute to global clinical development procedures and staff