Lead Translational Neuroscience Scientist

MSD Malaysia; Rahway, Northern (NJ, KY); Hybrid; USD 256,000 - 403,000; Full time

Job summary

Merck & Co., Inc. in Rahway, NJ, seeks a Principal Scientist (Clinical Director) in Translational Medicine/Early Clinical Development within Neuroscience.

The role combines clinical medicine, translational research, and cross-functional leadership to drive early therapeutic programs from target validation through Phase 2 proof-of-concept. The ideal candidate is an MD/MD-PhD with strong publications, residency completion, and experience in neurology or psychiatry.

Qualifications

• Doctoral degree in medicine or related field.
• Experience in biomedical research with publications.
• Clinical medicine background with residency training.

Responsibilities

• Lead clinical development strategy from preclinical to early clinical phases.
• Collaborate with discovery, pharmacology, regulatory, and clinical operations teams.
• Develop and execute clinical pharmacology studies across phases I–IV.
• Identify and validate biomarkers and clinical endpoints.
• Provide scientific input for external collaborations and partnerships.

Skills

Biomedical Research

Clinical Development

Translational Medicine

Neuroscience Research

Cross-Functional Teamwork

Education

MD or MD/PhD

Job description

Merck & Co., Inc. in Rahway, NJ, seeks a Principal Scientist (Clinical Director) in Translational Medicine/Early Clinical Development within Neuroscience.

The role combines clinical medicine, translational research, and cross-functional leadership to drive early therapeutic programs from target validation through Phase 2 proof-of-concept. The ideal candidate is an MD/MD-PhD with strong publications, residency completion, and experience in neurology or psychiatry.