Neuroscience Translational Medicine Lead

Merck & Co., Inc.; West Point (PA); Hybrid; USD 256,000 - 403,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Annual bonus

Long-term incentive

401(k)

Job summary

Merck & Co., Inc. is seeking a physician-scientist to join as Principal Scientist (Clinical Director) in Translational Medicine/Early Clinical Development within Neuroscience. The role focuses on leading early phase efforts, biomarker strategies, and cross-functional collaboration to advance neuro/psychiatric programs.

Hybrid work arrangement in the US is available. You will guide clinical pharmacology studies across phases I–IV, collaborate with discovery and regulatory teams, and contribute to

Qualifications

• Doctoral degree required (MD or MD/PhD).
• Track record of scientific scholarship, publications, and collaboration across therapeutic areas.
• Willingness to work across departments and global teams.

Responsibilities

• Lead clinical pharmacology studies across all phases (I–IV) including PK/PD, formulation changes, DDIs, and special populations.
• Collaborate with discovery, pharmacology, toxicology, regulatory affairs and clinical trials operations to move programs from preclinical to clinical development.
• Develop and execute early clinical development strategies and biomarker programs with biomarker validation activities.
• Provide clinical and scientific expertise to assess internal and external partnership opportunities.
• Present at conferences, prepare posters/publications, and engage with scientific thought leaders.

Skills

Biomedical Research

Clinical Development

Translational Medicine

Neuroscience Research

Cross-functional teamwork

Education

Doctoral degree: MD or MD/PhD

Job description

Merck & Co., Inc. is seeking a physician-scientist to join as Principal Scientist (Clinical Director) in Translational Medicine/Early Clinical Development within Neuroscience. The role focuses on leading early phase efforts, biomarker strategies, and cross-functional collaboration to advance neuro/psychiatric programs.

Hybrid work arrangement in the US is available. You will guide clinical pharmacology studies across phases I–IV, collaborate with discovery and regulatory teams, and contribute to