Principal Scientist, Translational Neuroscience

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

Benefits offered by this job

Medical, dental, vision benefits

401(k) retirement plan

Paid time off and holidays

Job summary

Merck is seeking a Principal Scientist (Clinical Director) in Translational Medicine/Early Clinical Development within Neuroscience. The role targets identification/validation of targets and guiding therapeutic programs from preclinical to early clinical development with global collaboration.

The position requires a MD/PhD with neurology/psychiatry training, a strong translational research track record, and leadership across cross-functional teams to deliver first‑in‑human studies and

Qualifications

• MD or MD/PhD with training in neurology or psychiatry and a record of scientific achievement.
• Willingness to work across therapeutic areas and collaborate globally.

Responsibilities

• Lead early clinical development strategy from preclinical to Phase 1/2 trials.
• Develop and execute clinical pharmacology studies and biomarker validation.
• Collaborate with discovery, pharmacology, regulatory, biostatistics, and trial operations teams.
• Provide clinical expertise for target identification, validation, and translational studies.
• Represent scientific leadership in internal/external partnerships and conferences.

Skills

Biomedical Research

Clinical Development

Clinical Medicine

Clinical Trial Planning

Cross-Functional Teamwork

Neuroscience Research

Neurologic Disorders

Translational Medicine

Translational Research

Education

Doctoral degree: MD or MD/PhD (or international equivalent)

Job description

Merck is seeking a Principal Scientist (Clinical Director) in Translational Medicine/Early Clinical Development within Neuroscience. The role targets identification/validation of targets and guiding therapeutic programs from preclinical to early clinical development with global collaboration.

The position requires a MD/PhD with neurology/psychiatry training, a strong translational research track record, and leadership across cross-functional teams to deliver first‑in‑human studies and