Senior Director, Clinical Science (Oncology Early Dev)

Merck & Co.; Boston (MA); Hybrid; USD 210,000 - 331,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical, dental, vision coverage

401(k) retirement plan

Paid time off

Job summary

Merck & Co. seeks a Senior Director of Clinical Science for Oncology Early Development.

This role provides strategic leadership from candidate transition through FIH and proof-of-concept, integrating PK/PD, biomarkers, and translational data to guide dose escalation, cohort expansion, and portfolio decisions. The role emphasizes standardization, scientific rigor, and governance, with responsibility for mentoring clinical scientists in a matrix environment.

Qualifications

• Significant experience in Clinical Development and early-phase oncology.
• Proven leadership of first-in-human and early-phase oncology studies.
• Deep understanding of oncology biology, translational medicine, biomarker-driven development, PK/PD, and safety.

Responsibilities

• Provide strategic Clinical Science leadership across Oncology Early Development.
• Guide study design, data interpretation, and program decisions across assets.
• Standardize practices and drive evidence-based decision-making within the portfolio.
• Lead cross-functional collaboration with Operations, Regulatory, Biostatistics, and Medical Affairs.

Skills

Clinical Development

Oncology

Clinical Science

Biomarker strategy

First-in-Human trials

Translational Medicine

PK/PD

Education

PhD or PharmD

Master’s degree in life sciences

Bachelor’s degree in life sciences

Job description

Merck & Co. seeks a Senior Director of Clinical Science for Oncology Early Development.

This role provides strategic leadership from candidate transition through FIH and proof-of-concept, integrating PK/PD, biomarkers, and translational data to guide dose escalation, cohort expansion, and portfolio decisions. The role emphasizes standardization, scientific rigor, and governance, with responsibility for mentoring clinical scientists in a matrix environment.