Senior Director, GI Oncology Clinical Science Leader | Hybrid

Merck & Co.; Upper Gwynedd Township (Montgomery County); Hybrid; USD 210,000 - 331,000; Full time

Job summary

Merck & Co. in Rahway, NJ, USA is seeking a Senior Director, Clinical Science, GI Oncology to lead strategic Clinical Science across the GI portfolio.

You will shape disease area strategies, promote standardization, and partner with Clinical Operations, Medical Affairs, and Regulatory colleagues to guide development decisions. This leadership role requires deep GI cancer expertise, senior scientific judgment, and proven ability to manage and mentor Clinical Scientists in a matrix environment.

Qualifications

• Advanced scientific or healthcare degree required (PhD/PharmD) with 8+ years in pharmaceutical, clinical drug development.
• Experience leading Clinical Science across multiple studies, programs, or assets.
• Deep therapeutic area expertise in Gastrointestinal (GI) cancers with strong understanding of disease biology and endpoints.
• Strong oncology trial design, data review, and interpretation skills in a regulatory environment.
• Experience working in cross-functional, matrix organizations with executive stakeholders.

Responsibilities

• Provide strategic Clinical Science leadership across the GI oncology portfolio, spanning studies and assets.
• Guide interpretation of clinical data across studies and assets to inform development decisions.
• Support protocol development, amendments, and study design considerations.
• Lead standardization of Clinical Science practices and governance across programs.
• Foster cross-functional collaboration and effective communication with senior leadership.

Skills

Clinical Research Management

Clinical Sciences

Trial Planning

Life Science

Matrix Management

Oncology

Education

PhD/PharmD advanced degree

Master's in Life Sciences

Bachelor's in Life Sciences

Job description

Merck & Co. in Rahway, NJ, USA is seeking a Senior Director, Clinical Science, GI Oncology to lead strategic Clinical Science across the GI portfolio.

You will shape disease area strategies, promote standardization, and partner with Clinical Operations, Medical Affairs, and Regulatory colleagues to guide development decisions. This leadership role requires deep GI cancer expertise, senior scientific judgment, and proven ability to manage and mentor Clinical Scientists in a matrix environment.