Senior Director, Vaccine Clinical Science & Strategy

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

Benefits offered by this job

Hybrid work arrangement

Competitive compensation

Job summary

Merck is seeking a Senior Director, Clinical Science, Vaccines to lead strategic clinical science efforts across multiple studies and assets. The role focuses on disease area strategy, standardization of scientific practices, and cross‑functional governance in a matrix environment.

The successful candidate will guide study design, endpoint selection, and biomarker strategy while collaborating with Clinical Operations, Regulatory Affairs, Biostatistics, Medical Affairs and other partners to

Qualifications

• Advanced degree or equivalent in science/healthcare.
• Significant experience in Clinical Development, Clinical Science, or related pharmaceutical fields.
• Proven leadership in matrix environments with cross‑functional teams.

Responsibilities

• Provide strategic Clinical Science leadership across the disease area, including multiple studies, programs, and assets.
• Guide development planning, data interpretation, and issue resolution across studies.
• Collaborate with cross‑functional leaders to align Clinical Science activities with program goals.
• Lead standardization of Clinical Science approaches and data review practices across the portfolio.
• Develop and coach Clinical Scientists, fostering accountability and high performance.

Skills

Clinical Development

Clinical Research Management

Clinical Sciences

Data Quality

Ethical Standards

High Performance Team Building

Matrix Leadership

Matrix Management

Medical Monitoring

New Technology Integration

People Leadership

Pharmaceutical Industry

Regulatory Compliance

Therapeutic Knowledge

Vaccinations

Education

Advanced scientific or healthcare degree (PhD, PharmD)

Master’s degree in life sciences + 12+ years of experience

Bachelor’s degree in life sciences + 15+ years of experience

Job description

Merck is seeking a Senior Director, Clinical Science, Vaccines to lead strategic clinical science efforts across multiple studies and assets. The role focuses on disease area strategy, standardization of scientific practices, and cross‑functional governance in a matrix environment.

The successful candidate will guide study design, endpoint selection, and biomarker strategy while collaborating with Clinical Operations, Regulatory Affairs, Biostatistics, Medical Affairs and other partners to