Senior Director, Vaccine Clinical Science & Strategy

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

Job summary

Merck & Co. in Rahway, NJ, USA, seeks a Senior Director, Clinical Science, Vaccines to provide strategic leadership across multiple studies and assets.

This role shapes disease area strategy, standardizes scientific practices, and drives governance while mentoring Clinical Scientists in a matrix environment. Collaborating with Clinical Operations, Regulatory Affairs, Biostatistics, Data Management, Drug Safety, Translational Medicine and Medical Affairs, you will guide study planning, data

Qualifications

• Significant experience in Clinical Development, Clinical Science, clinical drug development, and related fields.
• Demonstrated leadership across multiple studies, programs, or assets.
• Deep therapeutic area expertise with understanding of disease biology and endpoints.
• Strong understanding of trial design, regulatory submissions, and data interpretation.
• Experience collaborating in cross-functional, matrix teams.

Responsibilities

• Provide senior scientific guidance across studies and programs to ensure high-quality input.
• Interpret clinical data across cohorts and assets to identify trends and risks.
• Contribute to protocol development, endpoint selection, and development planning.
• Represent Clinical Science in governance discussions and cross-functional planning.
• Translate portfolio priorities into Clinical Science strategies, capabilities, and resourcing.

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

Master's degree in life sciences

Bachelor's degree in life sciences

Job description

Merck & Co. in Rahway, NJ, USA, seeks a Senior Director, Clinical Science, Vaccines to provide strategic leadership across multiple studies and assets.

This role shapes disease area strategy, standardizes scientific practices, and drives governance while mentoring Clinical Scientists in a matrix environment. Collaborating with Clinical Operations, Regulatory Affairs, Biostatistics, Data Management, Drug Safety, Translational Medicine and Medical Affairs, you will guide study planning, data