Senior Scientist, Toxicology

Merck & Co.; West Point (PA); On-site; USD 106,000 - 167,000; Full time

Job summary

The Nonclinical Drug Safety department at Merck & Co. seeks a motivated toxicologist to lead or monitor toxicity studies (GLP and non-GLP) as Study Director or Study Monitor.

This role blends scientific leadership with collaboration across teams from discovery to development, with potential growth into broader nonclinical safety leadership. PhD in toxicology or related field is required, strong leadership and communication skills are essential, and familiarity with GLP and ICH guidelines is

Qualifications

• PhD in toxicology, pharmacology, pharmaceutical sciences, or related field.

Responsibilities

• Serve as Study Director/Monitor on acute through chronic general toxicology studies.
• Analyze and interpret data; prepare regulatory reports.
• Ensure regulatory rigor, timely study execution, and cross-functional collaboration.
• Lead method development and participate in related scientific projects.

Skills

Animal handling

CROs

Data evaluation

Detail-oriented

Experimentation

Exploratory research

GLPs

In vivo models

Laboratory research

Pre-clinical

Report preparation

Situational leadership

Study directing

Study monitoring

Timeline management

Toxicological risk assessment

Toxicology

Education

PhD in toxicology

Job description

Job Description

The Nonclinical Drug Safety department is seeking a motivated and talented toxicologist to conduct and/or monitor toxicity studies (GLP and non-GLP) as a Study Director or Study Monitor.- Toxicologists at our Company are integral members and leaders of collaborative cross functional scientific teams, addressing challenges from early discovery to late development.-Our toxicologists provide scientific leadership in the design and overall conduct of in vivo studies and integrate the findings from all contributing scientists into reports that characterize the safety profile of drug candidates. The individual also will possess the attributes and interest to expand their career toward a broader strategic Nonclinical Drug Safety role. This could include development toward future opportunities as the nonclinical safety lead on discovery or clinical development programs.

Key Responsibilities

• Serve as the single point of control (Study Director) on assigned acute through chronic general toxicology studies across all modalities.--Interact with technical, veterinary, and scientific staff to ensure that the study is in compliance with the protocol, amendments, Standard Operating Procedures, regulations, safety guidelines, and company policies and procedures.
• Critically analyze and interpret data. Integrate data from other areas (e.g., clinical pathology, pathology, toxicokinetics) in written reports used for regulatory submissions, and communicate results within established timelines.
• Ensure regulatory rigor, proactive risk identification, and timely study execution.
• Build strong collaborative relationships and influences without authority, contributing to an inclusive team environment.
• Deliver high-quality results with accountability and agility, translating objectives into action while continuously improving, embracing change, and demonstrating leadership.
• As needed, lead and/or participate in method development, inter-group initiatives, and various related scientific projects.

Education

• PhD in toxicology, pharmacology, pharmaceutical sciences, or related scientific discipline.

Requirements

• Strong interest in collaborating with cross-functional teams and communicating openly and often with colleagues.
• Strong listening and leadership skills
• Ability to communicate clearly using verbal and written formats, including presentations

Preferred

• GLP Study Director experience
• Familiarity with outsourced study monitoring
• Demonstrated understanding of Good Laboratory Practices (US FDA 21 CFR Part 58)
• Familiarity with ICH safety guidelines

Required Skills:

Animal Handling, Contract Research Organizations (CROs), Data Evaluation, Detail-Oriented, Experimentation, Exploratory Research, Good Laboratory Practices (GLPs), In Vivo Models, Laboratory Research, Pre-Clinical Developments, Report Preparation, Situational Leadership, Study Directing, Study Monitoring, Timeline Management, Toxicological Risk Assessment, Toxicology

US and Puerto Rico Residents Only:

Our company is committed to inclusion, ensuring that candidates can engage in a hiring process that exhibits their true capabilities.

As an Equal Employment Opportunity Employer, we provide equal opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibit discrimination on the basis of race, color, age, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, protected veteran status, disability status, or other applicable legally protected characteristics.--As a federal contractor, we comply with all affirmative action requirements for protected veterans and individuals with disabilities.- For more information about personal rights under the U.S. Equal Opportunity Employment laws, visit:

EEOC Know Your Rights

EEOC GINA Supplement

We are proud to be a company that embraces the value of bringing together, talented, and committed people with diverse experiences, perspectives, skills and backgrounds. The fastest way to breakthrough innovation is when people with diverse ideas, broad experiences, backgrounds, and skills come together in an inclusive environment. We encourage our colleagues to respectfully challenge one another's thinking and approach problems collectively.

Learn more about your rights, including under California, Colorado and other US State Acts

The primary location for this posting is:

USA - Pennsylvania - West Point

Where required by law, the compensation range for this role is provided below.

The salary range for the primary location of this role is:

$106,200.00 - $167,200.00

This range reflects the Company's reasonable expectation of the base salary applicable to this role at the time of posting. An employee's position within the salary range will be based on several factors including, but not limited to relevant education, qualifications, certifications, experience, skills, geographic location, government requirements, and business or organizational needs. The successful candidate will be eligible for annual bonus and long-term incentive, if applicable.

• We offer a comprehensive package of benefits.
• Available benefits include medical, dental, vision healthcare and other insurance benefits (for employee and family), retirement benefits, including 401(k), paid holidays, vacation, and compassionate and sick days. More information about benefits is available at https://jobs.merck.com/us/en/compensation-and-benefits .

Additional location(s):

Please note the salary range above applies to the Primary Location of the position. Where a role has other listed locations, different compensation guidelines may apply. You may find the salary ranges for additional locations below. If the salary range is not listed for the location you are applying to, our Talent Acquisition team will provide further information to you relevant to your location.

Additional location(s) Compensation Information:

San Francisco Residents Only:

-We will consider qualified applicants with arrest and conviction records for employment in compliance with the San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance

Los Angeles Residents Only:

-We will consider for employment all qualified applicants, including those with criminal histories, in a manner consistent with the requirements of applicable state and local laws, including the City of Los Angeles' Fair Chance Initiative for Hiring Ordinance

Employee Status:

Regular

Relocation:

Domestic

VISA Sponsorship:

No

Travel Requirements:

10%

Flexible Work Arrangements:

Not Applicable

Shift:

Not Indicated

Valid Driving License:

No

Hazardous Material(s):

OEB4, bloodborne pathogens, beta lactam, standard lab reagents

Job Posting End Date:

10/27/2026

*A job posting is effective until 11:59:59PM on the day BEFORE -the listed job posting end date. Please ensure you apply to a job posting no later than the day BEFORE the job posting end date.

Requisition ID:

R421384