Senior Translational Biomarkers Scientist — Oncology

Merck; South San Francisco (CA); Híbrido; USD 191.000 - 300.000; Jornada completa

Descripción de la vacante

Merck is seeking a Principal Scientist to lead biomarker strategies across oncology and hematology programs, spanning early through late clinical development. The role emphasizes translational biomarker hypotheses, strategy development, and decision-enabling analyses that integrate biology, pharmacodynamics, and patient outcomes.

The candidate will partner with Discovery, Clinical Development, Regulatory, and Data Science teams to design scalable biomarker plans, interpret complex datasets, and

Formación

• Ph.D./M.D. or equivalent advanced scientific degree.
• Significant experience in translational or clinical biomarker strategies in oncology or hematology.
• Ability to translate hypotheses into biomarker strategies that inform clinical development decisions.
• Strong understanding of mechanism of action, disease biology, molecular heterogeneity, pharmacology, biomarkers, clinical endpoints, and development strategy.
• Experience with biomarker modalities such as NGS, ctDNA, MRD, immunohistochemistry, flow cytometry, gene-expression profiling, proteomics, or other molecular approaches.
• Ability to lead cross-functional scientific work in a matrixed environment and influence without direct authority.

Responsabilidades

• Develop and lead integrated biomarker strategies across oncology and hematology programs, partnering with cross-functional teams.
• Translate disease biology and mechanism into translational hypotheses and fit-for-purpose biomarker approaches.
• Define how biomarkers inform development questions (biology, target engagement, dose, patient selection, response, resistance).
• Ensure biomarker strategies are focused, scalable, and linked to actionable outcomes.
• Serve as biomarker representative on program teams and guide program-level decisions.
• Collaborate with Discovery, Clinical Development, Quantitative Sciences, Regulatory, Data Science, and others to build translational strategies.
• Interpret biomarker and clinical data, translating findings into actionable recommendations.
• Characterize disease heterogeneity and determinants of clinical outcomes for patient selection and precision medicine.
• Develop and evaluate biomarker approaches including ctDNA, MRD, profiling, and pharmacodynamic markers.
• Support companion diagnostics and regulatory biomarker development as appropriate.
• Communicate biomarker strategies and risks clearly to stakeholders.
• Mentor biomarker scientists and contribute to a collaborative biomarker organization.
• Support publications, scientific presentations, and external collaborations.

Conocimientos

Translational biomarker

Oncology biomarker

Biomarker strategy

Clinical development

Cross-functional leadership

Data interpretation

Educación

Ph.D./M.D. or equivalent

Herramientas

NGS

ctDNA

MRD

IHC

Flow cytometry

Descripción del empleo

Merck is seeking a Principal Scientist to lead biomarker strategies across oncology and hematology programs, spanning early through late clinical development. The role emphasizes translational biomarker hypotheses, strategy development, and decision-enabling analyses that integrate biology, pharmacodynamics, and patient outcomes.

The candidate will partner with Discovery, Clinical Development, Regulatory, and Data Science teams to design scalable biomarker plans, interpret complex datasets, and