Senior Vaccine Clinical Science Director

MSD; San Francisco (CA); Hybrid; USD 210,000 - 331,000; Full time

Job summary

MSD is seeking a Senior Director, Clinical Science, Vaccines to provide strategic leadership across multiple studies and assets. The role guides development planning, sets scientific standards, and drives decision-making within a matrix environment.

You will partner with cross-functional teams including Clinical Operations, Regulatory Affairs, Biostatistics, Data Management, Drug Safety, Translational Medicine, and Medical Affairs to advance vaccine programs, align endpoints, and shape portfolio

Qualifications

• Advanced scientific or healthcare degree required (PhD/PharmD) or equivalent with extensive pharma development experience.
• 8+ years in pharmaceutical clinical drug development and/or medical field experience preferred, with leadership experience.
• Strong understanding of disease biology and vaccine development.
• Experience contributing to regulatory submissions and cross-functional governance.
• Excellent communication, influence, and executive presentation skills.

Responsibilities

• Provide strategic Clinical Science leadership across vaccine programs and assets.
• Guide development planning, endpoint interpretation, and data review for decision-making.
• Standardize Clinical Science approaches and promote consistency across studies and programs.
• Lead portfolio discussions, governance reviews, and cross-functional planning.
• Mentor and develop Clinical Science staff within a matrix organization.

Skills

Clinical Development

Clinical Science

Vaccines

Regulatory Submissions

Data interpretation

Matrix leadership

Executive presentation

Risk assessment

Study design

Biomarker strategy

Education

Advanced scientific or healthcare degree (PhD or PharmD)

Master’s degree in life sciences

Bachelor’s degree in life sciences

Tools

Data management systems

Job description

MSD is seeking a Senior Director, Clinical Science, Vaccines to provide strategic leadership across multiple studies and assets. The role guides development planning, sets scientific standards, and drives decision-making within a matrix environment.

You will partner with cross-functional teams including Clinical Operations, Regulatory Affairs, Biostatistics, Data Management, Drug Safety, Translational Medicine, and Medical Affairs to advance vaccine programs, align endpoints, and shape portfolio