Translational Medicine Lead - Infectious Diseases

Merck; West Point (PA); Hybrid; USD 260,000 - 410,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical, dental, vision insurance

401(k) retirement benefits

Paid holidays

Vacation

Compassionate and sick days

Job summary

Merck is seeking a Principal Scientist (Clinical Director) in Translational Medicine/Early Clinical Development within the Infectious Diseases Therapeutic Area. The role requires MD or MD/PhD with a strong translational research background and leadership across early development programs, including biomarker strategies and cross-functional collaboration across discovery, pharmacology, and regulatory groups.

Location expects hybrid work with global collaboration.

Qualifications

• MD or MD/PhD required or equivalent.
• Strong background in translational and/or clinical research.
• Experience leading early clinical development programs across phases I–III.

Responsibilities

• Lead early clinical development strategy from preclinical through Phase 2/3 for infectious disease programs.
• Collaborate with discovery sciences, pharmacology, toxicology, regulatory affairs, and global trials operations.
• Design and oversee clinical pharmacology studies and biomarker strategies.
• Support regulatory filings with robust clinical and translational data.
• Engage with external thought leaders and the scientific community.

Skills

Clinical Research

Early Clinical Development

Infectious Disease

Translational Medicine

Education

MD or MD/PhD

Job description

Merck is seeking a Principal Scientist (Clinical Director) in Translational Medicine/Early Clinical Development within the Infectious Diseases Therapeutic Area. The role requires MD or MD/PhD with a strong translational research background and leadership across early development programs, including biomarker strategies and cross-functional collaboration across discovery, pharmacology, and regulatory groups.

Location expects hybrid work with global collaboration.