Director, Clinical Research, Obesity

About the role

The Director (Principal Scientist) has primary responsibility for planning and directing clinical research activities involving new or marketed medicines in the Metabolism section of the Atherosclerosis & Metabolism therapeutic area, with a focus on obesity and obesity-related disorders. This role manages the entire cycle of clinical development for late-stage studies, including study design, initiation, execution, monitoring, analysis, regulatory reporting, and publication.

Responsibilities

• Plan clinical trials (design, operational plans, settings) based on clinical development strategies.
• Monitor and manage the conduct of ongoing or new clinical trials for investigational or marketed drugs.
• Analyze and summarize clinical findings to support decisions regarding safety, efficacy, new drug applications, clinical study reports, or publications.
• Participate in internal and joint internal/external research project teams relevant to the development of new compounds and the further study of marketed compounds.
• Support business development assessments of external opportunities.
• Collaborate with Clinical Scientists in the execution of clinical studies.
• Work closely with cross-functional experts in commercialization, regulatory affairs, statistics, and manufacturing to manage clinical development projects.
• Ensure appropriate Corporate personnel are informed of study progress, competitor drug studies, and expert opinions on scientific questions.
• Maintain a strong scientific fund of knowledge by:
  • Staying aware of scientific developments within the area of expertise.
  • Identifying scientifically and operationally strong investigators.
  • Establishing communications with prominent clinical investigators.
  • Attending scientific meetings to maintain competency and awareness of research activities.
• Author detailed development documents, presentations, and position papers for internal and external audiences.
• Facilitate collaborations with external researchers globally.
• Travel on company business approximately 20% of the time to manage clinical research projects.

Qualifications

• M.D. or M.D./Ph.D. required.
• Experience in industry or faculty in academia.
• Minimum of 3 years of experience in clinical medicine.
• Minimum of 1 year of industry experience in drug development or biomedical research experience in academia.
• Demonstrated record of scientific scholarship and achievement.
• Proven track record in clinical medicine and background in biomedical research.
• Strong interpersonal skills and ability to function in a team environment.
• Strong verbal and written communication and presentation skills.

Preferred Qualifications

• Board Certified or Eligible in Endocrinology, Gastroenterology, Hepatology, Cardiology, Nephrology, or related discipline.
• Prior specific experience in clinical research and publication.

Skills

• Required: Clinical Development, Clinical Research, Clinical Trial Planning, Cross-Functional Teamwork, Liver Diseases, Obesity.
• Preferred: Experience in related therapeutic areas.

Pay

The salary range for this role is $255,800.00 - $402,700.00. An employee’s position within the salary range will be based on factors including, but not limited to, relevant education, qualifications, certifications, experience, skills, geographic location, government requirements, and business needs. The successful candidate will be eligible for annual bonus and long-term incentive, if applicable.

Benefits

We offer a comprehensive package of benefits, including:

• 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 Merck Compensation and Benefits.

Schedule

• Travel requirements: 25%.
• Relocation: Domestic relocation assistance available.
• VISA Sponsorship: Available for this role.