Director, Obesity and Metabolic Diseases

Provide scientific leadership and people management for discovery research in obesity and metabolic diseases within the Cardiometabolic Disease (CMD) Department at our Research Laboratories in South San Francisco, California.

About the role

The successful candidate will contribute to and execute scientific priorities within the department’s strategy by integrating advances in human biology, translational science, data science, and innovative technology platforms to identify and advance novel therapeutic opportunities. Working in a highly collaborative and multidisciplinary environment, this individual will lead a focused team of scientists, drive discovery programs from target identification through preclinical development, and contribute to a differentiated pipeline of medicines that address the unmet medical needs of patients living with obesity and related metabolic disorders.

Responsibilities

• Lead discovery research in obesity and metabolic diseases, executing priorities aligned with CMD scientific strategy from target identification through preclinical candidate nomination by leveraging human biology, translational science, disease models, and emerging technologies to contribute to a differentiated portfolio.
• Provide scientific leadership for drug discovery programs, partnering across chemistry, pharmacology, safety, translational medicine, biomarker, and development functions to inform program priorities, support decision making, and advance programs through key milestones.
• Identify and advance novel therapeutic opportunities by integrating insights from human genetics, clinical research, biomarker science, and the external competitive landscape, while maintaining deep expertise in obesity, metabolism, and related therapeutic areas.
• Lead a high-performing scientific team by fostering a culture of innovation, scientific rigor, collaboration, accountability, and continuous talent development.
• Contribute to the evaluation of external innovation, business development opportunities, and partnership strategies that enhance the portfolio.
• Represent the team through publications, presentations, due diligence activities, governance interactions, and cross-functional scientific forums, contributing to the broader cardiometabolic disease strategy.

Requirements

• Ph.D., M.D., or Ph.D./M.D. in endocrinology, metabolism, physiology, pharmacology, biology or a related scientific discipline and a minimum of eight (8) years of experience in obesity, diabetes, MASH, or related therapeutic areas in academia and/or industry. Exceptional candidates from academia with a distinguished record of scientific achievement and research leadership are encouraged to apply, even without prior industry experience.

Skills

• Required:
  • Demonstrated track record of scientific innovation, leadership of research programs, and contributions to basic and/or translational research efforts.
  • Deep expertise in metabolic disease biology and target validation, with a strong understanding of human genetics, biomarkers, and the integration of preclinical and clinical data to inform drug discovery decisions.
  • Proven success leading scientific teams and discovery initiatives in a matrix environment, with the ability to manage priorities, collaborate across functions, influence stakeholders, and deliver results.
  • Broad experience with in vitro and in vivo models of obesity and metabolic disease, as well as contemporary therapeutic modalities and innovative technologies relevant to drug discovery.
  • People leadership experience, including managing, coaching, and developing scientific teams, with a demonstrated ability to build and sustain a high-performing team, foster employee engagement, and develop talent through mentorship, performance management, and succession planning.
  • Strong communication, collaboration, and relationship-building skills, with the ability to effectively engage leaders, cross-functional partners, and external collaborators.
  • Biomarker Research, Diabetes Research, Metabolic Diseases, Metabolism, Obesity Research, People Leadership, Pharmacology, Strategic Leadership, Translational Research.
• Preferred:
  • Experience in pharmacology is highly desired, including the design, execution, and interpretation of in vitro and in vivo studies to support target validation, mechanism-of-action investigations, and therapeutic development.

Leadership Competencies

• Demonstrates strategic thinking and scientific judgment, translating complex data into clear decisions that advance program and team objectives.
• Builds trust, alignment, and strong partnerships across functions by fostering an inclusive, collaborative, and high-performing culture.
• Develops and empowers talent through effective coaching, mentorship, and succession planning, creating an environment where team members can excel.
• Operates effectively in a matrix organization, influencing across functions while maintaining a strong focus on execution, innovation, and patient impact.
• Demonstrates the highest standards of scientific integrity, ethics, diversity, and accountability, while championing excellence and continuous improvement.

Pay

The salary range for this role is $214,100.00 - $337,000.00. 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.

Benefits

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.

Schedule

• 10% travel requirements.
• Shift: 1st - Day.

Relocation: Domestic/International. VISA sponsorship available.