Executive Director, Clinical Science, Immunology

About the Role

The Executive Director, Clinical Science is a senior leader within Non-Oncology Clinical Development, responsible for strategic, scientific, operational, and people leadership across a portfolio of immunology programs. Reporting to the Head of Clinical Science Non-Oncology, this role is a key member of the Clinical Science Leadership Team, shaping the organization's strategic direction, operational effectiveness, and long-term growth.

Responsibilities

• Portfolio Leadership:
  • Accountable for portfolio delivery, including prioritization, resource alignment, and support for key development milestones.
  • Provide strategic oversight for immunology assets across multiple development stages.
  • Partner with Immunology Therapeutic Area Head and cross-functional leaders to drive development strategy and milestone delivery.
  • Ensure Clinical Science contributions support development plans, regulatory submissions, and lifecycle management.
  • Optimize resource allocation and budgets to align with business priorities.
  • Serve as a senior escalation point for scientific and resource-related issues.
• Clinical Science Excellence:
  • Establish high standards for scientific rigor, clinical science quality, and regulatory readiness.
  • Drive consistency in clinical science practices and study execution.
  • Foster proactive risk identification, mitigation, and continuous quality improvement.
  • Advance innovative approaches to medical data review and evidence-based decision-making.
• Innovation, AI, and Digital Transformation:
  • Champion adoption of AI-enabled and digital capabilities to enhance Clinical Science productivity and efficiency.
  • Identify opportunities for advanced analytics, AI, and digital solutions to improve decision-making and study oversight.
  • Drive modernization of clinical data review and foster a culture of innovation.
• People Leadership and Talent Development:
  • Lead, coach, and develop a high-performing Clinical Science organization.
  • Build organizational capability through talent planning, succession management, and leadership development.
  • Create an inclusive environment promoting engagement, accountability, and continuous development.
  • Develop future leaders and strengthen scientific and strategic capabilities.
• Organizational Leadership:
  • Contribute to Clinical Science strategy, priorities, and long-term objectives.
  • Lead initiatives for organizational design, workforce planning, and resource optimization.
  • Develop scalable operating models to balance portfolio execution and organizational effectiveness.
  • Represent Clinical Science in governance forums and strategic planning activities.

Qualifications

• Advanced scientific or healthcare degree (PhD, PharmD) + 10 years of oncology drug development experience, OR Master’s Degree in life sciences + 15 years of oncology drug development experience.
• Significant experience in drug development across multiple clinical phases.
• Deep expertise in Clinical Science and execution of global clinical programs.
• Experience supporting regulatory submissions and late-stage development activities.
• Proven leadership in large, matrixed organizations.
• Demonstrated success in talent development and building high-performing teams.
• Familiarity with AI, advanced analytics, and digital capabilities in clinical development.
• Experience in immunology development preferred.

Skills

• Essential: Advanced Analytics, Artificial Intelligence (AI), Clinical Development, Clinical Sciences, Cross-Functional Leadership, Drug Development, Executive Leadership, Global Clinical Studies, Immunology, Innovation, Matrix Leadership, Regulatory Submissions, Strategic Leadership, Talent Development.
• Preferred: Current industry knowledge and emerging technology trends.

Pay

The salary range for this role is $255,800.00 - $402,700.00. An employee’s position within the range will be based on factors including education, experience, skills, geographic location, and business needs.

Benefits

We offer a comprehensive benefits package, including medical, dental, vision, retirement (401(k)), paid holidays, vacation, and sick days. More details are available at https://jobs.merck.com/us/en/compensation-and-benefits.

Location: UG/RY/Boston/South San Francisco | Travel: 0-25%