Merck
Distinguished Scientist, Translational Medicine, Immunology
Merck, Boston, Massachusetts, us, 02298
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Distinguished Scientist, Translational Medicine, Immunology
role at
Merck
Translational Medicine in our Research and Development (R&D) division manages key stages in drug development, collaborating with scientific, regulatory, and statistical teams to turn preclinical discoveries into clinical-ready compounds. We seek a qualified physician-scientist with industry and academic research experience for our team.
Job Overview The Distinguished Scientist in Translational Medicine, Immunology leads the strategic direction of our Immunology pipeline, building on the Senior Principal Scientist role. This position involves enterprise-level leadership, cross‑functional influence, and strategic decision‑making. Ideal candidates are visionary physician‑scientists with expertise in Immunology (e.g., Dermatology, Rheumatology, Gastroenterology), a strong record in translational and clinical research, and experience translating discoveries into therapies. Our main collaboration is with teams in Boston, MA, but remote work is an option.
Translational Medicine Responsibilities
Contribute to the identification of novel targets by partnering with discovery research teams to bring clinical insight into the earliest stages of target identification and validation, and execute clinical studies to evaluate relevance of potential targets to human disease.
Develop biomarker strategies through cross‑functional teams that provide line‑of‑sight from First‑in‑Human studies through clinical Proof‑of‑Concept, including experimental medicine studies to establish and/or validate novel clinical biomarker platforms.
Develop and execute the early clinical development strategy for novel therapy/Immunology programs from preclinical candidate approval through clinical Proof‑of‑Concept (Phase 2a), and execute clinical pharmacology strategies for late‑stage development programs from Proof‑of‑Concept (Phase 2a) through worldwide marketing application.
Strategic Leadership & Vision
Define and drive the scientific strategy for Translational Medicine in Immunology across the portfolio.
Serve as a key advisor to executive leadership on Immunology R&D strategy, portfolio prioritization, and investment decisions.
Lead cross‑functional scientific forums and governance bodies to ensure alignment and excellence in translational strategy within Immunology.
Scientific Innovation & Execution
Champion the integration of novel biomarkers, imaging platforms, and mechanistic endpoints into early clinical development.
Guide the design and execution of complex Phase 0/Phase I/Phase Ib studies, ensuring safe and timely execution of Phase I studies with close collaboration with internal and external clinical study support staff and scientists.
Provide clinical pharmacology support for programs through worldwide marketing application filing, including supportive registration documents and presentations.
Provide clear, timely communication and interpretation of study results to therapeutic area governance, functional area experts, and development review committees.
Contribute to assessment of internal and external opportunities identified by Business Development and Licensing.
Lead early development strategy for novel Immunology assets and therapeutics, including authoring initial clinical and biomarker plans for lead optimization, early‑clinical development plans for preclinical candidate molecules, Phase 1a/1b trials, and clinical pharmacology studies for programs in Phases I through IV.
Cross‑functional Collaboration
Interface with Discovery, Preclinical, Regulatory, Biostatistics, Modeling & Simulation, and Clinical Operations to ensure seamless translation from bench to bedside.
Provide strategic input into global regulatory interactions, including specification setting and response to agency feedback.
Mentorship & Talent Development
Serve as a scientific mentor and role model across Translational Medicine and broader R&D.
Foster a culture of innovation, scientific rigor, and continuous learning.
May lead a team of junior clinical directors.
Education & Minimum Experience
MD or MD/PhD.
At least 10 years experience in clinical and translational research.
Proven leadership in early clinical development, biomarker strategy, and translational medicine.
Demonstrated success in advancing immunology assets from discovery through clinical proof‑of‑concept and beyond.
Proven track record in clinical research in the pharmaceutical industry and clinical care of patient populations.
Demonstrated record of scientific scholarship and achievement; research expertise in any immunology field is preferred.
Strong interpersonal, writing, and presentation skills, and ability to function in a team environment.
Required Skills
Clinical Development
Clinical Immunology
Clinical Judgment
Clinical Research
Clinical Trial Planning
Dermatology
Gastroenterology
Immunology
Innovation
Pharmaceutical Research
Results‑Oriented
Rheumatology
Scientific Research
Strategic Leadership
Translational Medicine
Translational Research
Preferred Skills
Current employees apply HERE.
Current contingent workers apply HERE.
Work Location & Travel
Remote (hybrid work model). U.S. Hybrid Work Model: three on‑site days per week (Monday‑Thursday) and Friday remote.
Travel may be required for scientific meetings.
VISA Sponsorship: none.
Flexible work arrangements: remote.
Compensation & Benefits
Salary range: $304,800.00 – $479,800.00.
Annual bonus and long‑term incentive, if applicable.
Comprehensive benefits: medical, dental, vision, retirement, 401(k), paid holidays, vacation, and compassionate/sick days.
Equal Employment Opportunity As an Equal Employment Opportunity Employer, we provide equal opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibit discrimination on the basis of race, color, age, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, protected veteran status, disability status, or other applicable legally protected characteristics. Lawful federal contractors are enlisted as protected veteran and individuals with disabilities. For more information about personal rights under U.S. EEO laws, visit EEOC guidelines.
Legal and Regulatory Statements U.S. Hybrid Work Model and other contractual statements apply as described on our official careers site.
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Distinguished Scientist, Translational Medicine, Immunology
role at
Merck
Translational Medicine in our Research and Development (R&D) division manages key stages in drug development, collaborating with scientific, regulatory, and statistical teams to turn preclinical discoveries into clinical-ready compounds. We seek a qualified physician-scientist with industry and academic research experience for our team.
Job Overview The Distinguished Scientist in Translational Medicine, Immunology leads the strategic direction of our Immunology pipeline, building on the Senior Principal Scientist role. This position involves enterprise-level leadership, cross‑functional influence, and strategic decision‑making. Ideal candidates are visionary physician‑scientists with expertise in Immunology (e.g., Dermatology, Rheumatology, Gastroenterology), a strong record in translational and clinical research, and experience translating discoveries into therapies. Our main collaboration is with teams in Boston, MA, but remote work is an option.
Translational Medicine Responsibilities
Contribute to the identification of novel targets by partnering with discovery research teams to bring clinical insight into the earliest stages of target identification and validation, and execute clinical studies to evaluate relevance of potential targets to human disease.
Develop biomarker strategies through cross‑functional teams that provide line‑of‑sight from First‑in‑Human studies through clinical Proof‑of‑Concept, including experimental medicine studies to establish and/or validate novel clinical biomarker platforms.
Develop and execute the early clinical development strategy for novel therapy/Immunology programs from preclinical candidate approval through clinical Proof‑of‑Concept (Phase 2a), and execute clinical pharmacology strategies for late‑stage development programs from Proof‑of‑Concept (Phase 2a) through worldwide marketing application.
Strategic Leadership & Vision
Define and drive the scientific strategy for Translational Medicine in Immunology across the portfolio.
Serve as a key advisor to executive leadership on Immunology R&D strategy, portfolio prioritization, and investment decisions.
Lead cross‑functional scientific forums and governance bodies to ensure alignment and excellence in translational strategy within Immunology.
Scientific Innovation & Execution
Champion the integration of novel biomarkers, imaging platforms, and mechanistic endpoints into early clinical development.
Guide the design and execution of complex Phase 0/Phase I/Phase Ib studies, ensuring safe and timely execution of Phase I studies with close collaboration with internal and external clinical study support staff and scientists.
Provide clinical pharmacology support for programs through worldwide marketing application filing, including supportive registration documents and presentations.
Provide clear, timely communication and interpretation of study results to therapeutic area governance, functional area experts, and development review committees.
Contribute to assessment of internal and external opportunities identified by Business Development and Licensing.
Lead early development strategy for novel Immunology assets and therapeutics, including authoring initial clinical and biomarker plans for lead optimization, early‑clinical development plans for preclinical candidate molecules, Phase 1a/1b trials, and clinical pharmacology studies for programs in Phases I through IV.
Cross‑functional Collaboration
Interface with Discovery, Preclinical, Regulatory, Biostatistics, Modeling & Simulation, and Clinical Operations to ensure seamless translation from bench to bedside.
Provide strategic input into global regulatory interactions, including specification setting and response to agency feedback.
Mentorship & Talent Development
Serve as a scientific mentor and role model across Translational Medicine and broader R&D.
Foster a culture of innovation, scientific rigor, and continuous learning.
May lead a team of junior clinical directors.
Education & Minimum Experience
MD or MD/PhD.
At least 10 years experience in clinical and translational research.
Proven leadership in early clinical development, biomarker strategy, and translational medicine.
Demonstrated success in advancing immunology assets from discovery through clinical proof‑of‑concept and beyond.
Proven track record in clinical research in the pharmaceutical industry and clinical care of patient populations.
Demonstrated record of scientific scholarship and achievement; research expertise in any immunology field is preferred.
Strong interpersonal, writing, and presentation skills, and ability to function in a team environment.
Required Skills
Clinical Development
Clinical Immunology
Clinical Judgment
Clinical Research
Clinical Trial Planning
Dermatology
Gastroenterology
Immunology
Innovation
Pharmaceutical Research
Results‑Oriented
Rheumatology
Scientific Research
Strategic Leadership
Translational Medicine
Translational Research
Preferred Skills
Current employees apply HERE.
Current contingent workers apply HERE.
Work Location & Travel
Remote (hybrid work model). U.S. Hybrid Work Model: three on‑site days per week (Monday‑Thursday) and Friday remote.
Travel may be required for scientific meetings.
VISA Sponsorship: none.
Flexible work arrangements: remote.
Compensation & Benefits
Salary range: $304,800.00 – $479,800.00.
Annual bonus and long‑term incentive, if applicable.
Comprehensive benefits: medical, dental, vision, retirement, 401(k), paid holidays, vacation, and compassionate/sick days.
Equal Employment Opportunity As an Equal Employment Opportunity Employer, we provide equal opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibit discrimination on the basis of race, color, age, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, protected veteran status, disability status, or other applicable legally protected characteristics. Lawful federal contractors are enlisted as protected veteran and individuals with disabilities. For more information about personal rights under U.S. EEO laws, visit EEOC guidelines.
Legal and Regulatory Statements U.S. Hybrid Work Model and other contractual statements apply as described on our official careers site.
#J-18808-Ljbffr