Principal Scientist, Respiratory Diseases Full-time

Experienced Scientist Opportunity In Respiratory Medicine

We are seeking an experienced scientist to join our team and drive innovation in respiratory medicine. The ideal candidate will bring deep expertise in respiratory drug development within a large pharmaceutical setting, with a strong track record of advancing programs from early discovery through clinical development. This role offers the opportunity to shape strategy, collaborate across disciplines, and deliver transformative therapies for patients with respiratory diseases.

Key Responsibilities:

• Lead or contribute to the discovery and development of novel respiratory medicines, from early research up to clinical development.
• Design and execute strategies for target identification, validation, and translational approaches in respiratory disease areas (e.g., COPD, asthma, pulmonary hypertension, NCFBE).
• Effectively manage and lead multiple projects, including experimental design, resource allocation, and timeline adherence, ensuring milestones are met and risks are proactively addressed.
• Collaborate cross-functionally with medicinal chemistry, pharmacology, clinical, and regulatory teams to advance pipeline programs.
• Interpret complex data sets and provide scientific leadership to guide decision-making.
• Stay current on emerging science, competitive landscape, and regulatory requirements in respiratory therapeutics.
• Manage and mentor junior scientists and foster a culture of innovation and collaboration.

Qualifications:

Education:

• Ph.D., Pharm.D. or M.D. in biology, pharmacology or related discipline and eight (8) years of respiratory drug development experience.

Required Experience and Skills:

• Proven track record of advancing respiratory programs from discovery through clinical phases.
• Strong understanding of respiratory disease biology, pharmacology, and translational science.
• Excellent communication and leadership skills; ability to influence across functions.

Preferred Experience and Skills:

• Deep understanding of the disease biology and pathophysiology for one or more respiratory diseases.
• Experience with inhaled drug delivery systems and formulation development.
• Proficiency in pharmacology, PK/PD modeling, and translational science for respiratory indications.
• Familiarity with preclinical models of respiratory diseases and biomarker strategies.
• Knowledge of regulatory requirements and clinical development considerations for respiratory medicines.
• Ability to leverage data analytics and digital tools to support decision-making.

Disease Research, Pharmacology, Project Leadership, Pulmonary Disease Research, Pulmonology, Respiratory Pharmacology, Translational Research

Required Skills:

Preferred Skills:

Our company is committed to inclusion, ensuring that candidates can engage in a hiring process that exhibits their true capabilities. Please click here if you need an accommodation during the application or hiring process.

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.

The salary range for this role is $172,700.00 – $271,900.00. This is the lowest to highest salary we in good faith believe we would pay for this role at the time of this posting.

The successful candidate will be eligible for annual bonus and long-term incentive, if applicable.

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.