Senior Scientist, Clinical Research Full-time

Early Clinical Scientist

The Early Clinical Scientist coordinates the design, planning and execution of early phase clinical trials with the Clinical Director, and internal/external team members. Oversees trials within and/or across program(s)/therapeutic areas and ensures excellence in execution/compliance to support study objectives and data validity. Manages internal/external team performance to achieve project objectives and resolves project performance issues if they arise.

Ensures appropriate clinical safety assessment and risk management of compounds. Conducts real-time oversight of ongoing trials to identify and mitigate patient, study design, data or study conduct issues. Reviews and interprets clinical trial data. May conduct on-site study monitoring, including site training & supervision of complex, novel endpoint/biomarker collection processes. Applies thorough knowledge of GCP, ICH guidelines and regulatory requirements for clinical development.

Represents Early Stage Development on cross-functional teams to develop and/or improve internal job aids/SOP/clinical development procedures. Identifies and communicates best practices within the organization. Promotes departmental adaptation of new procedures.

Technical Writing & Communications

Co-authors clinical sections of protocols, clinical investigator brochures, clinical study reports, Worldwide Marketing Application/Common Technical Document (WMA/CTD) subsections, and regulatory agency update and safety reports, as well as clinical development plans, publications, and abstracts. Ensures documents are completed in accordance with applicable standards. Develops study operational documents with input from team members (e.g. site monitoring plan, study operations manual, informed consent, etc.).

Project Management

Manages trial and program projects including team activities (i.e. meetings, document/collaborative workspace management, etc.), provides risk assessment and contingency planning, under accelerated timelines. Familiar with early drug development processes, building knowledge and skills to effectively manage additional processes/procedures.

Education Minimum Requirement:

• Degree in Life Sciences
• Bachelor's degree and ≥6 years related* experience, OR
• Master's degree and ≥4 years related* experience, OR
• PhD or doctorate with ≥2 years related* experience

*e.g., knowledge of clinical trial management and trial execution; clinical site training/monitoring; medical and regulatory writing

Required Experience and Skills:

• At least 3 years experience in an operational clinical scientist or study manager role in clinical research at a pharmaceutical or biotech company.
• Understanding of clinical research development process from program planning to regulatory submission
• Able to quickly develop a working scientific knowledge of different therapeutic areas
• Ability to manage complex operations and projects under accelerated timelines
• Scientific, medical and/or safety writing and reporting (at least one is required)
• Ability to partner effectively with internal and external teams to achieve results
• Strong team collaboration, leadership, communication (written & verbal), issue identification and resolution skills
• Knowledge of GCP, ICH guidelines and regulatory requirements

Preferred Experience and Skills:

• Global Phase I subject and patient trials, safety reporting, and regulatory WMA submission experience a plus.
• Experience managing Immunology and/or vaccine trials with an ability to think outside of the box, explore novel ways of working and comfortably navigate ambiguity to drive results also a plus.

Required Skills:

Adaptability, Biopharmaceutical Industry, Clinical Development, Clinical Research, Clinical Study Management, Clinical Trial Planning, Clinical Trials, Clinical Trials Analysis, Drug Development, Ethical Compliance, Ethical Standards, ICH GCP Guidelines, Immunology, Medical Writing, Multiple Therapeutic Areas, Phase I Studies, Project Management, Protocol Development, Regulatory Requirements, Regulatory Submissions, Regulatory Writing, Risk Assessments, Scientific Publications, Technical Writing

Preferred Skills:

The salary range for this role is $117,000.00 – $184,200.00

This is the lowest to highest salary we in good faith believe we would pay for this role at the time of this posting. 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.

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.