Associate Principal Scientist, Clinical Research

Merck & Co 4 Locations Updated 14 October 2026
PharmaClinical ResearchRegulatory AffairsQuality Assurancemedicalgcpctdmedical writingemacrorave

Job description

Job Description Translational Medicine (TMed) drives early clinical development of novel therapeutics by partnering with Discovery Sciences and Late-Stage Clinical Research to translate scientific discoveries into human proof-of-concept and advance the most promising candidates through the pipeline to patients. We design and execute clinical pharmacology trials strategies spanning first-in-human studies through proof-of-biology/proof-of-concept and into late-stage development, supporting worldwide marketing applications and lifecycle management. The Early Clinical Scientist (ECS) provides operational and scientific leadership for the design, planning, and execution of early-phase clinical trials and programs in collaboration with the Clinical Director and cross-functional teams. Accountable for the oversight, strategic direction, and execution of clinical trials and programs. Manages cross-functional team performance to achieve trial objectives. Ensures execution excellence and compliance with GCP, ICH, and regulatory requirements, supporting study objectives and the delivery of high-quality data. Ensures appropriate clinical safety assessment and risk management of compounds and provides real-time oversight of ongoing trials to identify and mitigate participant, study design, data, or study conduct issues. Reviews and interprets clinical trial data and may participate in on-site monitoring at clinical sites, including site training & supervision of complex, novel endpoint/biomarker collection processes. Represents Early-Stage Clinical Development on early development and product development teams. May lead development of departmental job aids/SOPs and participate in, or lead, cross-functional teams developing global clinical development procedures. Identifies and communicates best practices across the organization. Promotes departmental adaptation of new procedures and builds junior team members’ capabilities through proactive coaching, mentoring, and development opportunities. May represent the company at professional events. present clinical initiatives, projects, and/or clinical trial results. Technical Writing & Communications Responsible for authoring clinical protocols, investigator brochures, clinical study reports, health authority update reports, responses to regulatory agencies and audits/inspections, and other clinical and regulatory documents. Authors and coordinates the development of WMA/CTD subsections. Assist Clinical Directors with scientific leadership and investigator initiatives, including publications, meeting presentations, and due diligence activities. Ensures documents are completed in accordance with applicable standards. Develops study operational documents with input from team members, including site monitoring plans, study operations/laboratory manuals, risk language, and informed consents. Project Management Leads and directs teams through key study planning and execution activities, including program overviews, issue escalation and mitigation, senior management presentations, cross-functional governance meetings, and advisory meeting preparation. Manages trial and program projects, including team meetings and collaborative workspace/document management, while providing risk assessments and contingency planning under accelerated timelines. Education Minimum Requirement: Degree in Life Sciences. Bachelor’s degree and ≥11 years related* experience, OR Master’s degree and ≥8 years related* experience, OR PhD or doctorate degree and ≥3 years related* experience. *e.g., clinical trial management and trial execution; clinical site training/monitoring; medical and regulatory writing Required Experience and Skills: At least 6 years clinical trial experience in a clinical scientist or clinical operations role. Experience developing, implementing, and managing clinical programs and trials to ensure efficient, timely execution against milestones. Ability to think creatively, explore novel ways of working, and comfortably navigate ambiguity to drive results. Ability to solve complex problems and use independent judgment relating to regulations, guidelines, investigator interactions. Ability to quickly develop a working scientific knowledge of different therapeutic areas (ECSs have opportunities to support programs and trials in any therapeutic area based on portfolio needs). Demonstrated excellence in complex project management and effectively managing multiple projects/priorities; work effectively across boundaries, applying an understanding of cultural differences to communication and collaboration practices. Demonstrated excellence in scientific, medical/safety writing, and reporting. Ability to independently work across functional areas to make data-driven decisions as well as proactively identify, appropriately escalate, and plan for mitigations to potential issues within a study, program or initiative. Proven ability to partner effectively with external teams to achieve results. Effective communication (written and oral), problem solving and analytical skills. Working knowledge of GCP, ICH guidelines and regulatory requirements. Ability to mentor junior staff. Demonstrated leadership or participation in a cross-functional initiative to address a business gap or process improvement. Must act with courage and candor. Preferred Experience and Skills: At least 6 years Phase 1 Clinical trial experience. Global Phase 1 patient trials, safety reporting, and regulatory NDA/WMA submission experience. An advanced degree is desirable. Required Skills: Clinical Development, Clinical Reporting, Clinical Research, Clinical Study Design, Clinical Trial Development, Clinical Trials Monitoring, Clinical Trials Operations, Data Reporting, Good Clinical Practice (GCP), Medical Writing, Multiple Therapeutic Areas, Patient Recruitment, Procedure Manuals, Regulatory Management, Research Designs, Scientific Research, Scientific Writing, Study Design, Trial Design Preferred Skills: Current Employees apply HERE Current Contingent Workers apply HERE US and Puerto Rico Residents Only: 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. As</spa

Stand out for this role

NoxPharm tailors your CV to this job description by aligning your experience with the role requirements and terminology. Built for pharma & life sciences.

Tailor my CV now — free to try