Associate Principal Scientist - Clinical Research

Job Description

We aspire to be the premier research-intensive biopharmaceutical company. At our company, we are at the forefront of research to deliver innovative health solutions that advance the prevention and treatment of diseases in people and animals. Join us in our mission to use the power of leading-edge science to save and improve lives around the world.

The Associate Principal Scientist is the primary clinical study team leader and has overall responsibility for a study. The Associate Principal Scientist can also be responsible for several effectiveness studies within a project, participating as the clinical representative in project teams as assigned.

Responsibilities

• Design and conduct clinical studies that adhere to scientific, regulatory, and ethical requirements used for support in the registration of animal health products.
• Design and organize paper and Electronic Data Capture clinical studies by setting objectives, budget, resources, timelines, and study protocol/related documentation.
• Provide overall leadership and support to the clinical study team.
• Identify and select Investigators, laboratories, and/or CROs.
• Apply for the necessary study permits and licenses with the support of local regulatory staff within the specified study timeline.
• Train the study team on the Study Protocol.
• Ensure the timely selection and ordering of study materials.
• Ensure compliance of administrative aspects of the study (budgets and agreements) with the applicable laws and our company's policies and procedures.
• Plan and coordinate the monitoring and data management activities of each study.
• Ensure that the study is conducted according to legal requirements, Good Clinical Practice, and the applicable internal policies and procedures.
• Prepare the Final Study Report.
• Maintain contact with all stakeholders (project leader, regulatory affairs, quality assurance, etc.) and keep them informed of the study progress.
• May serve as the Global Clinical Research representative in the project team.
• Assume responsibility for certain monitoring and data management tasks (e.g., User Acceptance Test of electronic Case Report Forms).
• Develop and maintain a network of internal and external clinical and scientific contacts and key opinion leaders in relevant fields.
• Serve as a contact and liaison with other internal departments on specific projects, and with external partners, such as universities or regulatory authorities.
• Prepare critical summaries and expert reports to management and/or for submission to regulatory agencies.
• Supervise trainees and provide mentorship and support to other Global Clinical Research staff.
• Provide scientific and technical support to the marketing groups for key molecules/products and clinical research expertise upon request.
• Conduct post-marketing studies.
• Prepare scientific publications according to the needs of the company.

Qualifications

Required

• Doctor of Veterinary Medicine, OR equivalent veterinary degree.
• Four (4) years in clinical research or a similar research role.
• Experience in a clinical study-related role.
• Strong scientific writing ability.
• Principled verbal and written communications.
• Proficient in MS Office applications.
• Understanding of Good Clinical Practice guidelines.

Required Skills:

Biomarker Assay Development, Clinical Site Management, Clinical Study Design, Clinical Trials Operations, Detail-Oriented, Ethical Compliance, Ethical Standards, Good Clinical Practice (GCP), Medical Writing, Multiple Therapeutic Areas, Patient Recruitment, Scientific Writing, Veterinary Research

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 a federal contractor, we comply with all affirmative action requirements for protected veterans and individuals with disabilities.  For more information about personal rights under the U.S. Equal Opportunity Employment laws, visit:

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We are proud to be a company that embraces the value of bringing together, talented, and committed people with diverse experiences, perspectives, skills and backgrounds. The fastest way to breakthrough innovation is when people with diverse ideas, broad experiences, backgrounds, and skills come together in an inclusive environment. We encourage our colleagues to respectfully challenge one another’s thinking and approach problems collectively.

Learn more about your rights, including under California, Colorado and other US State Acts

The primary location for this posting is:

USA - New Jersey - Rahway

Where required by law, the compensation range for this role is provided below.

The salary range for the primary location of this role is:

$142,400.00 - $224,100.00

This range reflects the Company's reasonable expectation of the base salary applicable to this role at the time of 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.

Additional location(s): Please note the salary range above applies to the Primary Location of the position. Where a role has other listed locations, different compensation guidelines may apply. You may find the salary ranges for additional locations below. If the salary range is not listed for the location you are applying to, our Talent Acquisition team will provide further information to you relevant to your location.

Additional location(s) Compensation Information:

San Francisco Residents Only: We will consider qualified applicants with arrest and conviction records for employment in compliance with the San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance

Los Angeles Residents Only: We will consider for employment all qualified applicants, including those with criminal histories, in a manner consistent with the requirements of applicable state and local laws, including the City of Los Angeles’ Fair Chance Initiative for Hiring Ordinance

Search Firm Representatives Please Read Carefully 
Merck & Co., Inc., Rahway, NJ, USA, also known as Merck Sharp & Dohme LLC, Rahway, NJ, USA, does not accept unsolicited assistance from search firms for employment opportunities. All CVs / resumes submitted by search firms to any employee at our company without a valid written search agreement in place for this position will be deemed the sole property of our company.  No fee will be paid in the event a candidate is hired by our company as a result of an agency referral where no pre-existing agreement is in place. Where agency agreements are in place, introductions are position specific. Please, no phone calls or emails. 

Employee Status:

Regular

Relocation:

Domestic

VISA Sponsorship:

No

Travel Requirements:

25%

Flexible Work Arrangements:

Hybrid

Shift:

1st - Day

Valid Driving License:

No

Hazardous Material(s):

n/a

Job Posting End Date:

11/24/2026

*A job posting is effective until 11:59:59PM on the day BEFORE the listed job posting end date. Please ensure you apply to a job posting no later than the day BEFORE the job posting end date.