Regional Medical Scientific Director (Medical Science Liaison) - Ophthalmology (
Merck, Granite Heights, WI, United States
Job Description
The Regional Medical Scientific Director is a credentialed (PhD, PharmD, OD, DO, or MD) therapeutic and disease expert who engages in bidirectional exchange of scientific or medical information with Scientific Leaders (SLs). The role provides balanced, factual, scientific information about non-product areas of interest to the Company and replies to scientific questions from SLs, including questions about Company products. The work is aligned to Scientific Exchange, Research, Scientific Congress Support, and Scientific Insights.
The Director liaises between the scientific community and the Company to enhance the comprehension of scientific foundations and goals for approved, in-development, and active Company-sponsored trials and/or investigator-sponsored research studies. The Director serves as a role model for other field medical team members by onboarding and sharing therapeutic expertise.
Location Details This role covers the state of Texas. Candidates must reside within the territory and can travel up to 50% (with some overnight) within the territory.
Responsibilities and Primary Activities Scientific Exchange
Develop professional relationships and engage with national and regional SLs to ensure access to company-approved medical and scientific information on areas of therapeutic interest and Company products
Conduct peer-to-peer scientific discussions and maintain a reliable presence with those SLs to ensure they have a medical contact within the company
Address scientific questions and direct SL inquiries on issues outside the Director’s scope (e.g., grants) to appropriate company resources consistent with applicable policies
Maintain current knowledge and comprehension of the dynamic scientific and clinical environment in the Company’s Areas of Interest for the specific therapeutic area
Research
Upon request from Global Center for Scientific Affairs (GCSA):
Initiate discussions with SLs and/or potential investigators that include scientific/data exchange within our AOI to determine alignment with research strategies, study concepts, scientific merit, and qualifications for a specific compound or trial
Enhance the comprehension of the scientific foundations and goals of investigator-sponsored research
Identify barriers to patient enrollment and retention efforts to achieve study milestones
Upon request from Global Clinical Trial Operations:
Recommend study sites and identify potential investigators to participate in phase II–IV clinical development programs, conduct Site Initiation Visits (SIVs), and detect barriers to patient enrollment and retention to achieve study milestones
Serve as protocol lead in collaboration with Global Clinical Trial Operations
Address questions from investigators and provide information regarding participation in Company-sponsored clinical studies
Scientific Congress Support
Engage in scientific congresses and medical meetings, facilitate scientific and data exchange for both Company and competitor data
Scientific Insights
Gather feedback, data, or information during routine activities that can help the company better comprehend medical or scientific needs, priorities, or concerns of SLs and/or patients
Inclusive Mindset and Behavior
Demonstrate eagerness to contribute to an environment of belonging, inclusion, equity, and empowerment
Lead by example and serve as a role model for creating, leading, and retaining an inclusive workforce
Required Qualifications, Skills, and Experience Minimum
PhD, PharmD, OD, DO, or MD
Minimum of 2 years of eye‑care experience beyond terminal degree
Ability to conduct doctoral‑level discussions with key external stakeholders
Dedication to scientific excellence with a strong focus on scientific education and dialogue
Excellent stakeholder management, communication, and networking skills
Thorough comprehension of FDA, OIG, HIPAA, and other ethical guidelines, laws, and regulations relevant to the pharmaceutical industry
Ability to organize, prioritize, and work effectively in a constantly changing environment
Strong working knowledge of Microsoft Office Suite (Word, PowerPoint, Excel, Teams, OneNote)
Familiarity with virtual meeting platforms
Desire to contribute to an inclusive culture by working to transform the environment, leveraging inclusion, ensuring accountability, and strengthening the foundational elements
Consistent adherence to field and corporate policies and Global Medical Scientific Affairs (GMSA) strategy, including field SOPs, Good Clinical Practice (GCP) guidelines, and administrative/operational responsibilities
Preferred
Net retina field‑based medical experience
Required Skills
Eye Care, KOL Engagement, KOL Mapping, Medical Affairs, Ophthalmology, Optometry, Pharmaceutical Medical Affairs, Relationship Networking, Scientific Communications
Preferred Skills
Current Employees apply HERE
Current Contingent Workers apply HERE
Eligibility
US and Puerto Rico residents only
San Francisco residents only: Consider qualified applicants with arrest and conviction records under the Fair Chance Ordinance
Los Angeles residents only: Consider all qualified applicants, including those with criminal histories, consistent with local laws
EEOC Statement 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. 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 the EEOC website.
Additional Information
Hybrid work model: Effective September 5, 2023 employees in office‑based positions in the U.S. will work a hybrid schedule (three on‑site days per week, with Friday remote, unless business‑critical tasks require on‑site presence). Field‑based positions and positions requiring daily in‑person attendance are not covered.
Salary Range: $190,800.00 – $300,300.00. Successful candidates may be eligible for annual bonus and long‑term incentive. Benefits include medical, dental, vision, retirement (401(k)), paid holidays, vacation, and compassionate and sick days.
Relocation: No relocation. Visa Sponsorship: No. Travel Requirements: 50% within territory. Shift: Not indicated. Valid driving license: Yes. Hazardous material: N/A.
Job posting end date: 04/3/2026.
Requisition ID: R385436.
Application You can apply for this role through https://jobs.merck.com/us/en (or via the Workday Jobs Hub if you are a current employee). The application deadline is stated on this posting.
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The Director liaises between the scientific community and the Company to enhance the comprehension of scientific foundations and goals for approved, in-development, and active Company-sponsored trials and/or investigator-sponsored research studies. The Director serves as a role model for other field medical team members by onboarding and sharing therapeutic expertise.
Location Details This role covers the state of Texas. Candidates must reside within the territory and can travel up to 50% (with some overnight) within the territory.
Responsibilities and Primary Activities Scientific Exchange
Develop professional relationships and engage with national and regional SLs to ensure access to company-approved medical and scientific information on areas of therapeutic interest and Company products
Conduct peer-to-peer scientific discussions and maintain a reliable presence with those SLs to ensure they have a medical contact within the company
Address scientific questions and direct SL inquiries on issues outside the Director’s scope (e.g., grants) to appropriate company resources consistent with applicable policies
Maintain current knowledge and comprehension of the dynamic scientific and clinical environment in the Company’s Areas of Interest for the specific therapeutic area
Research
Upon request from Global Center for Scientific Affairs (GCSA):
Initiate discussions with SLs and/or potential investigators that include scientific/data exchange within our AOI to determine alignment with research strategies, study concepts, scientific merit, and qualifications for a specific compound or trial
Enhance the comprehension of the scientific foundations and goals of investigator-sponsored research
Identify barriers to patient enrollment and retention efforts to achieve study milestones
Upon request from Global Clinical Trial Operations:
Recommend study sites and identify potential investigators to participate in phase II–IV clinical development programs, conduct Site Initiation Visits (SIVs), and detect barriers to patient enrollment and retention to achieve study milestones
Serve as protocol lead in collaboration with Global Clinical Trial Operations
Address questions from investigators and provide information regarding participation in Company-sponsored clinical studies
Scientific Congress Support
Engage in scientific congresses and medical meetings, facilitate scientific and data exchange for both Company and competitor data
Scientific Insights
Gather feedback, data, or information during routine activities that can help the company better comprehend medical or scientific needs, priorities, or concerns of SLs and/or patients
Inclusive Mindset and Behavior
Demonstrate eagerness to contribute to an environment of belonging, inclusion, equity, and empowerment
Lead by example and serve as a role model for creating, leading, and retaining an inclusive workforce
Required Qualifications, Skills, and Experience Minimum
PhD, PharmD, OD, DO, or MD
Minimum of 2 years of eye‑care experience beyond terminal degree
Ability to conduct doctoral‑level discussions with key external stakeholders
Dedication to scientific excellence with a strong focus on scientific education and dialogue
Excellent stakeholder management, communication, and networking skills
Thorough comprehension of FDA, OIG, HIPAA, and other ethical guidelines, laws, and regulations relevant to the pharmaceutical industry
Ability to organize, prioritize, and work effectively in a constantly changing environment
Strong working knowledge of Microsoft Office Suite (Word, PowerPoint, Excel, Teams, OneNote)
Familiarity with virtual meeting platforms
Desire to contribute to an inclusive culture by working to transform the environment, leveraging inclusion, ensuring accountability, and strengthening the foundational elements
Consistent adherence to field and corporate policies and Global Medical Scientific Affairs (GMSA) strategy, including field SOPs, Good Clinical Practice (GCP) guidelines, and administrative/operational responsibilities
Preferred
Net retina field‑based medical experience
Required Skills
Eye Care, KOL Engagement, KOL Mapping, Medical Affairs, Ophthalmology, Optometry, Pharmaceutical Medical Affairs, Relationship Networking, Scientific Communications
Preferred Skills
Current Employees apply HERE
Current Contingent Workers apply HERE
Eligibility
US and Puerto Rico residents only
San Francisco residents only: Consider qualified applicants with arrest and conviction records under the Fair Chance Ordinance
Los Angeles residents only: Consider all qualified applicants, including those with criminal histories, consistent with local laws
EEOC Statement 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. 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 the EEOC website.
Additional Information
Hybrid work model: Effective September 5, 2023 employees in office‑based positions in the U.S. will work a hybrid schedule (three on‑site days per week, with Friday remote, unless business‑critical tasks require on‑site presence). Field‑based positions and positions requiring daily in‑person attendance are not covered.
Salary Range: $190,800.00 – $300,300.00. Successful candidates may be eligible for annual bonus and long‑term incentive. Benefits include medical, dental, vision, retirement (401(k)), paid holidays, vacation, and compassionate and sick days.
Relocation: No relocation. Visa Sponsorship: No. Travel Requirements: 50% within territory. Shift: Not indicated. Valid driving license: Yes. Hazardous material: N/A.
Job posting end date: 04/3/2026.
Requisition ID: R385436.
Application You can apply for this role through https://jobs.merck.com/us/en (or via the Workday Jobs Hub if you are a current employee). The application deadline is stated on this posting.
#J-18808-Ljbffr