Regional Medical Scientific Director (Medical Science Liaison) - Ophthalmology (
Merck, Washington, District of Columbia, United States
Role Summary
The Regional Medical Scientific Director (RMSD) 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 of an RMSD is aligned to Scientific Exchange, Research, Scientific Congress Support, and Scientific Insights. RMSDs liaise 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 RMSD serves as a role model for other field medical team members in ways that include onboarding and/or sharing of therapeutic expertise.
Location Details This role covers Washington DC, Maryland, & Virginia. 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 of RMSD 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 RMSD’s 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 our 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 (GCTO), 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 GCTO.
Address questions from investigators and provide information regarding participation in Company‑sponsored clinical studies.
Scientific Congress Support
Engage in scientific congresses and medical meetings, facilitating 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 a diverse and inclusive workforce.
Required Qualifications, Skills, & Experience - Minimum
PhD, PharmD, OD, DO, or MD.
Proven competence and a minimum of 2 years of eye‑care experience beyond that obtained in the terminal degree program.
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.
Comprehensive comprehension of FDA, OIG, HIPAA, and other ethical guidelines, laws, and regulations relevant to the pharmaceutical industry and its customers.
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 environment of belonging, engagement, equity, and empowerment by:
Working to transform the environment, culture, and business landscape.
Leveraging diversity and inclusion to ensure business value, per global diversity and inclusion strategy.
Ensuring accountability to drive an inclusive culture.
Strengthening the foundational elements of diversity.
Consistent adherence to field and corporate policies and Global Medical Scientific Affairs (GMSA) strategy, including field standard operating procedures (SOPs), Good Clinical Practice (GCP) guidelines, and administrative/operational responsibilities.
Preferred
Retina field‑based medical experience.
Required Skills Clinical Trials, Eye Care, Healthcare Management, Medical Affairs, Ophthalmology, Optometry, Pharmaceutical Medical Affairs, Professional Networking, Scientific Communications, Scientific Research, Stakeholder Engagement, Stakeholder Management.
Compensation Salary range: $190,800.00 – $300,300.00. The salary within this range will be based on several factors including 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.
Benefits We offer a comprehensive package of benefits, including medical, dental, vision, and other insurance benefits (for employee and family), retirement benefits including 401(k), paid holidays, vacation, and compassionate and sick days. More information is available at https://jobs.merck.com/us/en/compensation-and-benefits.
EEO 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. 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: EEOC Know Your Rights, EEOC GINA Supplement. 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.
Other Hiring Information U.S. Hybrid Work Model: effective September 5, 2023, employees in office‑based positions in the U.S. will work a hybrid model consisting of three total days on‑site per week, Monday‑Thursday, with Friday designated as a remote‑working day. This model does not apply to field‑based positions or those requiring daily in‑person attendance. Remote work is available for eligible roles.
Job Posting End Date 04/3/2026
Requisition ID R385458
#J-18808-Ljbffr
Location Details This role covers Washington DC, Maryland, & Virginia. 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 of RMSD 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 RMSD’s 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 our 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 (GCTO), 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 GCTO.
Address questions from investigators and provide information regarding participation in Company‑sponsored clinical studies.
Scientific Congress Support
Engage in scientific congresses and medical meetings, facilitating 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 a diverse and inclusive workforce.
Required Qualifications, Skills, & Experience - Minimum
PhD, PharmD, OD, DO, or MD.
Proven competence and a minimum of 2 years of eye‑care experience beyond that obtained in the terminal degree program.
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.
Comprehensive comprehension of FDA, OIG, HIPAA, and other ethical guidelines, laws, and regulations relevant to the pharmaceutical industry and its customers.
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 environment of belonging, engagement, equity, and empowerment by:
Working to transform the environment, culture, and business landscape.
Leveraging diversity and inclusion to ensure business value, per global diversity and inclusion strategy.
Ensuring accountability to drive an inclusive culture.
Strengthening the foundational elements of diversity.
Consistent adherence to field and corporate policies and Global Medical Scientific Affairs (GMSA) strategy, including field standard operating procedures (SOPs), Good Clinical Practice (GCP) guidelines, and administrative/operational responsibilities.
Preferred
Retina field‑based medical experience.
Required Skills Clinical Trials, Eye Care, Healthcare Management, Medical Affairs, Ophthalmology, Optometry, Pharmaceutical Medical Affairs, Professional Networking, Scientific Communications, Scientific Research, Stakeholder Engagement, Stakeholder Management.
Compensation Salary range: $190,800.00 – $300,300.00. The salary within this range will be based on several factors including 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.
Benefits We offer a comprehensive package of benefits, including medical, dental, vision, and other insurance benefits (for employee and family), retirement benefits including 401(k), paid holidays, vacation, and compassionate and sick days. More information is available at https://jobs.merck.com/us/en/compensation-and-benefits.
EEO 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. 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: EEOC Know Your Rights, EEOC GINA Supplement. 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.
Other Hiring Information U.S. Hybrid Work Model: effective September 5, 2023, employees in office‑based positions in the U.S. will work a hybrid model consisting of three total days on‑site per week, Monday‑Thursday, with Friday designated as a remote‑working day. This model does not apply to field‑based positions or those requiring daily in‑person attendance. Remote work is available for eligible roles.
Job Posting End Date 04/3/2026
Requisition ID R385458
#J-18808-Ljbffr