Regional Medical Scientific Director (Medical Science Liaison) - Ophthalmology (
Merck, Birmingham, AL, United States
Job Description
The Regional Medical Scientific Director (RMSD) is a credentialed (i.e., 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 on-boarding and/or sharing of therapeutic expertise.
Location Details This role covers South Dakota, North Dakota, Nebraska, Kansas, Oklahoma, Arkansas, Louisiana, Mississippi, & Alabama. 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 dynamic scientific and clinical environment in the Company's Areas of Interest (AOI) 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 the 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 efforts to achieve study milestones
Protocol lead responsibilities 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, 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 a diverse and inclusive workforce
Required Qualifications, Skills, & Experience Minimum Requirements
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
A thorough 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
Medical Affairs
Ophthalmology
Optometry
Pharmaceutical Medical Affairs
Professional Networking
Scientific Communications
Scientific Research
Stakeholder Management
Resident Eligibility 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.
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. 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.
U.S. Hybrid Work Model Effective September 5, 2023, employees in office-based positions in the U.S. will be working a Hybrid work consisting of three total days on-site per week, Monday - Thursday, although the specific days may vary by site or organization, with Friday designated as a remote-working day, unless business critical tasks require an on-site presence. This Hybrid work model does not apply to, and daily in-person attendance is required for, field-based positions; facility-based, manufacturing-based, or research-based positions where the work to be performed is located at a Company site; positions covered by a collective-bargaining agreement (unless the agreement provides for hybrid work); or any other position for which the Company has determined the job requirements cannot be reasonably met working remotely. Please note, this Hybrid work model guidance also does not apply to roles that have been designated as “remote”.
Salary Range $190,800.00 - $300,300.00
Benefits 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.
Application Information Application deadline for this position is stated on this posting. 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).
Other Work Information Employee Status: Regular
Relocation: No relocation
VISA Sponsorship: No
Travel Requirements: 50%
Flexible Work Arrangements: Remote
Shift: Not Indicated
Valid Driving License: Yes
Hazardous Material(s): n/a
Job Posting End Date: 04/3/2026
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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 on-boarding and/or sharing of therapeutic expertise.
Location Details This role covers South Dakota, North Dakota, Nebraska, Kansas, Oklahoma, Arkansas, Louisiana, Mississippi, & Alabama. 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 dynamic scientific and clinical environment in the Company's Areas of Interest (AOI) 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 the 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 efforts to achieve study milestones
Protocol lead responsibilities 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, 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 a diverse and inclusive workforce
Required Qualifications, Skills, & Experience Minimum Requirements
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
A thorough 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
Medical Affairs
Ophthalmology
Optometry
Pharmaceutical Medical Affairs
Professional Networking
Scientific Communications
Scientific Research
Stakeholder Management
Resident Eligibility 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.
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. 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.
U.S. Hybrid Work Model Effective September 5, 2023, employees in office-based positions in the U.S. will be working a Hybrid work consisting of three total days on-site per week, Monday - Thursday, although the specific days may vary by site or organization, with Friday designated as a remote-working day, unless business critical tasks require an on-site presence. This Hybrid work model does not apply to, and daily in-person attendance is required for, field-based positions; facility-based, manufacturing-based, or research-based positions where the work to be performed is located at a Company site; positions covered by a collective-bargaining agreement (unless the agreement provides for hybrid work); or any other position for which the Company has determined the job requirements cannot be reasonably met working remotely. Please note, this Hybrid work model guidance also does not apply to roles that have been designated as “remote”.
Salary Range $190,800.00 - $300,300.00
Benefits 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.
Application Information Application deadline for this position is stated on this posting. 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).
Other Work Information Employee Status: Regular
Relocation: No relocation
VISA Sponsorship: No
Travel Requirements: 50%
Flexible Work Arrangements: Remote
Shift: Not Indicated
Valid Driving License: Yes
Hazardous Material(s): n/a
Job Posting End Date: 04/3/2026
#J-18808-Ljbffr