Executive Director, Asset Development Team Leader
Merck, North Wales, PA, United States
Job Description
The Executive Director has the primary responsibility for strategy, oversight, and delivery of end‑to‑end activities involving new or marketed drug(s) for oncology indications. The Executive Director leads the team responsible for the cross‑functional delivery of critical milestones in an oncology asset’s lifecycle, spanning discovery through reimbursement, integrating the scientific, commercial, and manufacturing aspects critical to delivering clinically beneficial medicines to the right patients. The key to success is bearing the primary responsibility for developing, aligning, executing, and communicating the overall asset strategy.
Specifically, The Executive Director May Be Responsible For
Creation, alignment, execution, and adaptation of the asset strategy cross‑functionally
Lead the asset development team to maximize the asset’s potential
Identifying registrational opportunities for pre‑clinical and early clinical candidates which have potential to become medicines
Evaluating pre‑clinical and translational work for the purpose of strategizing early clinical development plan and Investigational New Drug applications in context of potential registration
Working with relevant clinical teams to develop clinical development strategies for investigational or marketed assets that incorporate the latest scientific developments, regulatory requirements, the competitive landscape, and commercial considerations
Prioritizing clinical trials (design, operational plans, settings) based on these clinical development strategies for what is optimal for the asset in the context of internal and external factors
Support asset specific biomarker strategy and diagnostic readiness
Support asset specific safety management such as safety governance meetings, dose adjustments, supportive care optimization
Leading development and communication of the messaging around the asset and the asset strategy
Lead interactions with governance to secure alignment and support for asset development
Participation in internal and joint internal/ external research project teams relevant to the development of new compounds, and the further study of marketed compounds and support of business development assessments of external opportunities.
The Executive Director may manage other Directors and/or Senior Directors on the asset development team
Mentoring and career development for direct reports (when applicable) will be a key function of the role.
To Accomplish These Goals, The Executive Director May
Work across teams and functions internally and/or externally (i.e. via collaborations)
Manage a complex matrix of internal stakeholders within clinical development (i.e. across existing PDTs and TAs) and across functions
Travel on company business about twenty (20) percent of the time to manage future or ongoing clinical research projects.
Education
M.D., or MD/PhD with experience in oncology
Board certified or board eligible in hematology, medical oncology, radiation oncology, surgical oncology or related disciplines preferred; candidates with an equivalent combination of medical training and experience will be considered.
Required Experience And Skills
Minimum of 5 years of industry experience in drug development in a relevant therapeutic area
Minimum of 5 years of clinical experience
Has designed, executed, and reported out phase 3 or registrational studies; has supported or led submission activities for labels, supported in post approval launch readiness such as publication planning, guideline submission, HTA negotiations.
Experience navigating a matrixed structure including shepherding studies/concepts through internal governance boards
Expertise as clinical lead for interactions with regulatory agencies. Experience preferred for the following: dose justification; phase 3 design; BLA/sBLA, global submissions and diagnostic use
Experience and understanding of asset and org needs for commercialization and reimbursement of approved medicines
Understanding the impact of drug manufacturing parameters on drug development execution
Management of external Key Opinion Leaders in Clinical Development and Medical Affairs activities
Strong interpersonal skills, as well as the ability to function in a team environment are essential
High level of verbal and written communication, including presentation skills.
Strong learning agility and growth mindset
Experience with multiple modalities of therapies (biologics, small molecules, etc.)
Required Skills Asset Development, Business Mindset, Clinical Development, Clinical Research, Clinical Trials, Consultative Approach, Drug Development, Hematology, Innovation, Leadership, Medical Research, Oncology, Results‑Oriented, Safety Management, Scientific Consulting, Strategic Leadership
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.
Requirements 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 U.S. 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 $310,900.00 – $489,400.00
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 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 for this position is stated on this posting.
Location Requirements 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 Merck & Co., Inc., 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.
Additional Details Requisition ID: R386769 Job Posting End Date: 03/31/2026
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Specifically, The Executive Director May Be Responsible For
Creation, alignment, execution, and adaptation of the asset strategy cross‑functionally
Lead the asset development team to maximize the asset’s potential
Identifying registrational opportunities for pre‑clinical and early clinical candidates which have potential to become medicines
Evaluating pre‑clinical and translational work for the purpose of strategizing early clinical development plan and Investigational New Drug applications in context of potential registration
Working with relevant clinical teams to develop clinical development strategies for investigational or marketed assets that incorporate the latest scientific developments, regulatory requirements, the competitive landscape, and commercial considerations
Prioritizing clinical trials (design, operational plans, settings) based on these clinical development strategies for what is optimal for the asset in the context of internal and external factors
Support asset specific biomarker strategy and diagnostic readiness
Support asset specific safety management such as safety governance meetings, dose adjustments, supportive care optimization
Leading development and communication of the messaging around the asset and the asset strategy
Lead interactions with governance to secure alignment and support for asset development
Participation in internal and joint internal/ external research project teams relevant to the development of new compounds, and the further study of marketed compounds and support of business development assessments of external opportunities.
The Executive Director may manage other Directors and/or Senior Directors on the asset development team
Mentoring and career development for direct reports (when applicable) will be a key function of the role.
To Accomplish These Goals, The Executive Director May
Work across teams and functions internally and/or externally (i.e. via collaborations)
Manage a complex matrix of internal stakeholders within clinical development (i.e. across existing PDTs and TAs) and across functions
Travel on company business about twenty (20) percent of the time to manage future or ongoing clinical research projects.
Education
M.D., or MD/PhD with experience in oncology
Board certified or board eligible in hematology, medical oncology, radiation oncology, surgical oncology or related disciplines preferred; candidates with an equivalent combination of medical training and experience will be considered.
Required Experience And Skills
Minimum of 5 years of industry experience in drug development in a relevant therapeutic area
Minimum of 5 years of clinical experience
Has designed, executed, and reported out phase 3 or registrational studies; has supported or led submission activities for labels, supported in post approval launch readiness such as publication planning, guideline submission, HTA negotiations.
Experience navigating a matrixed structure including shepherding studies/concepts through internal governance boards
Expertise as clinical lead for interactions with regulatory agencies. Experience preferred for the following: dose justification; phase 3 design; BLA/sBLA, global submissions and diagnostic use
Experience and understanding of asset and org needs for commercialization and reimbursement of approved medicines
Understanding the impact of drug manufacturing parameters on drug development execution
Management of external Key Opinion Leaders in Clinical Development and Medical Affairs activities
Strong interpersonal skills, as well as the ability to function in a team environment are essential
High level of verbal and written communication, including presentation skills.
Strong learning agility and growth mindset
Experience with multiple modalities of therapies (biologics, small molecules, etc.)
Required Skills Asset Development, Business Mindset, Clinical Development, Clinical Research, Clinical Trials, Consultative Approach, Drug Development, Hematology, Innovation, Leadership, Medical Research, Oncology, Results‑Oriented, Safety Management, Scientific Consulting, Strategic Leadership
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.
Requirements 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 U.S. 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 $310,900.00 – $489,400.00
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 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 for this position is stated on this posting.
Location Requirements 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 Merck & Co., Inc., 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.
Additional Details Requisition ID: R386769 Job Posting End Date: 03/31/2026
#J-18808-Ljbffr