Regional Medical Scientific Director (Medical Science Liaison) - Ophthalmology (
Merck, Madison, WI, United States
Job Description
Role Summary
Credentials: Ph.D. or equivalent (PharmD, OD, DO, MD) and a therapeutic and disease expert engaged in bidirectional scientific/medical exchanges with Scientific Leaders, delivering balanced, factual, scientific information on non‑product areas and responding to product‑related queries.
Liaises between the scientific community and the company to enhance understanding of scientific foundations and goals for approved and evolving trials as well as investigator‑sponsored studies, and serves as a role model for field medical team members, supporting onboarding and expertise sharing.
Location: Pacific Northwest (WA, OR, ID, MT, WY, AK). Candidates must reside within the territory and be able to travel up to 50% (including overnight) within the territory.
Responsibilities and Primary Activities Scientific Exchange
Develop professional relationships and engage with national and regional Scientific Leaders to ensure access to company‑approved medical and scientific information.
Conduct peer‑to‑peer scientific discussions and maintain reliable presence with Scientific Leaders, ensuring they have a medical contact within the company.
Address scientific questions and redirect Scientific Leader inquiries that fall outside of scope to appropriate company resources.
Maintain current knowledge 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 Scientific Leaders and/or investigators to exchange science/data within AOI, assessing alignment with research strategies, study concepts, scientific merit, and qualifications for specific compounds or trials.
Enhance understanding of scientific foundations and goals of investigator‑sponsored research.
Identify barriers to patient enrollment and retention to achieve study milestones.
Upon request from Global Clinical Trial Operations (GCTO), recommend study sites and identify potential investigators for phase II–IV clinical development programs, conduct Site Initiation Visits, and detect enrollment barriers.
Lead protocol responsibilities in collaboration with GCTO.
Address investigator questions 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 to help the company better understand medical or scientific needs, priorities, or concerns of Scientific Leaders and/or patients.
Inclusive Mindset and Behavior
Demonstrate eagerness to contribute to an environment that values 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
Minimum of 2 years of Eye Care experience beyond 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
Thorough comprehension of FDA, OIG, HIPAA, and other ethical guidelines 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
Consistent adherence to field and corporate policies and Global Medical Scientific Affairs (GMSA) strategy, including SOPs, GCP guidelines, and operational responsibilities
Preferred
Retina field‑based medical experience
Required Skills
Clinical Care
Clinical Research
Medical Affairs
Ophthalmology
Pharmaceutical Medical Affairs
Salary: $190,800 – $300,300. Eligible for annual bonus and long‑term incentive, if applicable.
Benefits include medical, dental, vision, retirement (401(k)), paid holidays, vacation, and compassionate and sick days.
EEO statement: As an Equal Employment Opportunity Employer, we provide equal opportunities and prohibit discrimination based on 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 affirmative action requirements for protected veterans and individuals with disabilities.
Job Posting End Date: 04/17/2026. Requisition ID: R392152.
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Credentials: Ph.D. or equivalent (PharmD, OD, DO, MD) and a therapeutic and disease expert engaged in bidirectional scientific/medical exchanges with Scientific Leaders, delivering balanced, factual, scientific information on non‑product areas and responding to product‑related queries.
Liaises between the scientific community and the company to enhance understanding of scientific foundations and goals for approved and evolving trials as well as investigator‑sponsored studies, and serves as a role model for field medical team members, supporting onboarding and expertise sharing.
Location: Pacific Northwest (WA, OR, ID, MT, WY, AK). Candidates must reside within the territory and be able to travel up to 50% (including overnight) within the territory.
Responsibilities and Primary Activities Scientific Exchange
Develop professional relationships and engage with national and regional Scientific Leaders to ensure access to company‑approved medical and scientific information.
Conduct peer‑to‑peer scientific discussions and maintain reliable presence with Scientific Leaders, ensuring they have a medical contact within the company.
Address scientific questions and redirect Scientific Leader inquiries that fall outside of scope to appropriate company resources.
Maintain current knowledge 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 Scientific Leaders and/or investigators to exchange science/data within AOI, assessing alignment with research strategies, study concepts, scientific merit, and qualifications for specific compounds or trials.
Enhance understanding of scientific foundations and goals of investigator‑sponsored research.
Identify barriers to patient enrollment and retention to achieve study milestones.
Upon request from Global Clinical Trial Operations (GCTO), recommend study sites and identify potential investigators for phase II–IV clinical development programs, conduct Site Initiation Visits, and detect enrollment barriers.
Lead protocol responsibilities in collaboration with GCTO.
Address investigator questions 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 to help the company better understand medical or scientific needs, priorities, or concerns of Scientific Leaders and/or patients.
Inclusive Mindset and Behavior
Demonstrate eagerness to contribute to an environment that values 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
Minimum of 2 years of Eye Care experience beyond 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
Thorough comprehension of FDA, OIG, HIPAA, and other ethical guidelines 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
Consistent adherence to field and corporate policies and Global Medical Scientific Affairs (GMSA) strategy, including SOPs, GCP guidelines, and operational responsibilities
Preferred
Retina field‑based medical experience
Required Skills
Clinical Care
Clinical Research
Medical Affairs
Ophthalmology
Pharmaceutical Medical Affairs
Salary: $190,800 – $300,300. Eligible for annual bonus and long‑term incentive, if applicable.
Benefits include medical, dental, vision, retirement (401(k)), paid holidays, vacation, and compassionate and sick days.
EEO statement: As an Equal Employment Opportunity Employer, we provide equal opportunities and prohibit discrimination based on 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 affirmative action requirements for protected veterans and individuals with disabilities.
Job Posting End Date: 04/17/2026. Requisition ID: R392152.
#J-18808-Ljbffr