Regional Medical Scientific Director (Medical Science Liaison) - Ophthalmology (
Merck, Atlanta, GA, United States
Job Description
Role Summary
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 of a Regional Medical Scientific Director is aligned to Scientific Exchange, Research, Scientific Congress Support, and Scientific Insights.
Regional Medical Scientific 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 Regional Medical Scientific Director serves as a role model for other field medical team members in ways that include onboarding and/or sharing of therapeutic expertise.
Location This role covers
Northern California . 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 SLs to ensure they have a medical contact within the company.
Address scientific questions and direct SL inquiries on issues outside of the Regional Medical Scientific Director 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 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.
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 and empowerment.
Lead by example and serve as a role model for creating, leading, and retaining a 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.
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, and empowerment by:
Working to transform the environment, culture, and business landscape.
Leveraging to ensure business value, per global strategy.
Ensuring accountability to drive an inclusive culture.
Strengthening the foundational elements.
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 Care, Clinical Research, Medical Affairs, Ophthalmology, Pharmaceutical Medical Affairs.
Preferred Skills None.
Equal Employment Opportunity and Accommodation 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. If you need an accommodation during the application or hiring process, please let us know.
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
This range represents the lowest to highest salary we in good faith believe we would pay for this role at the time of this posting. An employee’s position within the salary range will be based on several factors including, but not limited to, relevant education, qualifications, certifications, experience, skills, geographic location, government requirements, and business or organizational needs.
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.
Eligibility 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.
Other Job Attributes Employee Status: Regular
Relocation: No
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: 04/17/2026
Requisition ID: R392138
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Regional Medical Scientific 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 Regional Medical Scientific Director serves as a role model for other field medical team members in ways that include onboarding and/or sharing of therapeutic expertise.
Location This role covers
Northern California . 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 SLs to ensure they have a medical contact within the company.
Address scientific questions and direct SL inquiries on issues outside of the Regional Medical Scientific Director 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 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.
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 and empowerment.
Lead by example and serve as a role model for creating, leading, and retaining a 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.
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, and empowerment by:
Working to transform the environment, culture, and business landscape.
Leveraging to ensure business value, per global strategy.
Ensuring accountability to drive an inclusive culture.
Strengthening the foundational elements.
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 Care, Clinical Research, Medical Affairs, Ophthalmology, Pharmaceutical Medical Affairs.
Preferred Skills None.
Equal Employment Opportunity and Accommodation 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. If you need an accommodation during the application or hiring process, please let us know.
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
This range represents the lowest to highest salary we in good faith believe we would pay for this role at the time of this posting. An employee’s position within the salary range will be based on several factors including, but not limited to, relevant education, qualifications, certifications, experience, skills, geographic location, government requirements, and business or organizational needs.
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.
Eligibility 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.
Other Job Attributes Employee Status: Regular
Relocation: No
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: 04/17/2026
Requisition ID: R392138
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