Distinguished Scientist - Executive Director Clinical Research

The Distinguished Scientist , Team Leader of European Clinical Development (ECD), is responsible for collaborating on and implementing the clinical trial program from a European perspective for their assigned indications/therapeutic areas (TA) in Europe and other geographies. They lead a team of Clinical Directors and give a European perspective to the oncology program. Team Leaders run initiatives with the operational teams to optimize how trials are conducted and work closely with regulatory affairs to obtain market authorization for the indications under their supervision. Responsibilities and Primary Activities

• Leads and manages a group of Clinical and Senior Clinical Directors based in Europe, fostering a collaborative and innovative work environment that supports professional development
• Actively contributes to strategical planning, execution, and progress evaluation of oncology product development programs within the European region, covering early and late-stage development through clinical trials and regulatory submission
• Partners with the product development team (PDT) lead to define clinical development plans for assigned indications
• Contributes or supervises development of clinical documents including protocols, clinical study reports and background documents
• Collaborates closely with European clinical operations and regulatory affairs to ensure seamless coordination and alignment on development objectives and timelines
• Engages with key scientific leaders, academic institutions, and external partners within Europe to gain valuable insights into the evolving trends and needs of the European oncology landscape, informing our development strategy
• Effectively communicates development progress, challenges, and strategic recommendations to senior management and key stakeholders
• Organizes regular management reviews of the team's activities and progress
• Leads talent review process and demonstrates follow-through on Development Plans for the group of Clinical Directors.
• Leads on several European-directed and collaborative initiatives that drive company objectives, Merck & Co., Inc., Rahway, NJ, USA, also known as Merck Sharp & Dohme LLC, 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.
Employee Status: Regular Relocation: VISA Sponsorship: Travel Requirements: Flexible Work Arrangements: Hybrid Shift: Valid Driving License: Hazardous Material(s): Job Posting End Date: 01/6/2025
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  Advanced degree (MD, MD/PhD), 5+ years' experience in oncology clinical research. Prior industry experience strongly preferred
• Progressing drugs through various stages of clinical development, with an emphasis on late-stage development
• Planning and execution of strategies for product registration and commercialization / life-cycle management
• Recognized project management capabilities, enabling effective multitasking and timely project delivery
• Strong leadership skills with a proven track record of hiring, mentoring, and retaining top talent
• Demonstrated ability to collaborate and network well within the organization; widely recognized as an expert in drug development
• Proven ability to analyze, recommend, and communicate scientific information and influence team initiatives cross-functionally
• Flexibility, ability to adapt to company needs and operate in multiple indications
• Excellent English language written and oral communication skills