Senior Director, Clinical Science, Gastrointestinal – Oncology

MSD

. Provide strategic Clinical Science leadership across the GI Oncology disease area, including multiple studies, programs, and assets .

Posted 10/21/2026full-timeUnited StatesSenior💰 $210,400 - $331,100 per yearWebsite

Core Competencies

Role fit

Core Competencies

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Demonstrates advanced expertise in Clinical Science leadership within GI Oncology, emphasizing clinical trial design, regulatory compliance, and cross-functional collaboration. Proven ability to manage and develop scientific talent while driving strategic initiatives and innovative practices in clinical development.

Highest-signal resume keywords

Clinical Research ManagementClinical Trial DesignOncology Data InterpretationPeople LeadershipTherapeutic Knowledge

ATS Keywords

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Applicant Tracking System Keywords

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Hard Skills

Clinical SciencesClinical DevelopmentStudy DesignClinical Data ReviewRegulatory SubmissionsPortfolio DiscussionsMatrix ManagementDrug DevelopmentEndpoint SelectionBiomarker Strategy

Soft Skills

Excellent CommunicationInfluenceExecutive Presentation SkillsCoachingMentoring

Tools & Technologies

Visual AnalyticsAI-Enabled WorkflowsCentralized Data Review

Industry Keywords

Gastrointestinal CancersClinical Drug DevelopmentPharmaceuticalBiotechnologyClinical Operations

About the role

Key responsibilities & impact

Provide strategic Clinical Science leadership across the GI Oncology disease area, including multiple studies, programs, and assets
Contribute Clinical Science input to disease area strategy, development opportunities, portfolio risks, and emerging data assessment
Partner with Section Heads, Asset Leads, Program Development Team Leads, and cross-functional leaders
Apply therapeutic expertise to study planning, data interpretation, issue resolution, and development strategy
Standardize Clinical Science approaches, medical data review practices, interpretation principles, and key deliverables
Promote consistency and establish leading practices across studies, programs, and assets
Advocate for visual analytics, centralized data review, AI-enabled workflows, and other innovative technologies
Guide interpretation of clinical data across studies, cohorts, and assets
Contribute to protocol development, amendments, study design, endpoint selection, eligibility criteria, and biomarker strategy
Serve as a Clinical Science subject matter resource for GI Oncology
Contribute to portfolio discussions, governance reviews, senior leadership meetings, and program reviews
Prepare and present clinical and scientific content, cross-study insights, assessments, and key issues
Translate portfolio priorities into Clinical Science strategies, capabilities, and resource plans
Directly manage Directors, Principal Scientists, and Clinical Scientists as appropriate
Set expectations and develop Clinical Science talent through coaching, mentoring, feedback, and development opportunities
Foster accountability, inclusion, continuous learning, and strong team performance
Partner with Clinical Operations, Regulatory Affairs, Biostatistics, Data Management, Drug Safety and Pharmacovigilance, Translational Medicine, Medical Affairs, and other functions
Ensure compliance with regulatory requirements, company policies, procedures, inspection readiness, and documentation standards
Identify continuous-improvement opportunities and maintain awareness of scientific, clinical, and regulatory developments

Requirements

What you’ll need

Advanced scientific or healthcare degree required (e.g., PhD, PharmD), or equivalent, with 8+ years of pharmaceutical, clinical drug development, and/or medical field experience preferred
OR Master’s degree, preferably in life sciences, with 12+ years of pharmaceutical, clinical drug development, and/or medical field experience
OR Bachelor’s degree, preferably in life sciences, with 15+ years of pharmaceutical, clinical drug development, and/or medical field experience
Significant experience in Clinical Development, Clinical Science, clinical drug development, or a related pharmaceutical or biotechnology function
Demonstrated Clinical Science leadership across multiple studies, programs, or assets
Deep therapeutic expertise in Gastrointestinal (GI) Cancers, including disease biology, treatment landscape, clinically relevant endpoints, and development considerations
Strong understanding of clinical trial design, clinical development strategy, clinical data review, and oncology data interpretation
Experience contributing to disease area strategy, portfolio discussions, or cross-program planning
Experience contributing to regulatory submissions, safety reviews, or health authority interactions
Experience working effectively in cross-functional teams within a matrix environment
Ability to integrate information across studies and programs for scientific and business decisions
Excellent communication, influence, and executive presentation skills
Demonstrated people leadership experience, including management, coaching, and development of scientific staff
Required skills: Clinical Research Management, Clinical Sciences, Clinical Trial Planning, Life Science, Matrix Management, Oncology, People Leadership, Study Design, Therapeutic Knowledge, Trial Design
Visa sponsorship not available
US and Puerto Rico residents only

Benefits

Comp & perks

Annual bonus eligibility
Long-term incentive eligibility, if applicable
Medical, dental, vision healthcare and other insurance benefits for employee and family
Retirement benefits, including 401(k)
Paid holidays
Vacation
Compassionate days
Sick days
Hybrid work arrangement
No relocation required