Senior Director, Clinical Science, Oncology Early Development

MSD

. Provide strategic Clinical Science leadership across Oncology Early Development, including multiple studies, programs, and assets .

Posted 10/22/2026full-timeUnited StatesSenior💰 $210,400 - $331,100 per yearWebsite

Core Competencies

Role fit

Core Competencies

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Demonstrates expertise in Clinical Development and Oncology Early Development, with a strong focus on clinical trial design, data interpretation, and strategic leadership. Proven ability to integrate scientific insights and operational strategies to enhance decision-making and improve clinical outcomes.

Highest-signal resume keywords

Clinical DevelopmentOncology Disease BiologyClinical Trial DesignLeadership in Early-Phase StudiesCross-Functional Team Collaboration

ATS Keywords

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Applicant Tracking System Keywords

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Hard Skills

Clinical ResearchClinical SciencesClinical Study ManagementClinical Trial DevelopmentClinical Trial ManagementDose EscalationBiomarker StrategyTranslational MedicinePK/PD AssessmentSafety and Tolerability Assessment

Soft Skills

Excellent CommunicationInfluenceExecutive Presentation SkillsCoachingMentoring

Certifications & Qualifications

Advanced Scientific or Healthcare Degree

Industry Keywords

PharmaceuticalClinical Drug DevelopmentOncologyEarly Phase Clinical TrialsRegulatory SubmissionsHealth Authority InteractionsGovernance Discussions

About the role

Key responsibilities & impact

Provide strategic Clinical Science leadership across Oncology Early Development, including multiple studies, programs, and assets
Contribute to early clinical development strategy from candidate transition through first-in-human evaluation and clinical proof-of-concept
Integrate disease biology, mechanism of action, translational evidence, competitive landscape, and emerging data to identify opportunities, risks, and decision points
Connect insights across studies and assets to inform portfolio decisions and future development
Establish and advance Clinical Science standards for early development planning, medical data review, dose-escalation meetings, data interpretation, and key deliverables
Improve decision quality, operational efficiency, documentation, and inspection readiness
Guide interpretation of clinical data across studies, cohorts, and assets
Contribute to protocol development, amendments, study design, endpoint selection, eligibility criteria, biomarker strategy, and development planning
Serve as a Clinical Science subject matter expert for Oncology Early Development
Contribute expertise to portfolio discussions, governance reviews, senior leadership meetings, program reviews, and management communications
Present cross-study insights, scientific assessments, and key issues to leaders and governance bodies
Translate portfolio priorities into Clinical Science strategies, capabilities, and resource plans
Directly manage Directors, Principal Scientists, and Clinical Scientists as appropriate
Coach, mentor, provide feedback, and create development opportunities for Clinical Science talent
Partner with Clinical Operations, Regulatory Affairs, Biostatistics, Data Management, Drug Safety and Pharmacovigilance, Translational Medicine, Medical Affairs, and other functions
Represent Clinical Science in cross-functional planning and strategic decision-making forums
Ensure activities comply with regulatory requirements, company policies, and established procedures
Support inspection readiness and documentation of Clinical Science contributions
Identify opportunities to improve Clinical Science quality, consistency, and effectiveness

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
Master’s degree, preferably in life sciences, with 12+ years of pharmaceutical, clinical drug development, and/or medical field experience
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
Substantial responsibility in early-phase development
Demonstrated leadership of first-in-human and early-phase oncology studies, including dose escalation, dose optimization, cohort expansion, and proof-of-concept planning
Deep understanding of oncology disease biology, novel mechanisms and modalities, translational medicine, biomarker-driven development, PK/PD, and safety and tolerability assessment
Strong understanding of clinical trial design, clinical development strategy, clinical data review, and interpretation of oncology data
Experience contributing to protocols, regulatory submissions, safety reviews, health authority interactions, governance discussions, and cross-program planning
Experience working effectively within cross-functional teams in a matrixed environment
Ability to integrate information across studies and programs for scientific and business decision-making
Excellent communication, influence, and executive presentation skills
Demonstrated people leadership experience, including management, coaching, and development of scientific staff
Travel 0–15%
Required skills: Clinical Development, Clinical Research, Clinical Sciences, Clinical Study Management, Clinical Trial Development, Clinical Trial Management, Clinical Trials Operations, Disease Research, Early Phase Clinical Trials, Oncology
U.S. and Puerto Rico residency required
Visa sponsorship not provided

Benefits

Comp & perks

Annual bonus eligibility
Long-term incentive eligibility, if applicable
Medical, dental, and vision healthcare
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