Group Leader - Senior Director, Quantitative Pharmacology and Pharmacometrics - Cardiometabolic

Job Description This role provides strategic leadership and scientific oversight to part of the cardiometabolic (CMD) therapeutic area portfolio in the Department of Quantitative Pharmacology and Pharmacometrics (QP2). The Team Leader (Senior Director) is responsible for applying cutting‑edge quantitative pharmacology and pharmacometrics strategies to propel the internal portfolio forward. The CMD TA Team Leader will oversee a team of QP2 scientists, provide guidance in personnel management, scientific strategy, and operational execution, and serve as QP2 lead on assigned projects. The position reports directly to the QP2 CMD Head and collaborates with the broader organization to ensure high‑value quantitative pharmacology contributions from discovery through life‑cycle management. Responsibilities Lead a team of up to four QP2 scientists, providing people management, scientific and operational oversight, under the direction of the Executive Director of QP2‑CMD. Leverage end‑to‑end drug discovery/development and disease‑area expertise to independently provide day‑to‑day scientific oversight to individual contributors. Set priorities for direct reports and drive performance management, hiring and retention, staff development and training, and input into calibration and talent management processes. Act as an expert representative for QP2 on discovery and drug‑development teams, engaging in cross‑functional governance discussions, including business development and licensing evaluations. Maintain a comprehensive understanding of global regulatory expectations for small molecules and biologics; contribute to cross‑functional regulatory strategy and author regulatory documents (INDs, CSRs, CTDs). Develop and apply mechanistic, disease‑progression and comparator modeling platforms to help drive portfolio decisions. In partnership with the Executive Director of CMD, identify resource needs and contribute to internal resource allocation. Serve as QP2 lead on assigned projects. Required Qualifications Ph.D./PharmD or equivalent with at least 10 years of experience demonstrating increasing responsibility and independence in a similar role within pharmaceutical drug development or regulatory. Educational background in biopharmaceutics, pharmaceutical sciences, pharmacometrics, chemical/biomedical engineering, mathematics, statistics/biostatistics, computational biology/chemistry, or a related field. Extensive experience developing quantitative strategies that impact pipeline decisions and drug development. Demonstrated ability to lead an interdisciplinary team or taskforce, or oversee the work of others. Record of operating in an inclusive, high‑performance environment applying enterprise ways of working principles, fostering collaboration, and driving results while managing ambiguity. Relevant regulatory and quantitative pharmacology experience. Proficiency in written and verbal communication; interdisciplinary collaboration; problem scoping and planning. Preferred Qualifications CMD therapeutic area or disease knowledge. Expertise in performing population PK/PKPD analyses using standard pharmacometrics software (e.g., NONMEM, R, Monolix, Phoenix). Scientific understanding of biopharmaceutical and ADME properties across modalities. Record of applying models to inform decisions. Ability to influence regulatory strategies, including prior experience authoring and defending regulatory filings for marketing authorization (NDA/MAA). Recognized leader in the field of quantitative pharmacology with a track record of sustained external visibility through publications, presentations, and professional organization involvement. Job Attributes Location: Hybrid or remote (remote only if not within commutable distance to primary sites). Standard commute is less than 50 miles. Salary Range: $210,400.00 – $331,100.00. Eligibility for annual bonus and long‑term incentive, if applicable. Benefits: Comprehensive package including medical, dental, vision, other insurance benefits for employee and family, retirement benefits (401(k)), paid holidays, vacation, and compassionate and sick days. Travel Requirement: 10%. Visa Sponsorship: Yes. Relocation: Domestic. Shift: Not Indicated. Equal Employment Opportunity Statement 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. For more information about personal rights under the U.S. Equal Opportunity Employment laws, visit EEOC Know Your Rights and EEOC GINA Supplement. #J-18808-Ljbffr Merck & Co.