Senior Principal Scientist, Pharmacokinetics

Merck seeks a Senior Principal Scientist in Pharmacokinetics to lead DMPK strategy for drug conjugate programs in South San Francisco. The role combines scientific leadership, cross-functional collaboration, and team management to advance discovery and development capabilities across novel therapeutic modalities.

Responsibilities

• Provide scientific leadership and strategy for DMPK supporting drug conjugates and emerging modalities
• Represent DMPK on cross-functional teams, integrating multiple scientific perspectives into program decisions
• Lead development of fit-for-purpose screening funnels and translational plans for lead optimization and regulatory packages
• Manage and develop a team of principal investigators and scientific experts
• Contribute to portfolio management by identifying DMPK opportunities, liabilities, and resource needs across programs

Requirements

• Master's degree with 15+ years or Ph.D. with 12+ years in pharmacokinetics, drug metabolism, or related discipline
• Extensive DMPK and ADME expertise with demonstrated scientific impact in discovery and development programs
• Deep knowledge of PK/PD, bioanalysis, and translational science applied to drug conjugates or biologics
• Proven ability to design and interpret in vitro and in vivo data for program decisions and regulatory strategy
• Experience as DMPK scientific leader on cross-functional teams with strong nonclinical-to-clinical translation knowledge
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills for diverse audiences
• Demonstrated mentoring, collaboration, and team leadership capabilities