Senior Principal Scientist, Translational Clinical Biomarkers

Job Description We are seeking an accomplished and highly motivated Senior Principal Scientist to serve as an Immunology Biomarker Lead within Translational Clinical Biomarkers. This role provides strategic and scientific leadership in the design, execution, analysis, and communication of clinical biomarker strategies across our immune‑mediated therapeutic portfolio from discovery to pivotal clinical studies. The successful candidate will drive decision‑centric biomarker strategies that connect drug mechanism, disease biology, precision medicine, pharmacodynamics, dose decisions, and clinical endpoints, directly informing program‑ and portfolio‑level decisions across the development lifecycle. This role requires strong leadership of multi‑disciplinary team efforts through deep scientific expertise, structured decision‑making, sophisticated data analysis & interpretation; and cross‑functional collaboration, aligning stakeholders in a fast‑paced, matrixed environment. Primary Responsibilities Lead and shape integrated biomarker strategies across discovery, early‑ and late‑stage clinical programs, ensuring clear hypotheses, fit‑for‑purpose endpoints, and explicit linkage to key development decisions, in close collaboration with cross‑functional leaders, particularly in Discovery, Late‑Stage Clinical Development and across Translational Medicine. Serve as the biomarker strategy lead within cross‑functional program teams and represent multi‑disciplinary team(s) in governance forums, ensuring biomarker strategies to address mission‑critical questions for both forward and reverse translation. Inform portfolio strategy by advancing biomarker‑driven insights that inform target validation, patient selection, and go/no‑go decisions. Translate disease biology and therapeutic mechanism of action into clinically actionable biomarker strategies addressing critical program questions, e.g. proof of biology, pharmacodynamic effects, precision medicine and surrogate endpoints for efficacy. Drive selection and application of innovative biomarker approaches, aligned with biological rationale and clinical utility. Cross‑functional Leadership & Alignment Lead biomarker sub‑teams and related working groups, including clinical, discovery, translational, regulatory, bio‑stats, and data sciences. Collaborate effectively across disciplines to integrate scientific perspectives into cohesive strategies. Provide scientific leadership to enable hypothesis‑driven, decision‑focused biomarker strategies. Grow and develop team members, including mentorship of direct report(s) and other scientists in the department, acting as a role‑model and culture driver. Data Interpretation & Communication Champion biomarker analysis plans and provide critical scientific input to the interpretation of complex datasets to deliver scientifically rigorous and clinically meaningful conclusions. Clearly articulate insights to internal stakeholders, governance bodies, and external scientific audiences. Support external engagement, including publications, presentations, and KOL interactions, as appropriate. Location This role is available in Rahway, NJ, Boston/Cambridge, MA or Upper Gwynedd, PA based on candidate preference. Education Ph.D. or M.D. with 12+ years in Immunology or related scientific discipline and relevant experience with autoimmune diseases and/or translational medicine. Required Experience and Skills Deep expertise in immunology and immune‑mediated/inflammatory diseases, with experience in at least one of the following: gastrointestinal/mucosal inflammation, rheumatology, dermatology. Proven track record of driving translational strategies that inform clinical development decisions, including close cross‑functional collaboration and partnership. Demonstrated ability to lead highly matrixed organizations. Strong analytical and problem‑solving capabilities, with the ability to translate complex data into clear, decision‑oriented insights. Excellent communication skills, including experience presenting to senior leadership and external stakeholders. Working knowledge with biostatistics, bioinformatics, and advanced data analytics. Strategic mindset with a focus on decision impact rather than data generation alone. Strong leadership presence and ability to influence cross‑functional and senior stakeholders. Proven ability to operate effectively in a fast‑moving, matrixed environment. Preferred Experience and Skills Experience advancing precision medicine strategies. Direct managerial experience. Salary Range $210,400.00 – $331,100.00 Salary is based on relevant education, qualifications, certifications, experience, skills, geographic location, government requirements, and business or organizational needs. Benefits We offer a comprehensive package of benefits including medical, dental, vision, healthcare and other insurance benefits for employee and family, retirement benefits (401(k)), paid holidays, vacation, and compassionate and sick days. More information about benefits is available at Job Attributes Employee Status: Regular Relocation: Domestic/International VISA Sponsorship: Yes Travel Requirements: 10% Flexible Work Arrangements: Hybrid Shift: 1st – Day Valid Driving License: No Hazardous Material(s): N/A Job Posting End Date: 06/30/2026 Equal Employment Opportunity Statement We are committed to inclusion, ensuring that candidates can engage in a hiring process that exhibits their true capabilities. Our company is an Equal Employment Opportunity Employer and prohibits 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 #J-18808-Ljbffr Merck