Senior Principal Scientist, Clinical Research, Neuroscience

MSD

Senior Director directing clinical research cycles for Neuroscience Medicines with cross-functional leadership. Ensure high-quality trials from design to reporting, involving collaboration with key opinion leaders.

Posted 5/14/2026full-timeRahway • New Jersey, Pennsylvania • 🇺🇸 United StatesSenior💰 $276,600 - $435,400 per yearWebsite

About the role

Key responsibilities & impact

Planning and directing clinical research activities involving new or marketed Neuroscience Medicines.
Managing the entire cycle of clinical development, including study design, initiation, execution, monitoring, analysis, regulatory reporting, publication, and presentation at national and international meetings.
Providing internal scientific leadership for cross-functional areas supporting clinical trials.
Interacting externally with key opinion leaders.
Evaluating pre-clinical and translational work for the purpose of generating early clinical development plans and Investigational New Drug applications.
Developing clinical development strategies for investigational or marketed Neuroscience drugs.
Planning clinical trials based on these clinical development strategies.
Monitoring and managing the conduct of ongoing or new clinical trials for investigational or marketed Neuroscience drugs.
Analyzing and summarizing clinical findings to support decisions regarding safety and efficacy, as well as new drug applications and clinical study reports.

Requirements

What you’ll need

M.D or M.D./Ph.D.
Must have experience in industry or senior faculty in academia
Minimum of 3 years of clinical medicine experience
Minimum of 3 -5 years of industry experience in drug development or biomedical research experience in academia
Demonstrated record of scientific scholarship and achievement
A proven track record in clinical medicine and background in biomedical research is essential
Strong interpersonal skills, as well as the ability to function in a team environment, are essential.
Preferred: Board Certified or Eligible in Neurology or Psychiatry
Prior specific experience in clinical research and prior publication

Benefits

Comp & perks

medical, dental, vision healthcare and other insurance benefits (for employee and family)
retirement benefits, including 401(k)
paid holidays
vacation
compassionate and sick days

ATS Keywords

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Applicant Tracking System Keywords

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Hard Skills & Tools

clinical researchstudy designregulatory reportingclinical trialsdata analysissafety and efficacy evaluationInvestigational New Drug applicationsclinical study reportsclinical development strategiesbiomedical research

Soft Skills

scientific leadershipinterpersonal skillsteam collaborationcommunication skillsstrategic planningproblem-solvingcross-functional collaborationpresentation skillsmentorshipadaptability

Certifications

M.D.M.D./Ph.D.Board Certified in NeurologyBoard Certified in Psychiatry