About this opportunity
MSD lists this AVP/ Head, Quantitative Pharmacology & Pharmacometrics - Oncology opportunity in rahway, New Jersey. Review the employer’s description below for duties, qualifications and application requirements.
Job description
Our company is seeking a head of Quantitative Pharmacology & Pharmacometrics (QP2) to lead pharmacology strategy for our oncology pipeline. Our QP2 organization uses trial and external data, advanced analytics, model-informed drug development, and deep therapeutic-area expertise to inform the safety, efficacy, dose, schedule, patient‑selection, and benefit-risk strategies for the pipeline. The QP2 team integrates clinical pharmacology, pharmacometrics, quantitative systems pharmacology, exposure-response analysis, translational modeling, biomarkers, real-world data, and emerging AI/ML-enabled approaches to support decision‑making across discovery, early clinical development, registration, and life‑cycle management. The Head of QP2 Oncology will serve as the enterprise point of accountability for QP2 strategy, ensuring quantitative science is used to shape program design, dose and regimen strategy, regulatory interactions, governance recommendations, and portfolio decisions. The leader will provide strategic leadership and scientific oversight, supervise and mentor other scientists, directly shape strategy for priority programs and business‑development opportunities, and build a modern quantitative operating model for oncology development.
Education
Ph.D. or equivalent degree
At least 15 years of experience in drug development, including at least 5 years in oncology in industry educational background in biopharmaceutics, pharmaceutical sciences, pharmacometrics, mathematics, statistics/biostatistics, computational biology/chemistry, chemical/biomedical engineering, or a related field.
Required Experience and Skills
Drug development expertise within the oncology therapeutic area, including a record of both internal and external impact in driving model‑informed drug development strategies
Experience with multiple modalities such as ADCs, small molecules, TCEs and/or biologics
Track record of publications or presentations in quantitative pharmacology for oncology
Ability to influence regulatory strategies including experience independently authoring and defending regulatory filings for marketing authorization (NDA/MAA) for more than one modality (biologics, ADCs, small molecules, cell therapy)
Demonstrated ability to participate in and to lead an interdisciplinary team, and to oversee the work of other scientists
Experience in performing population PK/PKPD analyses using standard pharmacometric software
Up to date on emerging trends/works in field (peer intelligence, methodology emerging analyses Scientific understanding of biopharmaceutical and ADME properties of both small molecules and biologics
Proficiency in written and verbal communication, interdisciplinary collaboration, and problem scoping and planning
Ability to formulate and articulate scientific strategy to support portfolio decisions
Ability to embed MIDD early in asset strategy, including population PK, PK/PD, exposure‑response, dose optimization, simulation‑based trial design, model‑based meta‑analysis, quantitative systems pharmacology, disease‑progression modeling, and translational modeling
Ability to recommend and defend dose and regimen decisions supported by integrated evidence packages that address efficacy, safety, tolerability, exposure, biomarkers, patient selection, and regulatory expectations
Comprehensive understanding of global regulatory expectations for oncology development for dose and pharmacology; contributing to cross‑functional regulatory strategy; reviewing INDs, CSRs, CTDs, NDAs/BLAs/MAAs; and representing QP2 leadership at regulatory interactions
Willingness and experience to apply AI/ML, automation, real‑world data, biomarker, translational, and digital data‑stream approaches where they improve prediction, accelerate learning, or strengthen development decisions
Ability to serve as a senior representative for QP2 in cross‑functional teams, governance discussions, portfolio reviews, and business‑development or licensing evaluations
Experienced in team building and maintaining a high‑performing, modality‑agile organization in close collaboration with discovery oncology and with strong oncology expertise, technical excellence, regulatory credibility, consistent modeling standards, and the ability to influence across functions
Must be able to lead with influence to partner with others to build effect models and datasets, Must have excellent communication and collaboration skills
Required Skills
Business Intelligence (BI)
Business Intelligence (BI)
Cellular Therapies
Clinical Development
Clinical Pharmacology
Clinical Reporting
Clinical Research
Clinical Trial Development
Database Design
Data Engineering
Data Modeling
Data Science
Data Visualization
Drug Development
Drug Research
Machine Learning (ML)
Matrix Management
Mechanism of Action
Model Development
Model Driven Design
Oncology
Pharmaceutical Sciences
Pharmacodynamics
Pharmacokinetics
Pharmacology {+ 5 more}
Preferred Skills
US and Puerto Rico Residents Only
Equal Employment Opportunity Statement
Our company is committed to inclusion, ensuring that candidates can engage in a hiring process that exhibits their true capabilities. 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 EEOC GINA Supplement We are proud to be a company that embraces the value of bringing together, talented, and committed people with diverse experiences, perspectives, skills and backgrounds. The fastest way to breakthrough innovation is when people with diverse ideas, broad experiences, backgrounds, and skills come together in an inclusive environment. We encourage our colleagues to respectfully challenge one another’s thinking and approach problems collectively. Learn more about your rights, including under California, Colorado and other US State Acts.
Merck & Co., Inc., Rahway, NJ, USA, also known as Merck Sharp & Dohme LLC, Rahway, NJ, USA, does not accept unsolicited assistance from search firms for employment opportunities. All CVs / resumes submitted by search firms to any employee at our company without a valid written search agreement in place for this position will be deemed the sole property of our company. No fee will be paid in the event a candidate is hired by our company as a result of an agency referral where no pre‑existing agreement is in place. Where agency agreements are in place, introductions are position specific. Please, no phone calls or emails.
Salary Range
The salary range for this role is $282,200.00 - $444,200.00. This is the lowest to highest salary we in good faith believe we would pay for this role at the time of this posting. An employee’s position within the salary range will be based on several factors including, but not limited to relevant education, qualifications, certifications, experience, skills, geographic location, government requirements, and business or organizational needs. The successful candidate will be eligible for annual bonus and long‑term incentive, if applicable.
Benefits
We offer a comprehensive package of benefits. Available benefits include medical, dental, vision healthcare and other insurance benefits (for employee and family), retirement benefits, including 401(k), paid holidays, vacation, and compassionate and sick days. More information about benefits is available at
Location Requirements
San Francisco Residents Only. Los Angeles Residents Only. US and Puerto Rico Residents Only.
Employee Status: Regular.
Application Deadline
The application deadline for this position is stated on this posting.
Job Posting End Date
Job Posting End Date: 10/19/2026. *A job posting is effective until 11:59:59PM on the day BEFORE the listed job posting end date. Please ensure you apply to a job posting no later than the day BEFORE the job posting end date.
Our company is a global health care leader with a diversified portfolio of prescription medicines, vaccines and animal health products. The difference between potential and achievement lies in the spark that fuels innovation and inventiveness; this is the space where we have codified our legacy for over a century. Our success is backed by ethical integrity, forward momentum, and an inspiring mission to achieve new milestones in global healthcare.
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Worksite address
rahway, NJ, 07065, US
Who can apply
Review the original listing for work authorization, qualifications and employer requirements.