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Clinical Science Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Director, Clinical Science

San Francisco, CA · On-site

$94K - $128K/yr

About the Role >>> Director, Clinical Science As the Director, Clinical Sciencereporting to the Vice President, Clinical Science, you will play a key role in one of our ongoing clinical studies. You ...

$86K - $118K/yr

Reporting to the Head of Clinical Science Non-Oncology, this role serves as a member of the Clinical Science Leadership Team and plays a key role in shaping the strategic direction, operational ...

Director, Clinical Science

San Diego, CA · On-site +1

$236K - $255K/yr

An integral member of the Janux Therapeutics' Clinical Development team; the Director, Clinical Science will support the strategic planning and execution of clinical-stage programs for one of the the ...

An integral member of the Janux Therapeutics' Clinical Development team; the Director, Clinical Science will support the strategic planning and execution of clinical-stage programs for one of the the ...

Director, Clinical Science

San Diego, CA · On-site +1

$236K - $255K/yr

An integral member of the Janux Therapeutics' Clinical Development team; the Director, Clinical Science will support the strategic planning and execution of clinical-stage programs for one of the the ...

Director, Clinical Science

San Diego, CA · On-site

$236K - $255K/yr

An integral member of the Janux Therapeutics' Clinical Development team; the Director, Clinical Science will support the strategic planning and execution of clinical-stage programs for one of the the ...

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Clinical Science information

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$27.5K

$121.3K

$236.5K

How much do clinical science jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 20, 2026, the average yearly pay for clinical science in the United States is $121,346.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $74,500.00 and $181,500.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is clinical science?

Clinical science is a field of study that focuses on research and practices related to human health and disease, particularly as they apply to patient care. It involves the investigation of the causes, development, diagnosis, and treatment of illnesses through laboratory research, clinical trials, and patient-focused studies. Professionals in clinical science often work in hospitals, research institutions, or pharmaceutical companies, contributing to advances in medical knowledge and healthcare. The field bridges the gap between laboratory research and clinical practice, ensuring that scientific discoveries lead to improved patient outcomes.

What are some common challenges faced by professionals in clinical science roles, and how can they be addressed?

Professionals in Clinical Science often encounter challenges such as managing complex clinical trial protocols, ensuring regulatory compliance, and coordinating effectively with cross-functional teams. Navigating changing study requirements and tight timelines can also be demanding. To address these challenges, it's important to stay organized, maintain up-to-date knowledge of regulatory guidelines, and foster strong communication with colleagues in clinical operations, data management, and regulatory affairs. Leveraging project management tools and proactively seeking clarification on study objectives can also help Clinical Scientists succeed in their roles.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a clinical scientist, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Clinical Scientist, you need a solid grounding in biological or biomedical sciences, often supported by an advanced degree such as an MSc or PhD, along with relevant clinical laboratory experience. Familiarity with laboratory information management systems (LIMS), specialized diagnostic equipment, and certifications like HCPC registration (in the UK) are typically required. Analytical thinking, attention to detail, and effective communication are crucial soft skills for interpreting results and collaborating with healthcare teams. These competencies ensure accurate diagnostics, patient safety, and the advancement of medical research and treatments.

What is the difference between Clinical Science vs Clinical Research Coordinator?

AspectClinical ScienceClinical Research Coordinator
Required CredentialsBachelor's or higher in life sciences, certifications like CCRP or CCRA often preferredBachelor's degree in health sciences or related field, often with certification like CCRP
Work EnvironmentPharmaceutical companies, biotech firms, research institutionsHospitals, clinics, research sites
Employer & Industry UsageUsed in industry and academia for drug development and clinical trialsPrimarily in clinical trial sites managing patient data and study logistics

Clinical Science professionals focus on designing, analyzing, and overseeing clinical trials, often working in labs or industry settings. Clinical Research Coordinators manage day-to-day trial operations at research sites, ensuring protocol adherence and patient safety. Both roles require similar credentials but differ in responsibilities and work environments.

Is clinical science a promising career?

Clinical science is a growing field that involves conducting research to improve patient care and develop new treatments. It often requires strong analytical skills, knowledge of biology and medicine, and relevant certifications or advanced degrees. The demand for clinical scientists is expected to increase with advancements in healthcare and medical research.

What can you do as a clinical scientist?

A clinical scientist conducts research and analyzes data to improve patient care, often working in laboratories or clinical settings. They may develop new diagnostic tools, oversee clinical trials, and collaborate with healthcare professionals, requiring strong analytical skills and knowledge of medical sciences.

What do you do in clinical science?

A clinical scientist conducts research and analysis to improve patient care, often working in laboratories or healthcare settings. They may develop and evaluate medical tests, work with clinical data, and collaborate with healthcare professionals to translate research into practice, often requiring knowledge of biology, medicine, and relevant regulations.
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What cities are hiring for Clinical Science jobs?

Cities with the most Clinical Science job openings:

What are the most commonly searched types of Clinical Science jobs?

The most popular types of Clinical Science jobs are:

What states have the most Clinical Science jobs?

States with the most job openings for Clinical Science jobs include:

Infographic showing various Clinical Science job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 4% As Needed, 70% Full Time, 17% Part Time, and 9% Contract. Highlights an 94% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 5% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $121,346 per year, or $58.3 per hour.

Executive Director, Clinical Science, Immunology

Merck

Rahway, NJ • On-site

$81K - $110K/yr

Other

This job post has expired 1 day ago. Applications are no longer accepted.


Merck rating

8.0

Company rating: 8.0 out of 10

Based on 51 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

43rd of 86 rated pharmaceutical


Job description

Executive Director, Clinical Science

The Executive Director, Clinical Science is a senior leader within Non-Oncology Clinical Development responsible for providing strategic, scientific, operational, and people leadership across a portfolio of immunology programs spanning multiple stages of development. Reporting to the Head of Clinical Science Non-Oncology, this role serves as a member of the Clinical Science Leadership Team and plays a key role in shaping the strategic direction, operational effectiveness, and long-term growth of the Clinical Science organization.

The Executive Director leads a large organization of Clinical Scientists supporting immunology development programs and is accountable for portfolio delivery, organizational performance, talent development, capability building, and continuous improvement. This leader ensures the highest standards of scientific rigor, patient focus, quality, and regulatory readiness while driving consistency and excellence across Clinical Science activities.

The role champions innovation and modern ways of working by advancing the adoption of digital capabilities, advanced analytics, artificial intelligence, and data-driven approaches that enhance decision-making, improve efficiency, and strengthen study oversight across the portfolio. The Executive Director fosters a culture of learning, inclusion, accountability, and continuous improvement while developing future leaders and building organizational capability to meet evolving business needs.

Success in this role requires strong enterprise leadership and effective collaboration across Clinical Operations, Regulatory Affairs, Biostatistics and Data Management, Drug Safety and Pharmacovigilance, Translational Medicine, Medical Affairs, and other key partner functions. The Executive Director influences across organizational boundaries to align priorities, integrate diverse perspectives, and enable successful execution of oncology development strategies.

Key Responsibilities

  • Holds accountability for portfolio delivery from the Clinical Science perspective, including prioritization, resource alignment, and support for key development milestones across studies, programs, and assets.
  • Provide strategic oversight for a portfolio of immunology assets across multiple stages of development.
  • Partner with the Immunology Therapeutic Area Head and leaders across Clinical Operations, Regulatory Affairs, Biostatistics and Data Management, Drug Safety and Pharmacovigilance, Translational Medicine, and Medical Affairs to drive development strategy execution and delivery of key portfolio milestones.
  • Ensure Clinical Science contributions support development plans, regulatory submissions, health authority interactions, and lifecycle management activities.
  • Apply Clinical Science expertise to inform therapeutic area and portfolio strategy across evolving science, treatment trends, competitive landscape, and regulatory considerations.
  • Optimize allocation of Clinical Science resources and associated budgets across a complex and evolving portfolio to align with business priorities and organizational objectives.
  • Serve as a senior escalation point for scientific, and resource-related issues, enabling effective and timely resolution.

Clinical Science Excellence

  • Establish and sustain high standards for scientific rigor, clinical science quality, medical data review, study oversight, and regulatory readiness across the portfolio.
  • Drive consistency in clinical science practices, study execution, and data interpretation across therapeutic areas and development programs.
  • Foster a culture of proactive risk identification, mitigation, inspection readiness, and continuous quality improvement.
  • Advance innovative approaches to medical data review, signal detection, study oversight, and evidence-based decision-making that enhance development outcomes.

Innovation, AI, and Digital Transformation

  • Champion adoption of AI-enabled, digital, and technology-driven capabilities that enhance Clinical Science productivity, quality, efficiency, and effectiveness.
  • Contribute to identifying opportunities to leverage advanced analytics, artificial intelligence, automation, and digital solutions to improve decision-making, strengthen study oversight, and streamline workflows.
  • Drive modernization of clinical data review through innovative approaches that enhance insight generation and support timely, informed decisions.
  • Foster a culture of innovation, experimentation, continuous learning, and responsible implementation of emerging technologies.
  • Partner with cross-functional stakeholders to define, develop, and implement scalable capabilities that support future organizational needs and long-term business success.

People Leadership and Talent Development

  • Lead, coach, and develop a high-performing Clinical Science organization.
  • Build organizational capability through talent planning, succession management, leadership development, and career growth strategies.
  • Create an inclusive environment that promotes engagement, psychological safety, accountability, collaboration, and continuous development.
  • Develop future leaders by mentoring Clinical Scientists, strengthening scientific, strategic, and leadership capabilities across the organization.
  • Ensure leaders are equipped to provide effective coaching, feedback, performance development, and career support for their teams.

Organizational Leadership

  • Contribute to the development and execution of Clinical Science strategy, priorities, and long-term organizational objectives.
  • Lead initiatives related to organizational design, workforce planning, and resource optimization to support evolving portfolio and business needs.
  • Develop and implement scalable operating models that balance portfolio execution, organizational effectiveness, employee development, and talent retention.
  • Lead cross-functional initiatives that improve efficiency, effectiveness, innovation, and organizational health.
  • Represent Clinical Science in governance forums, leadership discussions, and strategic planning activities.
  • Shape functional and enterprise priorities through leadership engagement, cross-functional partnerships, and influence across organizational boundaries.

Location

UG/RY/Boston/South San Francisco

Extent of Travel

0-25%

Qualifications, Skills & Experience

Essential Leadership Skills

  • Generate and consider options for action to achieve a long-range goal; develop decision criteria considering factors, such as cost, benefits, risks, timing and buy-in; select the strategy most likely to succeed.
  • Identify the key tasks and resources needed to achieve strategic objectives.
  • Offer a broad organizational perspective that goes beyond the goals of one's immediate business unit or work role; question assumptions about existing relationships; demonstrate flexibility when forming and adjusting partnerships to achieve broader goals; show willingness to work across current boundaries.
  • Ensure that those responsible for implementing a strategic initiative have role clarity and accountability for required actions and outputs, as well as the direction and authority to act in a way consistent with organizational values.
  • Leverage environmental supports and remove development barriers; advocate for individual to higher levels of management to create development opportunities; provide guidance and positive models; seek suggestions for improving performance; collaboratively create development plans that include activities targeted to specific goals.
  • Create momentum by taking immediate action and encouraging others to take action to improve organizational culture, processes or products/services; offer resources and direction to support implementation; break down cultural and operational barriers to change; recognize and reward those who contribute to change efforts.

Education

  • Advanced scientific or healthcare degree required (PhD, PharmD) + at least 10 years of oncology drug development experience OR
  • Master's Degree in life sciences + 15 years of oncology drug development experience

Experience

  • Significant experience in drug development with demonstrated success across multiple phases of clinical development.
  • Deep expertise in Clinical Science, Clinical Development, and execution of global clinical programs.
  • Experience supporting regulatory submissions, health authority interactions, and late-stage development activities.
  • Proven leadership experience managing in large, matrixed organizations through multiple levels of management.
  • Demonstrated success developing talent, building leadership capability, and creating high-performing teams.
  • Familiarity with, or interest in emerging AI, advanced analytics, and digital capabilities applicable to clinical development.
  • Experience in immunology development strongly preferred.

Required Skills:

Advanced Analytics, Artificial Intelligence (AI), Clinical Development, Clinical Sciences, Cross-Functional Leadership, Drug Development, Executive Leadership, Global Clinical Studies, Immunology, Innovation, Matrix Leadership, Regulatory Submissions, Strategic Leadership, Talent Development

Preferred Skills:

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