Principal Scientist, Translational PET Imaging

Job Description

We are seeking a motivated and experienced Translational PET Imaging Scientist to lead the transition of novel PET radiotracers from late preclinical development into first-in-human studies. This role will primarily focus on clinical implementation of novel PET tracers in oncology studies, guide regulatory submissions, and act as the PET imaging expert within multidisciplinary project teams to ensure efficient clinical translation.

Key Responsibilities:

• Strategy & leadership : Develop and lead the clinical imaging strategy for application of novel PET tracers in early clinical oncology trials, guiding projects from late-stage preclinical work through clinical proof-of-concept studies.
• Translational study design : Design, oversee, and interpret PET imaging studies in animal models and early-phase clinical trials (Phase I), ensuring robust study design and high-quality PET data collection.
• Regulatory support : Familiarity with regulatory and quality frameworks applicable to radiopharmaceuticals (GMP for radiopharmaceuticals, IND/CTA requirements, radiation safety/compliance). Prepare and contribute PET-specific scientific content for regulatory filings, including IND submissions.
• Partner and site management : Coordinate with CROs, CDMOs, and clinical sites to support cGMP manufacturing logistics and clinical supply/distribution for radiopharmaceuticals. Manage relationships and deliverables with external academic collaborators and CROs/CDMOs
• Cross-functional collaboration : Serve as the PET imaging subject-matter expert on project teams, working closely with biomarker scientists, clinical and medical leads, regulatory affairs, clinical operations, and CMC teams.
• Reporting & dissemination : Interpret imaging data, author study reports, present findings internally and externally, and contribute to manuscripts and conference presentations.

NOTE: This role is available in South San Francisco, CA; Boston, MA; West Point, PA or Rahway, NJ based on candidate preference.

Qualifications:

Education :

• Ph.D. or equivalent doctorate degree in Biomedical/Imaging Science, Radiochemistry, Physics, Pharmacology or a related field and seven (7) years of relevant experience.

Required Experience and Skills:

• Demonstrated experience advancing novel PET tracers into clinical studies, including collaboration with academic sites and contract partners for cGMP manufacturing.
• Experience as imaging lead on Phase I oncology trials and direct involvement in first-in-human novel PET tracer studies, including lead contributor to protocol design.
• Strong understanding of radiopharmaceutical development, radiochemistry, and quality control; proven ability designing quantitative PET studies across species.
• First-hand experience with regulatory pathways and requirements for novel PET tracers in early-phase clinical trials.
• Track record of interacting with regulatory agencies or primary contributor to successful agency submissions for novel PET imaging agents.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with a track record of effective collaboration across multidisciplinary teams.

#EligibleforERP-

Required Skills:
Cancer Research, Clinical Trials, Oncology, Oncology Trials, Positron Emission Tomography (PET), Project Leadership, Radiation Safety, Radiopharmaceuticals, Radiopharmacy, Regulatory Compliance, Regulatory Work, Technical Leadership, Translational Research

Preferred Skills:

Current Employees apply HERE

Current Contingent Workers apply HERE

US and Puerto Rico Residents Only:

Our company is committed to inclusion, ensuring that candidates can engage in a hiring process that exhibits their true capabilities. Please click here if you need an accommodation during the application or hiring process.

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:

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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.

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U.S. Hybrid Work Model

Effective September 5, 2023, employees in office-based positions in the U.S. will be working a Hybrid work consisting of three total days on-site per week, Monday - Thursday, although the specific days may vary by site or organization, with Friday designated as a remote-working day, unless business critical tasks require an on-site presence.This Hybrid work model does not apply to, and daily in-person attendance is required for, field-based positions; facility-based, manufacturing-based, or research-based positions where the work to be performed is located at a Company site; positions covered by a collective-bargaining agreement (unless the agreement provides for hybrid work); or any other position for which the Company has determined the job requirements cannot be reasonably met working remotely. Please note, this Hybrid work model guidance also does not apply to roles that have been designated as "remote".

The salary range for this role is
$169,700.00 - $267,200.00

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.

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 .

You can apply for this role through (or via the Workday Jobs Hub if you are a current employee). The application deadline for this position is stated on this posting.

San Francisco Residents Only: -We will consider qualified applicants with arrest and conviction records for employment in compliance with the San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance

Los Angeles Residents Only: -We will consider for employment all qualified applicants, including those with criminal histories, in a manner consistent with the requirements of applicable state and local laws, including the City of Los Angeles' Fair Chance Initiative for Hiring Ordinance

Search Firm Representatives Please Read Carefully-
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.-

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:
01/31/2026
*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.

Requisition ID: R378617