ADD, Preclinical Development
Job Summary
Job Description
Head of Nonclinical Associate Director or Director
Location: Beijing/Shanghai
We are seeking an experienced and highly motivated Head of Nonclinical to lead our nonclinical sciences team. This role provides strategic leadership and scientific oversight across toxicology pharmacology and DMPK supporting drug development and innovation collaborations in China.
Key responsibilities:
- Lead an integrated high performing nonclinical team spanning toxicology pharmacology and DMPK expertise to support both internal pipeline development and external innovation collaborations in China. The team will -
- Serve as nonclinical expert on cross-functional China product development teams.
- Proactively identify potential gaps and define efficient strategies to address China-specific requirements.
- Support nonclinical due diligence for partnerships or acquisitions involving China asset.
- Drive effective communication and collaboration with HQ nonclinical teams to ensure understanding and integration of China-specific regulatory considerations.
- Collaborate closely with China regulatory team to build a deep understanding of evolving China nonclinical regulatory policies and guidelines and proactively assess their impact on the portfolio.
- Contribute to shaping the nonclinical regulatory environment in China through scientific exchange policy input and active industry engagement.
- Continuously strengthen team capabilities in scientific excellence regulatory interpretation and cross-functional collaboration.
Qualifications
Required:
- PhD in toxicology or related discipline.
- 12 yrs of experience in pharmaceutical/biotech nonclinical drug development including leadership roles.
- Strong background in toxicology with broad understanding of pharmacology and DMPK.
- Demonstrated experience supporting IND/NDA submissions in China and/or globally.
- Proven ability to lead cross-functional teams and engage internal/external stakeholders.
- Experience interacting with regulatory authorities in China.
- Excellent communication skills (English and Chinese).
Preferred:
- Experience in nonclinical drug development across modalities & therapeutic areas.
- Experience in due diligence and asset evaluation.
- Professional certification (e.g. DABT or equivalent).
- Record of publishing in high profile scientific journals.
Required Skills:
Assay Development Biochemistry Biophysics Cell Biology Drug Discovery Research Ethical Compliance External Collaboration Functional Genomics Immunology Innovation Mentorship Molecular Biology People Leadership Professional NetworkingPreferred Skills:
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Employee Status:
RegularRelocation:
No relocationVISA Sponsorship:
NoTravel Requirements:
No Travel RequiredFlexible Work Arrangements:
Not ApplicableShift:
Not IndicatedValid Driving License:
NoHazardous Material(s):
noJob Posting End Date:
08/31/2026*A job posting is effective until 11:59:59PM on the day BEFOREthe listed job posting end date. Please ensure you apply to a job posting no later than the day BEFORE the job posting end date.
About Company
Merck & Co., Inc., Kenilworth, New Jersey, USA is known as “Merck” in the United States, Canada & Puerto Rico. We are known as “MSD” in Europe, Middle East, Africa, Latin America & Asia Pacific. We are a global biopharmaceutical leader with a diverse portfolio of prescription medicine ... View more