Executive Medical Director, Global Clinical Lead

Merck (Schweiz) AG is seeking an Executive Medical Director to provide strategic medical leadership for global immunology clinical programs. The role involves overseeing clinical development, regulatory interactions, and cross-functional collaboration from the Eysins, CH location.

The Executive Medical Director serves as a senior medical and strategic leader for global immunology clinical development initiatives. In this capacity, the individual directs clinical planning, defines target product profiles, and establishes indication strategies to guide evidence generation and lifecycle management.

Responsibilities

• Uphold scientific standards and patient-centered approaches while ensuring alignment with asset strategies, portfolio goals, and regulatory standards.
• Direct the creation of clinical protocols, manage trial execution, and maintain thorough documentation of decisions, risks, and mitigation strategies.
• Partner with internal teams across Clinical Development, Regulatory, Safety, Biostatistics, Translational Medicine, Medical Affairs, and Market Access to guarantee cohesive global development execution.
• Facilitate and lead interactions with regulatory bodies, and disseminate clinical findings via study reports, regulatory filings, publications, and governance or scientific forums.
• Engage responsibly with investigators, key opinion leaders, advisory boards, and patient groups to refine clinical strategy and boost scientific credibility.
• Provide matrix leadership to cross-functional groups and mentor clinical development staff as necessary.
• Maintain a physical presence at the office for at least three days each week.

Requirements

• Hold a medical degree (MD, DO, or international equivalent).
• Possess over 10 years of experience in immunology, rheumatology, or related autoimmune/inflammatory fields, including direct patient care.
• Have at least 5 years of medical leadership experience within pharmaceutical or biotech clinical development.
• Demonstrate prior success as a Global Clinical Lead, Clinical Program Lead, or similar role managing complex clinical programs.
• Show proven ability to create clinical development plans and lead global Phase 2/3 or registrational studies.
• Exhibit strong expertise in benefit-risk evaluation, indication strategy, evidence generation, and lifecycle planning.
• Have a track record of leading global clinical trials and cross-functional teams within complex matrix structures.
• Experience supporting or leading interactions with health authorities such as the FDA, EMA, or other major regulatory agencies.
• Maintain thorough knowledge of GCP/ICH standards and global regulatory requirements.
• Demonstrate the capacity to influence senior stakeholders, communicate strategic recommendations effectively, and represent clinical strategy in governance forums.
• Possess excellent cross-functional leadership, communication, and decision-making abilities.
• Have a history of delivering milestones under tight deadlines while preserving quality and scientific integrity.
• Be willing to travel domestically and internationally as required.

Nice to have

• Board certification is preferred.

What the company offers

• Join a diverse, inclusive, and flexible working culture that offers significant opportunities for personal development and career advancement globally.
• The company is committed to creating access and opportunities for all employees to develop and grow at their own pace.
• The organization fosters a culture of inclusion and belonging that impacts millions, empowering everyone to work their magic and champion human progress.

About the company

Merck (Schweiz) AG brings together colleagues across six continents who are passionate about leveraging science and technology to enrich lives through Healthcare, Life Science, and Electronics solutions. The company values curiosity, diversity, and innovation, with a purpose in Healthcare focused on creating, improving, and prolonging lives. Teams collaborate globally to help patients at every stage of life, driven by a relentless curiosity and a rich mix of perspectives.

• Colleagues worldwide are dedicated to innovating with science and technology to enhance people's lives through solutions in Healthcare, Life Science, and Electronics.
• The company encourages big dreams and cares deeply for its diverse mix of people, customers, patients, and the planet.
• The purpose in Healthcare is to help create, improve, and prolong lives.
• Teams collaborate across six continents with passion and relentless curiosity to support patients at every stage of life.
• The company values curious minds from a broad range of backgrounds, perspectives, and life experiences.
• Variety drives excellence and innovation, strengthening the ability to lead in science and technology.