Merck · 19 hours ago
Executive Director, Metabolism & Obesity
South San Francisco, CA
Full-time
Hybrid
Director/Executive
$255K/yr - $402K/yr
12+ years expMerck is a research-driven biopharmaceutical company dedicated to world-class science and innovative medicine. The Executive Director of Metabolism & Obesity will oversee research in metabolic diseases and obesity, contributing to strategic planning and execution within the Cardiometabolic Disease Discovery Biology Department. This role includes leading a team of scientists, implementing departmental strategies, and fostering external collaborations to advance drug discovery efforts.
BiotechnologyHealth CareMedicalPharmaceutical
Responsibilities
Lead and help shape the departmental strategy in metabolic disease research & obesity
Implement the strategy by working together with key stakeholders within the department and across the network, in addition to collaborating with key opinion leaders in academia
Lead the development and implementation of in vitro and in vivo assays to conduct investigation of disease biology to establish and support evolution of a robust pipeline of therapeutic targets for treating metabolic diseases & obesity and its co-morbidities
Manage and mentor a team of scientists in the research of metabolic diseases & obesity
Review and seek out potential external research collaborations and licensing opportunities to capitalize on novel insights and complement internal pipeline
Monitor emerging biology and basic & clinical research within metabolic diseases & obesity, and more broadly across the scientific spectrum
Champion a diverse and inclusive culture within the department and across the organization
Recruit, develop, and retain a talented team that delivers on target identification & validation and advances CMD pipeline
Qualification
Required
PhD, MD, or MD/PhD degree in metabolic disorders related discipline, with 12+ years of drug discovery experience
A minimum of 12+ years' research experience in metabolic diseases & obesity, with a proven track record substantiated by peer-reviewed publications
Research & development experience within industry is required. Prior experience in advancing drug discovery programs into early clinical development is highly desired
Experience in overseeing research projects, setting priorities and trouble shooting in a multi-disciplinary environment
Broad knowledge and first-hand experience in in vitro and in vivo models of metabolic diseases & obesity required
Solid understanding of drug discovery and clinical development and working knowledge of biomarker discovery, translational research, data science, and human genetics
Exceptional partnering and team skills as a trusted colleague and team leader. Record of accomplishment of leading and supporting a collaborative team
Excellent track record of providing mentorship and guidance to reports and peers
Proficient in utilizing innovative technologies for preclinical research
Ability to communicate effectively with and relate to a broad range of stakeholders, including senior leaders, peers, direct reports, partner organizations and external collaborators
Deep understanding of competitive landscapes across indications associated with metabolic diseases and obesity and significant experience in conducting due diligence for external assets
Business Development
Communication
Drug Discovery Process
High Performance Team Building
Innovation
Leadership
Management Process
Market Intelligence
Mentoring Staff
Mentorship
Metabolic Diseases
Obesity
Preclinical Research
Strategic Thinking
Preferred
Ability to understand, analyze and interpret complex problems and data while developing appropriate action plans to achieve results
Strong leadership skills to build and lead an agile team. Ability to successfully influence, build credibility and work effectively with a diverse range of stakeholders and both internal and external partners
A team player, who works effectively in a matrix organization, collaborates functionally across multiple stakeholders, and builds trust and credibility at all levels. Someone who builds consensus and achieves agreement on key priorities
High level of business acumen and judgment is preferred for this role; ability to make practical, realistic, data-driven, and timely decisions
Encourages and maintains the highest quality and rigor of research output and commitment to scientific inquiry, ethics, and diversity
Benefits
Medical
Dental
Vision healthcare
Other insurance benefits (for employee and family)
Retirement benefits, including 401(k)
Paid holidays
Vacation
Compassionate and sick days
Company
Merck
Merck is a biopharmaceutical company that offers medicines and vaccines for various diseases.
10001+ employees
Funding
Current Stage
Public CompanyTotal Funding
$5.59MKey Investors
Private Capital AdvisorsGavi, the Vaccine Alliance
2018-11-25Post Ipo Equity· $0.59M
2016-01-21Series Unknown· $5M
1980-12-19IPO
Leadership Team
Betty Larson
Executive Vice President and Chief Human Resources Officer
Dean Li
Executive Vice President and President, Merck Research Laboratories
Recent News
2026-01-24
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