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Merck · 2 days ago

Principal Scientist, Translational PET Imaging

South San Francisco, CA

Full-time

Hybrid

Senior Level, Lead/Staff

$170K/yr - $267K/yr

7+ years exp

Merck is seeking a motivated and experienced Translational PET Imaging Scientist to lead the transition of novel PET radiotracers into first-in-human studies. The role focuses on clinical implementation of novel PET tracers in oncology studies, guiding regulatory submissions, and serving as the PET imaging expert within multidisciplinary project teams.

BiotechnologyHealth CareMedicalPharmaceutical

Comp. & Benefits

H1B Sponsored

Responsibilities

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

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

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

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

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

Interpret imaging data, author study reports, present findings internally and externally, and contribute to manuscripts and conference presentations

Qualification

Translational ResearchRegulatory ComplianceRadiopharmaceuticalsClinical TrialsPositron Emission Tomography (PET)Radiation SafetyOncology TrialsProject LeadershipCancer ResearchRadiopharmacyRegulatory WorkTechnical Leadership

Required

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

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