Director, Obesity and Metabolic Diseases at MSD | South San Francisco, US | Rezi

Director, Obesity and Metabolic Diseases at MSD

Director, Obesity and Metabolic Diseases

MSD · South San Francisco, US

1 weeks ago

Director, Obesity and Metabolic Diseases

MSD · South San Francisco, US

11 days ago
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About the Role

This role provides scientific leadership and people management for discovery research in obesity and metabolic diseases. The successful candidate will integrate advances in human biology, translational science, data science, and innovative technology platforms to identify and advance novel therapeutic opportunities. This individual will lead a focused team of scientists, drive discovery programs from target identification through preclinical development, and contribute to a differentiated pipeline of medicines for patients with unmet medical needs.

Responsibilities

  • Lead discovery research in obesity and metabolic diseases, executing priorities aligned with CMD scientific strategy from target identification through preclinical candidate nomination by leveraging human biology, translational science, disease models, and emerging technologies to contribute to a differentiated portfolio.
  • Provide scientific leadership for drug discovery programs, partnering across chemistry, pharmacology, safety, translational medicine, biomarker, and development functions to inform program priorities, support decision making, and advance programs through key milestones.
  • Identify and advance novel therapeutic opportunities by integrating insights from human genetics, clinical research, biomarker science, and the external competitive landscape, while maintaining deep expertise in obesity, metabolism, and related therapeutic areas.
  • Lead a high-performing scientific team by fostering a culture of innovation, scientific rigor, collaboration, accountability, and continuous talent development.
  • Contribute to the evaluation of external innovation, business development opportunities, and partnership strategies that enhance the portfolio.
  • Represent the team through publications, presentations, due diligence activities, governance interactions, and cross-functional scientific forums, contributing to the broader cardiometabolic disease strategy.

Requirements

  • Ph.D., M.D., or Ph.D./M.D. in endocrinology, metabolism, physiology, pharmacology, biology or a related scientific discipline and a minimum of eight (8) years of experience in obesity, diabetes, MASH, or related therapeutic areas in academia and/or industry.
  • Exceptional candidates from academia with a distinguished record of scientific achievement and research leadership are encouraged to apply, even without prior industry experience.
  • Demonstrated track record of scientific innovation, leadership of research programs, and contributions to basic and/or translational research efforts.
  • Deep expertise in metabolic disease biology and target validation, with a strong understanding of human genetics, biomarkers, and the integration of preclinical and clinical data to inform drug discovery decisions.
  • Proven success leading scientific teams and discovery initiatives in a matrix environment, with the ability to manage priorities, collaborate across functions, influence stakeholders, and deliver results.
  • Broad experience with in vitro and in vivo models of obesity and metabolic disease, as well as contemporary therapeutic modalities and innovative technologies relevant to drug discovery.
  • People leadership experience, including managing, coaching, and developing scientific teams, with a demonstrated ability to build and sustain a high-performing team, foster employee engagement, and develop talent through mentorship, performance management, and succession planning.
  • Strong communication, collaboration, and relationship-building skills, with the ability to effectively engage leaders, cross-functional partners, and external collaborators.
  • Demonstrates strategic thinking and scientific judgment, translating complex data into clear decisions that advance program and team objectives.
  • Builds trust, alignment, and strong partnerships across functions by fostering an inclusive, collaborative, and high-performing culture.
  • Develops and empowers talent through effective coaching, mentorship, and succession planning, creating an environment where team members can excel.
  • Operates effectively in a matrix organization, influencing across functions while maintaining a strong focus on execution, innovation, and patient impact.
  • Demonstrates the highest standards of scientific integrity, ethics, diversity, and accountability, while championing excellence and continuous improvement.
  • Experience in pharmacology is highly desired, including the design, execution, and interpretation of in vitro and in vivo studies to support target validation, mechanism-of-action investigations, and therapeutic development.

Skills

  • Biomarker Research
  • Diabetes Research
  • Metabolic Diseases
  • Metabolism
  • Obesity Research
  • People Leadership
  • Pharmacology
  • Strategic Leadership
  • Translational Research

Location

  • South San Francisco, California

Work Type

  • Regular
  • Domestic/International Relocation
  • 10% Travel

Experience Level

  • Minimum of eight (8) years of experience in obesity, diabetes, MASH, or related therapeutic areas in academia and/or industry.

Education Level

  • Ph.D., M.D., or Ph.D./M.D. in endocrinology, metabolism, physiology, pharmacology, biology or a related scientific discipline

Salary/Compensations

  • $214,100.00 - $337,000.00

Benefits

  • Eligible for annual bonus and long-term incentive, if applicable.
  • Comprehensive package of benefits including 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.

About the Company

  • Our company is committed to inclusion, ensuring that candidates can engage in a hiring process that exhibits their true capabilities.
  • As a federal contractor, we comply with all affirmative action requirements for protected veterans and individuals with disabilities.
  • 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.

Equal Opportunity

  • 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.
  • Learn more about your rights, including under California, Colorado and other US State Acts