AD/D, Preclinical Development

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 Networking

Preferred Skills:

Current Employees apply HERE

Current Contingent Workers apply HERE

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Merck & Co., Inc., Rahway, NJ, USA, also known as Merck Sharp & Dohme LLC, Rahway, NJ, USA, does not accept unsolicited assistance from search firms for employment opportunities. All CVs / resumes submitted by search firms to any employee at our company without a valid written search agreement in place for this position will be deemed the sole property of our company. No fee will be paid in the event a candidate is hired by our company as a result of an agency referral where no pre-existing agreement is in place. Where agency agreements are in place, introductions are position specific. Please, no phone calls or emails.

Employee Status:

Regular

Relocation:

No relocation

VISA Sponsorship:

No

Travel Requirements:

No Travel Required

Flexible Work Arrangements:

Not Applicable

Shift:

Not Indicated

Valid Driving License:

No

Hazardous Material(s):

no

Job Posting End Date:

08/31/2026

***A job posting is effective until 11:59:59PM on the day BEFORE the listed job posting end date. Please ensure you apply to a job posting no later than the day BEFORE the job posting end date. **