Executive Director (Distinguished Scientist), Head of Pathology Strategy - Molecular Pathology & Digital Pathology Biomarkers

Job Description

The Translational Biomarkers Organization within Translational Medicine is seeking a highly accomplished Executive Director/ Distinguished Scientist to lead enterprise-wide translational pathology biomarker efforts. The Executive Director will define and implement a unified vision for applying anatomic and digital pathology biomarkers to accelerate drug development across therapeutic areas, while providing decisive leadership to unify pathology related- functions and elevate scientific rigor across the organization.

The successful candidate will collaborate closely with Companion Diagnostics to contribute to diagnostic development strategies-particularly the incorporation and validation of digital pathology approaches to enable companion diagnostic solutions. They will work across a highly matrixed organization-partnering with colleagues in the Diagnostic Development Teams, Commercial, Regulatory, Discovery, and other key functions-to deliver cohesive, impactful, and clinically meaningful pathology initiatives.

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The Executive Director/ Distinguished Scientist will have the following responsibilities:

• Define the company-wide pathology and digital/ computational pathology biomarker strategy, in collaboration with key cross-functional partners, with a primary focus on oncology and immunology, but extending across all therapeutic areas
• Coordinate pathology and pathology-related work across the horizon of drug development, from preclinical programs to post-marketing, in collaboration with cross-functional partners
• Manage Anatomic Pathologists working within the Translational Biomarkers organization, including the Molecular Pathology biomarker laboratory lead, to foster scientific excellence and ensure alignment of pathology support with assay development
• Collaborate with internal digital image analysts, on the fit-for-purpose development and application of advanced AI/ML image analysis capabilities to support therapeutic programs -
• Ensure application of standards and quality frameworks aligned with GLP and CAP/CLIA requirements for clinical laboratory operations.
• Serve as a strategic partner to Companion Diagnostics to contribute to co-development strategies and assay and image analysis algorithm validation plans for pathology-driven CDx programs.
• Collaborate with biomarker leads in each therapeutic area to identify pathology-enabled decision points and translate these into program-level biomarker strategies.
• Build and manage external collaborations with academic, technology, and industry partners to advance digital and computational pathology innovation and accelerate clinical application.
• Communicate scientific insights, program impact, and strategic recommendations to internal stakeholders; represent the organization through scientific presentations and publications.

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Education:

Doctor of Medicine (MD) or MD/PhD required, with specialized training in Anatomic Pathology

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Required Experience and Skills:

• 10+ years of experience, including 5+ years of experience in a pharmaceutical or biotechnology setting
• Experience in clinical biomarker development and implementation of biomarker assays to support clinical trials.
• Recognized leader in Anatomic Pathology with extensive experience applying digital and computational pathology approaches to translational biomarker questions
• Knowledge of GLP and CAP/CLIA regulatory frameworks and experience ensuring compliance within clinical laboratory environments
• Proven ability to lead cross-functional and matrixed teams, manage multiple high-priority programs, and maintain scientific rigor in fast-paced settings
• Excellent communication skills with a record of impactful scientific publications and presentations
• Experience with oversight of high-performing scientific teams, including direct management of scientists and physician-scientists

Preferred Experience and Skills:

• Extensive knowledge of drug development and clinical trial conduct
• Experience with Companion diagnostic development, especially diagnostic development incorporating digital pathology measures
• Familiarity with advanced tissue-based spatial profiling technologies (e.g., multiplex IF, multiplex chromogenic IHC, spatial transcriptomics, etc.)
• Knowledge of commonly deployed commercial image acquisition systems and commercial or open-source image analysis software

Required Skills:
Biomarkers, Clinical Judgment, Clinical Operations, Communication, Diagnostics Development, Digital Pathology, Leadership, Pathology, People Leadership, Strategic Planning, Team Collaboration

Preferred Skills:

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Current Contingent Workers apply HERE

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U.S. Hybrid Work Model

Effective September 5, 2023, employees in office-based positions in the U.S. will be working a Hybrid work consisting of three total days on-site per week, Monday - Thursday, although the specific days may vary by site or organization, with Friday designated as a remote-working day, unless business critical tasks require an on-site presence.This Hybrid work model does not apply to, and daily in-person attendance is required for, field-based positions; facility-based, manufacturing-based, or research-based positions where the work to be performed is located at a Company site; positions covered by a collective-bargaining agreement (unless the agreement provides for hybrid work); or any other position for which the Company has determined the job requirements cannot be reasonably met working remotely. Please note, this Hybrid work model guidance also does not apply to roles that have been designated as "remote".

The salary range for this role is
$310,900.00 - $489,400.00

This is the lowest to highest salary we in good faith believe we would pay for this role at the time of this posting. An employee's position within the salary range will be based on several factors including, but not limited to relevant education, qualifications, certifications, experience, skills, geographic location, government requirements, and business or organizational needs.

The successful candidate will be eligible for annual bonus and long-term incentive, if applicable.

We offer a comprehensive package of benefits.- Available benefits include 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. More information about benefits is available at .

You can apply for this role through (or via the Workday Jobs Hub if you are a current employee). The application deadline for this position is stated on this posting.

San Francisco Residents Only: -We will consider qualified applicants with arrest and conviction records for employment in compliance with the San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance

Los Angeles Residents Only: -We will consider for employment all qualified applicants, including those with criminal histories, in a manner consistent with the requirements of applicable state and local laws, including the City of Los Angeles' Fair Chance Initiative for Hiring Ordinance

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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:

VISA Sponsorship:

Travel Requirements:

Flexible Work Arrangements:
Hybrid

Shift:

Valid Driving License:

Hazardous Material(s):

Job Posting End Date:
03/9/2026
*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.

Requisition ID: R386796