Sr. Principal Scientist (Senior Director), Laboratory Lead - Molecular Pathology
Merck
August 25, 2026
Remote friendly (Rahway, NJ)
United States
Operations
Position Overview
The Molecular Pathology Laboratory Lead is a senior scientific and people leader responsible for the strategic direction and operations of the Molecular Pathology laboratory, leading a team developing, validating, transferring, and deploying tissue-based biomarker assays for clinical development.
Primary Activities
Scientific and Technical Leadership
- Lead development, validation, and clinical deployment of tissue-based biomarker assays.
- Define fit-for-purpose assay strategies aligned to the biomarker question, stage, and intended use.
- Advise on tissue acquisition/handling and provide experiment design and validation guidance.
- Evaluate and implement new technologies to expand Molecular Pathology capabilities.
People Leadership
- Build, lead, mentor, and develop a high-performing, inclusive team.
- Set roles and performance expectations aligned with portfolio priorities.
- Contribute to scientific communications (reports, publications, presentations).
Laboratory Operations, Quality, and Compliance
- Provide daily lab leadership (prioritization, capacity, readiness, data review, instrument oversight, documentation).
- Manage resources, budgets, capital planning, and equipment lifecycles.
- Establish processes for assay development/validation/transfer, clinical testing, reagent management, and maintenance.
- Ensure work follows safety, SOPs, quality standards, and regulatory expectations (GxP, CAP, CLIA where applicable).
- Oversee assay plan/report approvals and records; provide vendor/partner laboratory oversight.
Education
- Master’s, Ph.D., M.D., or equivalent in a life sciences discipline.
Required Experience & Skills
- 12+ years (Master’s) or 10+ years (Ph.D./M.D.), including 3+ years people management/lab leadership.
- Lead lab operations; manage priorities/resources/timelines.
- Knowledge of bioanalytical development and clinical lab quality systems (GxP/CAP/CLIA).
- Ability to communicate and collaborate across functions.
Preferred Experience & Skills
- Experience leading histology/translational/clinical biomarker labs.
- Publications/patents/invited presentations.
- Histotechnology certification; CAP/CLIA experience; digital pathology/image-analysis expertise.
Required Skills (examples)
- Companion Diagnostics (CDx), Histopathology, Laboratory Management/Operations, Molecular Pathology, People Management, Tissue Histology, Translational Research.
Benefits (as stated)
- Eligible for annual bonus and long-term incentive (if applicable).
- Comprehensive benefits: medical/dental/vision, retirement (401(k)), paid holidays, vacation, compassionate and sick days.
Application Instructions
- Apply at https://jobs.merck.com/us/en (or Workday Jobs Hub as a current employee). Apply by the deadline stated on the posting.
The Molecular Pathology Laboratory Lead is a senior scientific and people leader responsible for the strategic direction and operations of the Molecular Pathology laboratory, leading a team developing, validating, transferring, and deploying tissue-based biomarker assays for clinical development.
Primary Activities
Scientific and Technical Leadership
- Lead development, validation, and clinical deployment of tissue-based biomarker assays.
- Define fit-for-purpose assay strategies aligned to the biomarker question, stage, and intended use.
- Advise on tissue acquisition/handling and provide experiment design and validation guidance.
- Evaluate and implement new technologies to expand Molecular Pathology capabilities.
People Leadership
- Build, lead, mentor, and develop a high-performing, inclusive team.
- Set roles and performance expectations aligned with portfolio priorities.
- Contribute to scientific communications (reports, publications, presentations).
Laboratory Operations, Quality, and Compliance
- Provide daily lab leadership (prioritization, capacity, readiness, data review, instrument oversight, documentation).
- Manage resources, budgets, capital planning, and equipment lifecycles.
- Establish processes for assay development/validation/transfer, clinical testing, reagent management, and maintenance.
- Ensure work follows safety, SOPs, quality standards, and regulatory expectations (GxP, CAP, CLIA where applicable).
- Oversee assay plan/report approvals and records; provide vendor/partner laboratory oversight.
Education
- Master’s, Ph.D., M.D., or equivalent in a life sciences discipline.
Required Experience & Skills
- 12+ years (Master’s) or 10+ years (Ph.D./M.D.), including 3+ years people management/lab leadership.
- Lead lab operations; manage priorities/resources/timelines.
- Knowledge of bioanalytical development and clinical lab quality systems (GxP/CAP/CLIA).
- Ability to communicate and collaborate across functions.
Preferred Experience & Skills
- Experience leading histology/translational/clinical biomarker labs.
- Publications/patents/invited presentations.
- Histotechnology certification; CAP/CLIA experience; digital pathology/image-analysis expertise.
Required Skills (examples)
- Companion Diagnostics (CDx), Histopathology, Laboratory Management/Operations, Molecular Pathology, People Management, Tissue Histology, Translational Research.
Benefits (as stated)
- Eligible for annual bonus and long-term incentive (if applicable).
- Comprehensive benefits: medical/dental/vision, retirement (401(k)), paid holidays, vacation, compassionate and sick days.
Application Instructions
- Apply at https://jobs.merck.com/us/en (or Workday Jobs Hub as a current employee). Apply by the deadline stated on the posting.