Head of Precision Medicine (all genders)

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Merck Group invites applications for Head of Precision Medicine to shape and execute our precision medicine strategy within R&D, integrating genomics, biomarker science, companion diagnostics and digital innovations to deliver patient-centric solutions across the drug development lifecycle. This senior leadership role requires a PhD, MD or PharmD and 15+ years in pharma/biotech with a track record in biomarker development and CDx, including 5+ years leading multi-disciplinary teams and success guiding regulatory approval. Strong preference for experience in machine learning, real-world evidence, large-scale sequencing, and global regulatory submissions. To apply, tailor your CV to demonstrate cross-functional impact, strategic leadership, and measurable outcomes; emphasize collaboration, inclusion, and a patient focus.

Work Your Magic with us!  

Ready to explore, break barriers, and discover more? We know you’ve got big plans – so do we! Our colleagues across the globe love innovating with science and technology to enrich people’s lives with our solutions in Healthcare, Life Science, and Electronics. Together, we dream big and are passionate about caring for our rich mix of people, customers, patients, and planet. That's why we are always looking for curious minds that see themselves imagining the unimaginable with us.  

United As One for Patients, our purpose in Healthcare is to help create, improve and prolong lives. We develop medicines, intelligent devices and innovative technologies in therapeutic areas such as Oncology, Neurology and Fertility. Our teams work together across 6 continents with passion and relentless curiosity in order to help patients at every stage of life. Joining our Healthcare team is becoming part of a diverse, inclusive and flexible working culture, presenting great opportunities for personal development and career advancement across the globe.

Your role: As the Vice President of Precision Medicine, you will play a pivotal role in shaping and leading our precision medicine strategies within Research and Development. This strategic leadership position within the Clinical Measurement Sciences (CMS) organization will integrate advanced biomarker technologies, companion diagnostics (CDx), and digital innovations to enhance patient-centric solutions throughout the drug development lifecycle. You will collaborate closely with cross-functional teams across R&D, Medical, and Commercial to ensure the successful implementation of precision medicine initiatives across our portfolio.

Key Responsibilities

• Strategic Development: Define and execute a comprehensive precision medicine strategy that aligns with organizational goals and incorporates cutting-edge biomarker science and digital technologies.
• Cross-Functional Leadership: Lead collaboration across R&D, clinical, regulatory, and commercial teams to ensure that precision medicine strategies are scientifically rigorous, translatable, and patient-focused, maximizing the probability of success of our portfolio.
• CDx Development: Oversee the end-to-end development of companion diagnostics, ensuring compliance with global regulatory standards and effective vendor partnerships.
• Integration of Technology: Champion the integration of genomic, biomarker, imaging and other data into clinical workflows, maximizing the impact of data generated for patients and the business.
• Team Management: Directly manage senior leaders across various functional areas, fostering a high-performing, diverse team through effective coaching and inclusive leadership practices.
• Stakeholder Engagement: Represent Precision Medicine and CMS in internal governance forums and external scientific boards, advocating for advancements in precision medicine and building strategic partnerships.

Who you are

Required skills

• An advanced scientific degree (PhD, MD, PharmD) in molecular biology, biomedical informatics, genetics, or a related field.
• At least 15 years of experience in the pharmaceutical/biotech industry, focusing on biomarker development, CDx, and translational medicine, including a minimum of 5 years in a leadership role managing multi-disciplinary teams.
• Proven success in leading biomarkers or CDx through regulatory approval and clinical implementation.

Preferred skills

• Experience with machine-learning applications in clinical decision support and familiarity with real-world evidence generation.
• Leadership experience in large-scale sequencing or decentralized trial initiatives.
• Global regulatory submission experience with surrogate biomarker endpoints is advantageous.

What we offer: We are curious minds that come from a broad range of backgrounds, perspectives, and life experiences. We believe that this variety drives excellence and innovation, strengthening our ability to lead in science and technology. We are committed to creating access and opportunities for all to develop and grow at your own pace. Join us in building a culture of inclusion and belonging that impacts millions and empowers everyone to work their magic and champion human progress!

Apply now and become a part of a team that is dedicated to Sparking Discovery and Elevating Humanity!