Director, External Capabilities, Analytical Capabilities and Operations (ACO)

Biopharma Careers; Rahway (NJ); On-site; USD 190,000 - 240,000; Full time

Job summary

Merck is seeking a Director for External Capabilities in Rahway, NJ. You will lead a team of 10–12 scientists in the Pharmaceutical Analysis and Digital Technologies group, driving externalization for biologics, ADCs, and vaccines.

Collaborate across QA, Process, and Manufacturing to enable clinical supply and commercialization. The role requires subject matter expertise in large-molecule analytics, method development, and QA partnerships, with significant leadership responsibilities and

Qualifications

• Ph.D. with a minimum of 8 years of experience in analytical capabilities for large molecules.
• Master's degree with a minimum of 10 years of experience in pharmaceutical analytics or related field.
• Bachelor's degree with a minimum of 15 years of experience in development sciences or CMC.

Responsibilities

• Execute externalization strategy for Development Sciences and Clinical Supplies.
• Oversee analytical deliverables and quality control for external partners under GMP.
• Lead a team of 10–12 scientists and manage portfolio across biologics/ADC/vaccine programs.
• Collaborate with Process, QA, and Manufacturing to optimize external networks.

Education

Ph.D. (8+ years)

Master's degree (10+ years)

Bachelor's degree (15+ years)

Job description

# Director, External Capabilities, Analytical Capabilities and Operations (ACO)Rahway, New Jersey, United States of America FULL\\_TIMEOther / Corporate Functions DirectorNotify me about similar jobsView Full Job & Apply at MerckMerck is the source of truth for this posting and owns the application process. We surface normalized context and market comparison you won't find on the original listing.## About this opportunity**Job Description****Job Description:**The selected candidate will work in the Pharmaceutical Analysis and Digital Technologies department within the Development Sciences and Clinical Supplies organization and lead a group of exceptionally talented scientists supporting externalized analytical deliverables for large molecule programs at various stages of development. The scope of the role will include realization of the Development Sciences and Clinical Supplies externalization strategy, driving a culture of scientific and operational excellence within our team and at our external partners, and developing talent to achieve exceptional results. The selected candidate will manage a team of 10-12 scientists and manage a broad portfolio of Biologics, Antibody Drug Conjugate, and/or Vaccine programs. The leader will be expected to demonstrate subject matter expertise across large molecule analytical method development and qualification, proficiency in Quality Control and ability to manage relationships with strategic partners. The leader will work with internal stakeholders across Process, Quality Assurance, and Manufacturing to ensure an external network exists to supplement internal capacity and capability and drive transformation at external strategic partners by leveraging our company’s ways of working. The leader will be expected to work with direct reports and leverage their strengths to drive results while identifying opportunities to further develop each individual in alignment with their unique development plan. This role represents an excellent opportunity for a candidate seeking to lead a team of talented scientists, provide oversight of multiple programs, operate at the interface of clinical supply and commercialization, and broaden their experience in large molecule CMC development.**Primary Responsibilities:**Execution of DSCS’s externalization strategy and optimization of the operating model to deliver results aligned with enterprise goals.Oversee analytical deliverables, inclusive of quality control, for all drug substance and drug product deliverables sited at external partners to ensure continuity of clinical supply (analytical method qualifications/transfers, and resolution of analytical issues under GMP regulations)Oversee external analytical capability build by working with internal SMEs to upskill strategic partners.Oversee transfer of methods to commercial QC laboratories in support of registrational targets.Ensure high-quality documentation from external partners consistent with a compliance mindset.Work with ACO leadership to optimize current operating model and shape the future direction of the team in order to bring promising pipeline candidates to patients.**Education Minimum Requirements:**A Ph.D. degree with a minimum of 8 years of experienceOR a master’s degree with a minimum of 10 years of experienceOR a bachelor’s degree with a minimum of 15 years of experience