Laboratory Lead, Molecular Pathology & Biomarker Innovation

MSD; Rahway (NJ); On-site; USD 173,000 - 273,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Annual bonus

Long-term incentive

Comprehensive benefits

Job summary

Merck & Co., Inc. in Rahway, NJ, seeks a Molecular Pathology Laboratory Lead to guide the strategic direction and operations of our Molecular Pathology laboratory. You will lead scientists developing and deploying tissue-based biomarker assays across clinical programs.

The role requires deep histology expertise, immunohistochemistry, and experience with CLIA/CAP quality systems. You will mentor a high-performing team and collaborate across functions to deliver decision-enabling data.

Qualifications

• Master’s degree, Ph.D., M.D., or international equivalent in a life sciences discipline.
• 12+ years with a Master’s degree or 10+ years with a Ph.D. or M.D., including at least three years of direct people management or laboratory leadership.

Responsibilities

• Provide strategic and operational leadership for the development, validation, and clinical deployment of tissue-based biomarker assays.
• Establish scientifically rigorous, fit-for-purpose assay strategies aligned with the biomarker question, stage of development, and intended use.
• Advise on tissue acquisition and handling strategies and provide technical guidance on experiment design and assay validation for early- and late-stage clinical programs.
• Evaluate and implement new technologies that expand Molecular Pathology capabilities and demonstrate value in translational biomarker development.
• Build, lead, mentor, and develop a high-performing team of scientists in an inclusive environment and foster accountability, collaboration, and innovation.
• Contribute to internal and external scientific communications, including study reports, publications, conference presentations, and capability presentations.
• Provide daily laboratory leadership, capacity planning, data review, instrument oversight, and timely delivery of high-quality results.
• Manage laboratory resources, budgets, capital planning, and equipment lifecycles.
• Establish robust processes for assay development, validation, transfer, clinical testing, and documentation.
• Ensure all activities comply with safety, SOPs, quality standards, and regulatory expectations (GxP, CAP, CLIA).
• Oversee preparation, review, and approval of assay development and validation plans and reports and vendor oversight.

Skills

Companion Diagnostics

Histopathology

Laboratory Management

Laboratory Operations

Molecular Pathology

People Management

Pharmaceutical Industry

Tissue Histology

Translational Research

Education

Master’s degree, Ph.D., M.D., or international equivalent

Job description

Merck & Co., Inc. in Rahway, NJ, seeks a Molecular Pathology Laboratory Lead to guide the strategic direction and operations of our Molecular Pathology laboratory. You will lead scientists developing and deploying tissue-based biomarker assays across clinical programs.

The role requires deep histology expertise, immunohistochemistry, and experience with CLIA/CAP quality systems. You will mentor a high-performing team and collaborate across functions to deliver decision-enabling data.