Senior Principal Scientist, Molecular Pathology Lab Lead

MSD Malaysia; Rahway (NJ); Hybrid; USD 173,000 - 273,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical, dental, vision healthcare and

401(k) retirement benefits

Paid holidays, vacation, and sick days

Job summary

Merck seeks a Molecular Pathology Laboratory Lead to direct tissue‑based biomarker assay development and clinical deployment. You will lead scientists across histology, IHC, ISH, multiplex assays, and digital pathology to enable decision‑making in clinical programs.

The role combines scientific leadership with people management in a hybrid environment. You will guide assay validation, vendor oversight, and cross‑functional collaboration while ensuring GxP compliance and high‑quality results for

Qualifications

• Master’s degree or higher in life sciences with leadership experience.
• Proven ability to lead laboratory operations and manage timelines.
• Knowledge of GxP, CAP, CLIA where applicable.

Responsibilities

• Provide strategic and operational leadership for development, validation, and deployment of tissue‑based biomarker assays.
• Set assay strategies aligned with biomarker questions, development stage, and intended use.
• Advise on tissue acquisition, handling, and experimental design for clinical programs.
• Evaluate new technologies to expand molecular pathology capabilities.
• Build and mentor a high‑performing team in an inclusive environment.
• Oversee laboratory operations, budgets, capacity planning, and compliance with safety and quality standards.

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 seeks a Molecular Pathology Laboratory Lead to direct tissue‑based biomarker assay development and clinical deployment. You will lead scientists across histology, IHC, ISH, multiplex assays, and digital pathology to enable decision‑making in clinical programs.

The role combines scientific leadership with people management in a hybrid environment. You will guide assay validation, vendor oversight, and cross‑functional collaboration while ensuring GxP compliance and high‑quality results for