Translational Biomarkers Lead — Oncology & Hematology

Merck; Rahway (NJ); Hybrid; USD 191,000 - 300,000; Full time

Job summary

Merck invites a Principal Scientist to lead strategic biomarker initiatives across oncology and hematology programs. You will design, execute, and communicate translational and clinical biomarker strategies from early development through late-stage trials to generate high-value evidence for decisions.

The role requires expertise in cancer biology and biomarker modalities (NGS, ctDNA, MRD, IHC, flow cytometry) and collaboration across functional teams to shape development strategies and patient

Qualifications

• Ph.D., M.D., or equivalent advanced scientific degree with relevant experience in oncology, hematology, translational medicine, biomarker science, drug development, or a related discipline.

Responsibilities

• Develop and lead integrated biomarker strategies across oncology and hematology programs, in partnership with cross-functional development teams.
• Translate disease biology and therapeutic mechanism into clear translational hypotheses and fit-for-purpose biomarker approaches.
• Define how biomarkers can inform key development questions including proof of biology, target engagement, dose and regimen selection, patient selection, response assessment, resistance mechanisms, and go/no-go decisions.
• Ensure biomarker strategies are focused and scalable, with clear linkage between the development question, proposed measurement, expected result, and potential action.
• Serve as the biomarker representative on cross-functional program teams and provide strategic biomarker input to program-level decision making.
• Partner closely with Discovery, Clinical Development, Quantitative Sciences, Regulatory, Data Science, Clinical Operations, Pathology, Diagnostics, and other functions to develop integrated translational strategies.
• Lead interpretation of biomarker and clinical datasets and translate complex findings into clear, actionable recommendations.
• Develop approaches to characterize disease heterogeneity, molecular drivers, treatment response, mechanisms of resistance, and biological determinants of clinical outcome.
• Develop and evaluate patient-selection and precision-medicine strategies, including approaches based on genomic, transcriptomic, protein-expression, cellular, or other disease-specific biomarkers.
• Apply circulating and tissue-based biomarker approaches, as appropriate, including ctDNA, minimal residual disease, molecular profiling, immunophenotyping, and pharmacodynamic biomarkers.
• For hematologic malignancies, develop strategies incorporating disease-relevant measures such as molecular response, measurable residual disease, clonal evolution, mutational burden, lineage or cellular phenotype, and resistance-associated alterations, as appropriate to the program.
• For solid tumors, develop strategies addressing target expression, tumor biology, molecular subtype, immune contexture, circulating biomarkers, mechanisms of response and resistance, and potential predictive biomarkers.
• Evaluate emerging biomarker technologies and analytical approaches based on their ability to address meaningful development questions and influence program decisions.
• Contribute to biomarker strategies supporting potential companion diagnostic or regulatory biomarker development, where appropriate.
• Communicate biomarker strategies, results, risks, and recommendations clearly to cross-functional teams, governance groups, and key stakeholders.
• Provide scientific guidance and mentorship to biomarker scientists and contribute to a collaborative, strategically focused biomarker organization.
• Support publications, scientific presentations, external collaborations, and interactions with key external experts as appropriate.

Skills

Biomarkers

Clinical Development

Oncology

Hematology

Translational Medicine

Scientific Writing

Strategic Thinking

Protocol Development

Scientific Presentations

Team Leadership

Education

Ph.D., M.D., or equivalent advanced scientific degree

Tools

NGS

ctDNA

MRD

Immunohistochemistry

Flow Cytometry

Gene-expression profiling

Job description

Merck invites a Principal Scientist to lead strategic biomarker initiatives across oncology and hematology programs. You will design, execute, and communicate translational and clinical biomarker strategies from early development through late-stage trials to generate high-value evidence for decisions.

The role requires expertise in cancer biology and biomarker modalities (NGS, ctDNA, MRD, IHC, flow cytometry) and collaboration across functional teams to shape development strategies and patient