Principal Scientist/Lab Manager, Clinical Pathology

Merck • Upper Gwynedd Township, PA

1d • $173,200 - $272,600 • Onsite

About The Position

The Clinical Pathology Laboratory Manager provides operational and technical leadership with scientific insights for the clinical pathology laboratory within Nonclinical Drug Safety Department. The successful candidate will ensure accurate, timely, and compliant delivery of laboratory data, and collaborates with stakeholders across functions to support nonclinical studies and development decisions across the pipeline from early discovery to submissions and post-marketing requirements. This role reports to the head of Clinical Pathology group.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in Medical Laboratory Science, Clinical Laboratory Science, Biology, Chemistry, or related field.
• ASCP (MLS/MLT) or equivalent certification required.
• Minimum 10 years of clinical laboratory experience with at least 2 years in a supervisory or lead role in clinical pathology or equivalent sections.
• Strong knowledge of clinical laboratory operations, instrumentation, quality systems, and regulatory requirements (GLP).
• Proven leadership, communication, and team development skills.
• Proficiency with laboratory information systems (LIS) and electronic laboratory notebooks.
• Chemical Safety
• Clinical Judgment
• Clinical Pathology
• Collaborative Communications
• Detail-Oriented
• Hematology
• Improvement Projects
• Innovation
• Intellectual Curiosity
• Laboratory Documentation
• Laboratory Informatics
• Laboratory Information Management System (LIMS)
• Medical Laboratories
• Microscopic Imaging
• Morphology
• Regulatory Compliance
• Regulatory Requirements
• Team Collaboration
• Technical Leadership
• Urinalysis

Nice To Haves

• Master’s degree in clinical laboratory science or related field.
• Prior experience in a hospital-based or high-volume clinical laboratory.
• Current Employees apply HERE
• Current Contingent Workers apply HERE
• US and Puerto Rico Residents Only:
• San Francisco Residents Only: We will consider qualified applicants with arrest and conviction records for employment in compliance with the San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance
• Los Angeles Residents Only: We will consider for employment all qualified applicants, including those with criminal histories, in a manner consistent with the requirements of applicable state and local laws, including the City of Los Angeles’ Fair Chance Initiative for Hiring Ordinance

Responsibilities

• Manage day-to-day functions of the clinical pathology laboratory, including hematology, coagulation, clinical chemistry, urinalysis, and related areas in multiple nonclinical species (rodents and non-rodents). This role will include instrument operation and data generation on a rotating basis.
• Supervise laboratory personnel: hiring, onboarding, scheduling, performance reviews, and career development.
• Ensure appropriate staffing levels and competency through workforce planning and cross-training.
• Ensure compliance with institutional policies in a regulated environment (Good Laboratory Practice).
• Oversee validation and documentation for new assays, instruments, and software updates.
• Monitor test performance, instrument functionality, and quality control (QC) metrics; respond to QC failures and implement corrective actions.
• Evaluate new technologies, reagents, and automation opportunities; lead implementation projects as needed.
• Promote and enforce a safe work environment, ensuring adherence to biosafety, chemical safety, and waste disposal regulations.
• Ensure staff are appropriately trained in the safety policies and use of personal protective equipment laboratory operations.
• Serve as the primary point of contact between laboratory and stakeholders.
• Prepare and present reports on laboratory performance, quality metrics, and improvement projects.
• Participate in multidisciplinary committees and contribute to laboratory strategy.

Benefits

• medical, dental, vision healthcare and other insurance benefits (for employee and family)
• retirement benefits, including 401(k)
• paid holidays
• vacation
• compassionate and sick days

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Principal