Director, Multiomic Sciences, Quantitative Biosciences

Merck•Singapore, NJ

2d•Onsite

About The Position

The Director, Multiomic Sciences will build and lead a molecular biomarker and multiomics group at the company’s research facility in Biopolis, Singapore. The role integrates immunoassays, mass spectrometry, genomics, flow cytometry, single-cell technologies, and AI-enabled analytics to generate biological insights, inform biomarker-driven decisions, de-risk drug development, and influence portfolio decisions across discovery and clinical development. The position sits at the intersection of molecular biology, biomarker sciences, multiomic technologies, translational medicine, and data science. It will shape scientific strategy and build capabilities to discover, validate, and deploy molecular biomarkers across the R&D pipeline, with the aim of advancing drug discovery and development of medicines and vaccines. As a member of the Singapore Quantitative Biosciences Leadership Team, the Director will help shape site strategy and priorities, develop multiple related teams, set group objectives and investment priorities, and manage resources and operations. The role will partner with therapeutic-area leaders and internal and external stakeholders to apply multiomic approaches to target discovery and validation, mechanism-of-action studies, biomarker qualification, patient stratification, pharmacodynamic assessments, translational research, and development decisions. The Director will also represent the organization through scientific publications, presentations, collaborations, and thought leadership.

Requirements

PhD in Molecular Biology, Biomedical Sciences, Life Sciences, Translational Medicine, Computational Biology, Bioinformatics, Systems Biology, Analytical Sciences, or a related discipline, with at least 8 years of relevant industry experience; alternatively, a Master’s degree in a related field with at least 12 years of relevant industry experience.
Proven industry experience in drug discovery and development.
Substantial scientific and leadership experience in molecular biomarker discovery, development, validation, and deployment in support of drug discovery and development.
Expertise in one or more relevant areas, such as immunoassays, flow cytometry, mass spectrometry, genomics, transcriptomics, proteomics, metabolomics, single-cell technologies, biomarker sciences, translational medicine, or computational biology.
Strong understanding of disease biology, mechanisms of action, biomarker qualification and translatability, clinical pharmacology, and translational medicine, with the ability to translate scientific insights into impactful R&D outcomes.
Strong strategic thinking, business acumen, and decision-making capabilities, including the ability to navigate complexity, assess risks and trade-offs, and balance near-term execution with long-term organizational, portfolio, and capability goals.
Ability to anticipate scientific, technological, regulatory, and organizational trends and translate them into differentiated capabilities and portfolio impact.
Strong leadership, influence, and communication skills, including the ability to build partnerships across functions, align stakeholders around strategic priorities, secure commitment to initiatives, and deliver scientific and business outcomes.
Capacity for change leadership and innovation, including the ability to inspire new approaches and translate ideas into practical solutions that create measurable value.

Nice To Haves

Broad therapeutic-area exposure across Oncology, Immunology, Neuroscience, and Cardiometabolic diseases is strongly preferred.
Multidisciplinary molecular biomarker and multiomic expertise applied to complex biological mechanisms, therapeutic hypothesis validation, biomarker strategies, and drug discovery and development is strongly preferred.
Experience building, leading, and developing high-performing multidisciplinary scientific teams, including coaching, talent development, organizational change, capability building, workforce planning, and resource management, is a strong plus.

Responsibilities

Contribute to the Singapore Quantitative Biosciences Leadership Team, partnering with the Site Lead and other leaders to shape and deliver site strategy and priorities, foster partnerships, and promote an innovative and compliant research environment.
Lead and develop multiple inter-related teams within the Multiomic Sciences group, building a collaborative, accountable, high-performing culture and developing talent and organizational capability.
Set group objectives, business plans, and Multiomic Sciences strategies aligned with site and divisional priorities; lead budgeting, forecasting, workforce planning, and resource allocation while ensuring compliance with company policies, quality and regulatory requirements, data integrity standards, and EHS practices.
Influence senior scientific and business leaders to align investments, portfolio priorities, and resource allocation with organizational and business objectives.
Define and execute the Multiomic Sciences strategy, establish investment priorities, and build a differentiated portfolio of molecular biomarker and multiomic capabilities.
Evaluate, adopt, and advance emerging biomarker technologies, next-generation omics platforms, and AI/ML-enabled analytical approaches to enhance scientific insight and translational impact.
Lead molecular biomarker and multiomic applications supporting target discovery and validation, mechanism-of-action studies, biomarker qualification, patient stratification, pharmacodynamic assessments, translational research, and data-driven decisions across discovery and development programs.
Partner with Therapeutic Area leaders and Singapore QB scientific leaders/points of contact to inform go/no-go decisions, establish target engagement and proof-of-biology, support dose selection and patient stratification, and advance the portfolio.
Build strategic partnerships with internal functions, external research institutions, contract research organizations, healthcare systems, and technology providers.
Represent the organization as a scientific leader through publications, presentations, external collaborations, and thought leadership; influence scientific dialogue and enhance the visibility and reputation of its science.