Director (Principal Scientist) - Precision Medicine - Outcomes Research

Merck•North Wales, PA

9d•$190,800 - $300,300•Hybrid

About The Position

This position is within the company’s Value and Implementation (V&I) Oncology organization, which leads execution of the value evidence plan and delivery of strategic real-world evidence (RWE) capabilities to inform healthcare decision-making. Under the guidance of a senior leader, the Principal Scientist provides US and ex-US outcomes research support for Oncology programs focused on Precision Medicine. The role leads and advises on evidence-generation methods for translational oncology and molecular epidemiology studies supporting access, value demonstration, and medical implementation. Studies may involve biomarkers with approved diagnostics across multiple tumors, tissue processing or acquisition, and emerging biomarkers without approved diagnostics. The Principal Scientist serves as an outcomes research and precision medicine subject matter expert for internal and external stakeholders; designs and executes observational and real-world studies; contributes to value evidence plans and studies demonstrating clinical, economic, and patient-centered value; and supports implementation of the global RWE capability maturity model in partnership with local experts and stakeholders. The role also communicates research findings to relevant audiences and supports the development of communication resources. The position requires a doctoral degree in a relevant discipline and at least four years of post-degree experience.

Requirements

Doctoral degree in a relevant discipline, such as health services research, outcomes research, epidemiology, public health, health economics, pharmacoeconomics, or pharmacy administration.
Four or more years of experience after earning the degree.
Expertise in translational oncology and molecular epidemiology, observational study best practices, fitness-for-use, real-world evidence frameworks, and global guidelines on conducting observational research.

Nice To Haves

Expertise in real-world evidence generation, advanced biostatistics, and computational biology.
Prior experience in digital pathology-related analytics.
Laboratory experience and understanding of tissue processing, including sample logistics, biobanking, pathology, and QA/QC considerations.
Expertise in diagnostic test modalities such as IHC, ISH, PCR, NGS, digital pathology, and multiplex, as well as assay sensitivity and specificity.
Track record of scientific presentations and publications.
Experience in oncology-related outcomes research and/or epidemiology.

Responsibilities

Provide leadership and consultation on evidence-generation methods for translational oncology and molecular epidemiology studies supporting access, value demonstration, and medical implementation.
Provide outcomes research and precision medicine subject matter expertise to internal and external stakeholders, including the precision medicine integrated value and implementation team and related functions.
Design and execute observational and real-world studies supporting access, value demonstration, and medical implementation.
Inform and contribute to the value evidence plan and associated studies demonstrating clinical, economic, and patient-centered value.
Support implementation of the RWE capability maturity model for global excellence in RWE generation, partnering with local RWE experts and stakeholders.
Communicate research findings to relevant internal and external audiences and support development of communication resources.
Collaborate with internal stakeholders to align research priorities and plans.
Communicate with external audiences, including health care providers, health systems, HTAs, and patient organizations.
Design and execute outcomes research studies in collaboration with scientific leaders, patient organizations, academic medical centers, health systems, research organizations, database holders, and others.
Prepare outcomes research protocols, statistical analysis plans, and clinical study reports.
Communicate findings through scientific conferences, publications, dossiers, and other means.
Maintain awareness of scientific developments in the field.