Executive Director (Distinguished Scientist), Head of Pathology Strategy - Molecular Pathology & Digital Pathology Biomarkers

MSD•Rahway, NJ

3d•Hybrid

About The Position

The Translational Biomarkers Organization within Translational Medicine is seeking a highly accomplished Executive Director/ Distinguished Scientist to lead enterprise‑wide translational pathology biomarker efforts. The Executive Director will define and implement a unified vision for applying anatomic and digital pathology biomarkers to accelerate drug development across therapeutic areas, while providing decisive leadership to unify pathology related‑ functions and elevate scientific rigor across the organization. The successful candidate will collaborate closely with Companion Diagnostics to contribute to diagnostic development strategies—particularly the incorporation and validation of digital pathology approaches to enable companion diagnostic solutions. They will work across a highly matrixed organization—partnering with colleagues in the Diagnostic Development Teams, Commercial, Regulatory, Discovery, and other key functions—to deliver cohesive, impactful, and clinically meaningful pathology initiatives.

Requirements

Doctor of Medicine (MD) or MD/PhD required, with specialized training in Anatomic Pathology
10+ years of experience, including 5+ years of experience in a pharmaceutical or biotechnology setting
Experience in clinical biomarker development and implementation of biomarker assays to support clinical trials.
Recognized leader in Anatomic Pathology with extensive experience applying digital and computational pathology approaches to translational biomarker questions
Knowledge of GLP and CAP/CLIA regulatory frameworks and experience ensuring compliance within clinical laboratory environments
Proven ability to lead cross-functional and matrixed teams, manage multiple high-priority programs, and maintain scientific rigor in fast-paced settings
Excellent communication skills with a record of impactful scientific publications and presentations
Experience with oversight of high-performing scientific teams, including direct management of scientists and physician-scientists

Nice To Haves

Extensive knowledge of drug development and clinical trial conduct
Experience with Companion diagnostic development, especially diagnostic development incorporating digital pathology measures
Familiarity with advanced tissue-based spatial profiling technologies (e.g., multiplex IF, multiplex chromogenic IHC, spatial transcriptomics, etc.)
Knowledge of commonly deployed commercial image acquisition systems and commercial or open-source image analysis software

Responsibilities

Define the company-wide pathology and digital/ computational pathology biomarker strategy, in collaboration with key cross-functional partners, with a primary focus on oncology and immunology, but extending across all therapeutic areas
Coordinate pathology and pathology-related work across the horizon of drug development, from preclinical programs to post-marketing, in collaboration with cross-functional partners
Manage Anatomic Pathologists working within the Translational Biomarkers organization, including the Molecular Pathology biomarker laboratory lead, to foster scientific excellence and ensure alignment of pathology support with assay development
Collaborate with internal digital image analysts, on the fit-for-purpose development and application of advanced AI/ML image analysis capabilities to support therapeutic programs
Ensure application of standards and quality frameworks aligned with GLP and CAP/CLIA requirements for clinical laboratory operations.
Serve as a strategic partner to Companion Diagnostics to contribute to co-development strategies and assay and image analysis algorithm validation plans for pathology-driven CDx programs.
Collaborate with biomarker leads in each therapeutic area to identify pathology-enabled decision points and translate these into program-level biomarker strategies.
Build and manage external collaborations with academic, technology, and industry partners to advance digital and computational pathology innovation and accelerate clinical application.
Communicate scientific insights, program impact, and strategic recommendations to internal stakeholders; represent the organization through scientific presentations and publications.