Head of Innovation

Merck•Rockville, MD

9d•$198,600 - $297,800

About The Position

The Head of Innovation leads the Research & Development function for BioReliance Testing Services, with full budgetary accountability and ownership of R&D investment decisions. This senior leader establishes the Global Biosafety Testing R&D Strategy and Roadmap, drives technology thought leadership, and represents the business externally in innovation matters, engaging with customers, regulatory authorities, and the scientific community. The role sets the Global Biosafety Testing R&D Strategy and 2030+ vision, taking into account new biological modalities, digitization, and changing market dynamics. It builds and develops a high-performing R&D organization and works closely with Operations, Commercial, Quality, and Regulatory as a member of the BioReliance Leadership Team. The position also champions automation, data integrity, and digital laboratory transformation in cooperation with Operations.

Requirements

PhD in Life Sciences, such as Cellular or Molecular Biology, Microbiology, Virology, Biochemistry, or a related discipline.
At least 15 years of scientific R&D experience in Biotech/Life Sciences, including 10 or more years beyond academia.
At least 5 years at a senior level leading an R&D organization in a GMP/FDA-regulated environment.
Demonstrated track record in a testing/services environment with direct regulatory interaction with FDA and EMA.
Proven ability to bring new testing services from ideation through R&D to market launch.

Nice To Haves

Experience with new biological modalities, including cell and gene therapy, mRNA, and ADCs.
Life Sciences Services experience, such as in CROs, CDMOs, or contract testing organizations (CTOs).
Entrepreneurial mindset, strong scientific background, and sound business acumen.
Scientific credibility recognized by peers, customers, and regulatory stakeholders.
Excellent leadership, communication, and executive-level stakeholder management skills.
Strong knowledge of US and EU GMP regulations and experience driving digitalization in R&D.
Proven track record building high-performing R&D teams, with a strong coaching and empowerment approach.

Responsibilities

Establish and drive the Global Biosafety Testing R&D Strategy and 2030+ vision, incorporating new biological modalities, digitization, and evolving market dynamics.
Lead, develop, and grow the R&D organization through talent management, succession planning, and coaching.
Forecast testing capability needs and translate them into strategic R&D plans, milestones, and budgets to enable future business growth.
Champion automation, data integrity, and digital lab transformation in cooperation with Operations.
Shape business direction as a core member of the BioReliance Leadership Team, collaborating with Operations, Commercial, Quality, and Regulatory.
Represent BioReliance externally as a scientific thought leader with customers, regulatory authorities including FDA and EMA, industry consortia, and the scientific community.
Hold full budgetary accountability and own R&D investment decisions.