Head of Innovation

The businesses of Merck KGaA, Darmstadt, Germany•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 with customers, regulatory authorities, and the broader scientific community. The role sets the Global Biosafety Testing R&D Strategy and 2030+ vision, accounting for new biological modalities, digitization, and market dynamics. It leads and develops the R&D organization, forecasts future testing capability needs, and converts those needs into strategic plans, milestones, and budgets. The Head of Innovation also champions automation, data integrity, and digital lab transformation in cooperation with Operations, and helps shape business direction as a member of the BioReliance Leadership Team.

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 or 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 or services environment with direct regulatory interaction, including 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, such as cell and gene therapy, mRNA, and ADCs.
Life Sciences Services experience, such as 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 close cooperation with Operations.
Shape business direction as a core member of the BioReliance Leadership Team, collaborating with Operations, Commercial, Quality, and Regulatory.
Represent BioReliance as a scientific thought leader with customers, regulatory authorities including FDA and EMA, industry consortia, and the scientific community.
Own R&D investment decisions and hold full budgetary accountability.