Principal Scientist, Biomarker Operations Project Management

Merck & Co.•North Wales, PA

3d•Hybrid

About The Position

As a Principal Scientist in Biomarker Operations within the Translational Medicine department, you will lead a dedicated team responsible for outsourced biomarker data generation across our clinical portfolio. You will drive operational strategy, ensure project excellence, and foster the growth and development of your group. This role is pivotal in delivering high-quality biomarker assay data for clinical trials and translational research, directly impacting our pipeline. Primary Responsibilities: Team Leadership & Development: With your team, plan, execute, and oversee outsourced biomarker data generation projects (e.g., omics assays) from conception through data delivery. Advocate for team members' work and career progression, fostering a culture of operational excellence and continuous improvement. Project Management: Ensure clear deliverables, timelines, and resource allocation for all projects. Implement risk management plans, proactively resolve issues, and maintain compliance at every stage of the process. Technical Expertise: Serve as a subject matter expert in biomarker assay technologies, guiding assay selection, platform comparisons, and technical decision-making. Continuously monitor internal and external trends, risks, gaps, and opportunities to keep the team at the forefront of innovation. Operational Excellence: Develop and implement streamlined workflows to maximize efficiency and data quality. Ensure accurate tracking and accessibility of project information and maintain effective verbal and written communication internally and externally. Identify and resolve conflicting stakeholder needs. Ensure a culture of continuous improvement and operational excellence. Cross-Functional Collaboration: Work closely with other operational and scientific leaders to support a cohesive and agile unit that advances translational and clinical research.

Requirements

Demonstrated success in outsourced biomarker assay data generation and team management
Strong project management skills, with a track record of delivering high-quality data efficiently and compliantly.
Bachelor's (with 10 years), Master's (with 7 years) or Ph.D./Pharm. D. (with 5 years) in a scientific or technological field of study and relevant experience

Nice To Haves

Experience in drug discovery or clinical research
Experience operating in a highly collaborative, matrixed, and fast-paced environment

Responsibilities

Team Leadership & Development: With your team, plan, execute, and oversee outsourced biomarker data generation projects (e.g., omics assays) from conception through data delivery.
Advocate for team members' work and career progression, fostering a culture of operational excellence and continuous improvement.
Project Management: Ensure clear deliverables, timelines, and resource allocation for all projects.
Implement risk management plans, proactively resolve issues, and maintain compliance at every stage of the process.
Technical Expertise: Serve as a subject matter expert in biomarker assay technologies, guiding assay selection, platform comparisons, and technical decision-making.
Continuously monitor internal and external trends, risks, gaps, and opportunities to keep the team at the forefront of innovation.
Operational Excellence: Develop and implement streamlined workflows to maximize efficiency and data quality.
Ensure accurate tracking and accessibility of project information and maintain effective verbal and written communication internally and externally.
Identify and resolve conflicting stakeholder needs.
Ensure a culture of continuous improvement and operational excellence.
Cross-Functional Collaboration: Work closely with other operational and scientific leaders to support a cohesive and agile unit that advances translational and clinical research.