Principal Scientist (Director), Anatomic Pathologist

Merck•Boston, MA

8d•$255,800 - $402,700•Hybrid

About The Position

Translational Molecular Biomarkers (TMB) is responsible for translating preclinical molecular biomarkers to clinical development across all therapeutic areas and all phases of clinical development at our company's Research Laboratories. TMB laboratories leverage a array of technologies to develop biomarker assays to help confirm engagement of therapeutic targets and understand mechanisms of drug action and patient response. The Translational Pathology group within the TMB organization is seeking a highly motivated and experienced Anatomic Pathologist (MD) for the role of Principal Scientist to join our innovative team. This position will play a crucial role in the supporting the development, analytical validation, and testing of histopathology-based assays for clinical implementation and advancing digital pathology within our company's clinical therapeutic pipeline.

Requirements

Doctor of Medicine (MD or equivalent) or MD/PhD with specialized training in Anatomic Pathology.
Post-residency training experience of 1-3 years, including experience in biological research and the ability to work effectively in multidisciplinary teams.
Proficient in general anatomic pathology diagnosis and routine histopathology testing, including immunohistochemistry (IHC), cytogenetics (in-situ hybridization), sample quality and testing procedures, and applicable laboratory testing regulations.
Excellent oral and written skills with a proven record of scientific contributions to the scientific community.
Demonstrated ability to lead and manage projects in a fast-paced environment.
Ability to interact well with groups and maintain strong working relationships with internal and external collaborators.
Strong understanding of clinical laboratory regulatory standards and GxP compliant workflows.
Strong understanding of disease processes and pathways relevant to our company's therapeutics.

Nice To Haves

Experience with the development and analytic validation of digital or computational pathology algorithms strongly preferred.
Experience working in the diagnostic or pharmaceutical industry.
Broad knowledge of the drug development process and translational medicine.
Experience in clinical biomarker development or managing the implementation of biomarker assays in support of drug development.
Experience with multiplex tissue-based spatial profiling assays (i.e., multiplex immunofluorescence, multiplex chromogenic immunohistochemistry, imaging mass cytometry, spatial transcriptomics).
Familiarity with clinical grade whole slide imaging platforms (i.e., Leica Aperio, Hamamatsu, Roche DP 600).
Proficiency in commercial or open-source image analysis software packages (i.e., Visiopharm, HALO, QuPath).
Knowledge of using statistical software packages (i.e., Prism, SPSS).
Understanding of regulated clinical bioanalysis.

Responsibilities

Establish new histopathology-based assays in the laboratory as part of a team.
Engage in providing thorough histopathological reviews and testing clinical samples, leveraging expertise in disease processes and pathways targeted by our company's therapeutics.
Collaborate in the development and analytic validation of digital pathology algorithms.
Interface with scientists and physicians in early and late-stage clinical development to execute histopathology-based biomarker strategies in clinical trials.
Provide subject matter of expert pathologist input to discussions in a highly matrixed environment, collaborating with internal and external stakeholders.