Senior Director of Human Factors

MSD

101d • $153,800 - $242,200

About The Position

The Senior Director of Human Factors (HF) will provide visionary leadership and strategic direction for the HF function within our company. This role leads a center of excellence team within Device Development & Technology (DD&T) engaged across the entire product lifecycle—from early development through commercialization and post-market activities—ensuring integration of HF principles to enhance patient safety and product usability. The Senior Director will champion enterprise-wide HF strategy, foster cross-functional collaboration, and represent the company externally to influence industry standards and regulatory practices.

Requirements

• Advanced degree (M.S. or Ph.D.) in Human Factors, Ergonomics, Cognitive Psychology, Engineering, or related field preferred.
• Minimum of 15 years of progressive experience in HF within pharmaceutical, medical device, or combination product development.
• Proven track record of leading and growing HF teams in a regulated environment.
• Deep knowledge of global HF regulatory requirements, FDA guidance, and industry standards.
• Strong strategic thinking, leadership, and communication skills with the ability to influence at all organizational levels.
• Experience integrating HF into clinical trial design and execution.
• Demonstrated ability to manage multiple complex projects and priorities in a fast-paced environment.

Nice To Haves

• Accountability
• Budget Management
• Business Decisions
• Cognitive Psychology
• Conflict Resolution
• Cross-Functional Teamwork
• Customer-Focused
• Design Control Process
• Ergonomics Consulting
• Human Factor Engineering
• Human Resource Management
• Innovation
• Intellectual Property Management
• Medical Devices
• Mentoring Staff
• Negotiation
• Neuropsychology
• Patient Safety
• Post Marketing Surveillance
• Prioritization
• Process Engineering
• Product Lifecycle
• Product Lifecycle Management (PLM)
• Social Collaboration

Responsibilities

• Serve as a trusted advisor and coach to the HF team and key stakeholders across R&D, clinical, regulatory, marketing, manufacturing, and quality functions.
• Educate and build awareness of HF principles to foster alignment and commitment at all organizational levels.
• Develop and communicate a compelling HF vision and strategy that inspires collaboration and drives adoption of best practices.
• Empathize with diverse stakeholder concerns and involve cross-functional partners in exploring innovative solutions.
• Steer commitment to implementation and action, ensuring HF considerations are prioritized in decision-making and product lifecycle activities.
• Serve as a trusted HF subject matter expert via engagements with Health Authorities and Industry Trade Organizations.
• Instill a culture of accountability within the HF team and broader organization by clearly defining roles, responsibilities, and performance expectations.
• Promote individual and collective ownership of deliverables, driving results with a bias for action and a willingness to go above and beyond to achieve goals.
• Provide support and resources to empower team members without diminishing their task ownership.
• Lead by example in owning the end-to-end execution of HF initiatives, from strategy through implementation and post-market follow-up.
• Foster transparent decision making, communication, and agreements to ensure alignment and shared responsibility for outcomes.
• Demonstrate entrepreneurship and business savviness to identify opportunities for innovation and growth within the HF domain.
• Apply strategic planning, rigorous budget management, and sound scientific business decision-making to balance short-term operational demands with long-term organizational goals.
• Champion talent growth through coaching, development, and fostering diversity and inclusion within the team.
• Build and leverage internal and external networks and partnerships to enhance HF capabilities and influence industry standards.
• Act as a change catalyst, driving execution excellence and continuous improvement in HF practices.

Benefits

• Medical, dental, vision healthcare and other insurance benefits (for employee and family)
• Retirement benefits, including 401(k)
• Paid holidays
• Vacation
• Compassionate and sick days

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Senior
• Education Level: Ph.D. or professional degree
• Number of Employees: 5,001-10,000 employees