US Director Medical Affairs, Precision Medicine

Merck•North Wales, PA

1d•Hybrid

About The Position

Role Summary The US DMA is a regionally based position within our Research & Development Division, US Medical Affairs. This position strategically drives scientific excellence across in-line business and our Company's One Pipeline while optimizing field readiness across the USMA strategic pillars: 1.) Scientific Exchange 2.) Company Trials 3.) Investigator-Sponsored Programs 4.) Congresses; and 5.) Insights The US DMA is an experienced therapeutic area (TA) leader and subject matter expert (SME) with relevant medical affairs and field medical experience. This role is also responsible for driving execution of scientific and medical affairs plans for assigned Therapy Areas within their region, engaging with regional cross-functional teams, and providing US input to the relevant cross-functional team meetings, e.g., US MAT, PAT, MT and V&I Plans. The US DMA Precision Medicine brings scientific expertise in diagnostics and biomarkers to support evidence generation, medical strategy implementation, and US execution. The US DMA Precision Medicine ensures precision medicine CMAP strategies are V&I aligned, scientifically robust, operationally feasible, and locally actionable for consistent implementation of precision medicine strategies across USMA therapeutic areas. As a core member (or co-lead) of the US Medical Affairs Team (MAT), the US DMA collaborates with the Global TA team and cross-functional partners to enable US regional implementation of Value & Implementation (V&I) Planning by: 1) Integrating local insights into Global Scientific Value Content (GSVC) and Center of Scientific Exchange Excellence (CSEE) plans 2) Facilitating local adoption of GSVC and CSEE initiatives 3) Leading development and execution of aligned local training programs 4) Evaluating training effectiveness and application in the field.

Requirements

An advanced degree (e.g., MD, PhD, PharmD) relevant to the TA-specific disease area and recognized medical expertise in oncology precision medicine/biomarkers.
A minimum of 5 years of medical affairs experience -OR- equivalent clinical/research experience.
A minimum of 3 years of working in TA (clinical, research, or pharmaceutical environment) or within a highly relevant TA with demonstrated scientific acumen.
Proven ability in Strategic Decision Making & Planning, including helping the US Executive Director prioritize initiatives across the portfolio.
Demonstrated Execution Excellence with a track record of leading complex projects, managing multiple priorities simultaneously in a fast-paced environment.
Strong Emotional Intelligence to foster trust and respect within a complex, matrixed organizational structure.
Exceptional Networking & Partnerships skills to collaborate effectively across diverse teams and stakeholders.
Agile mindset as a Change Catalyst, committed to experimenting, learning, and adapting in response to evolving business needs, and capable of driving continuous improvement.
Expertise in interpreting and communicating complex scientific concepts clearly in both one-on-one and group settings.
Deep knowledge of the US healthcare system, including national treatment guidelines, clinical research processes, FDA regulations, and OIG compliance.
The ability to travel up to 40% (i.e.: Congresses).
Required Skills: Biomarker Development, Drug Launches, Launch Strategy, Medical Affairs, Medical Knowledge, Pharmaceutical Medical Affairs, Precision Medicine (PM), Project Management

Nice To Haves

Field Medical Affairs experience.
Demonstrated 2+ years experience in Medical Affairs, Clinical Development, or related scientific roles, with demonstrated expertise in biomarkers, diagnostics, or precision medicine.
Experience engaging scientific leaders and stakeholders relevant to diagnostics and biomarker-driven care.
Experience working within U.S. healthcare and diagnostic environments.
University-level teaching experience and understanding of adult learning principles.
Experience with innovative pharmaceutical training platforms.
Proficiency in Microsoft Word, PowerPoint, and Excel.
Ability to quickly assimilate new subject areas and work independently on complex problems.

Responsibilities

In collaboration with USMA Executive Director (ED) and Health Systems PASL, conduct development and implementation of regional strategies aligned with headquarters V&I goals including defining a prioritized USMA Field strategy and implementation goals.
Contribute to the integrated US Country Medical Affairs Plan (CMAP), including the US Field Medical Plan (FMP)/Field Engagement Plan (FEP) and field training plan for assigned TA as a member of the USMA TA Leadership Team, including implementation of precision medicine priorities and ensuring V&I alignment across biomarkers, companion diagnostics, and LDT-based diagnostic approaches.
Identifies and prioritizes US field resources, training needs and activities; and in collaboration with GMVC, ensures strategically aligned content and training and any other needed adult learning activities across the portfolio. This would also include the pull-through of pre- and post-congress regional training and content.
Develop a strategic and comprehensive scientific engagement plan and ensure scientific exchange aligns with the global scientific communications platform.
Ensure insights from advisory boards and field medical activities are actioned with relevant stakeholders, aligned with Country Medical Affairs priorities, and monitored for trends impacting future strategy.
In collaboration with relevant USMA stakeholders (e.g. HS PASL), organize expert input events (e.g., advisory boards, forums) with contracted Scientific Leaders and key stakeholders to address new indication implementation and/or emerging science related to biomarkers and diagnostics.
Manage programs (i.e. patient support, education, risk management) as needed for appropriate and safe utilization of company medicines.
Partner with GSVC, CSEE, US Global Clinical Trial Organization (GCTO), Global Medical and Scientific Affairs (GMSA) TA leads, and internal/external SMEs to orchestrate and deliver regional training as needed.
Participate in bi-directional information exchange and sharing of best practices across USMA roles and teams, including Health Systems.
Collaborate with the USMA Field Medical Alignment Director (FMAD) to ensure consistent standards, processes, and harmonization for training activities (e.g., clinical immersions, verbalizations, journal clubs).
Provide input into strategic congress priorities and participate in planning at key scientific congresses related to biomarkers and diagnostics.
Continuously monitor healthcare environment and emerging trends to optimize CMAPs and field execution plans.
Serve as a point of contact for development and maintenance of US new-hire scientific foundational onboarding for precision medicine in collaboration with leadership, SMEs and TA-specific disease area US DMA colleagues.
Work with USMA Leadership and GMVC stakeholders to ensure consistent verbalization processes for new hires and tenured RMSDs regarding new data, indications, and disease areas.
Provide support for the Investigator Studies Program (ISP) related to biomarkers or precision medicine within assigned scope, including Areas of Interest consultation, dissemination, data highlights, training, and scientific review as requested by the GMSA ED.
Represents US Medical Affairs precision medicine expertise within Diagnostic Development and lifecycle sub-teams (including Clinical, V&I, Outcomes Research, Publications, and Label), ensuring biomarker and diagnostic considerations are incorporated into strategic planning and medical execution. Communicates relevant scientific insights and strategic considerations to inform US and Global planning.

Benefits

The successful candidate will be eligible for annual bonus and long-term incentive, if applicable.
We offer a comprehensive package of benefits. Available benefits include medical, dental, vision healthcare and other insurance benefits (for employee and family), retirement benefits, including 401(k), paid holidays, vacation, and compassionate and sick days. More information about benefits is available at https://jobs.merck.com/us/en/compensation-and-benefits.

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