Merck is looking for a Scientific Associate Vice President to play a pivotal role in shaping the future of our CMC (Chemistry, Manufacturing & Controls) digital and data strategy transformation across our R&D and Manufacturing divisions. You will influence above-project strategy, drive digital adjacencies, and ensure connectivity of our data efforts.
What You'll Do
- Partner with DSCS Digital Technologies Lead and CMC functional leaders to develop and execute comprehensive digital strategies that enhance productivity and drive business value.
- Recommend strategic direction to accelerate innovative digital solutions and connect data-driven investments across DSCS.
- Shape the utilization of data to advance the CMC portfolio, reduce filing timelines, increase lab and plant capacity, and fortify supply chains.
- Connect into Discovery Research-facing digital efforts to facilitate data continuity between discovery and development.
- Operate at the interface of R&D and Manufacturing tool implementation for CMC, ensuring pull-through of lab data into our facility network.
- Facilitate business-facing digital opportunities like dashboards and visualizations to drive operational efficiencies.
- Initiate and support scientific data initiatives to drive innovation, enhance capabilities, and improve business processes from data capture to automated regulatory reports.
- Collaborate with cross-functional teams to align digital initiatives with business objectives.
- Define digital goals, measure performance, and adjust strategies based on data-driven insights.
- Manage vendor relationships, oversee digital budgets, and ensure regulatory compliance.
- Stay current with emerging technologies like artificial intelligence, machine learning, blockchain, and the Internet of Things.
- Communicate complex digital concepts to non-technical stakeholders.
- Effectively communicate development plans, risks, and mitigation plans to stakeholders and management.
- Understand and adhere to corporate standards regarding safety, GxP compliance, and data security.
- Build and promote best practices within the organization through mentoring and guiding scientists.
What We're Looking For
- B.S. in engineering, chemistry, data science, or a related discipline.
- Minimum 15 years of experience in new product introduction, with experience across pipeline process development, operations, and new technology builds.
- Recognized expert in the CMC space covering drug substance processes, drug product processes, and analytical methods across R&D and manufacturing.
- Deep understanding of the connections between digital capabilities and CMC.
- Broad experience identifying, inventing, and implementing digital solutions for technical, operational, or business solutions that maximize data access and utilization.
- Demonstrated ability to set and execute strategic direction for programs, facilities, and investments that impact multiple organizations or divisions.
- Demonstrated ability for innovative and complex problem-solving, both technically and strategically, across functions and divisions.
- Demonstrated ability to take initiative, demonstrate creativity and innovation, and influence without authority.
- Strength in delivering solutions and results on firm deadlines.
- Demonstrated ability to navigate complex, cross-divisional networks to deliver results and drive enterprise value.
- Demonstrated excellent communication skills (written and verbal) across mediums and with senior leaders.
- Demonstrated ability to partner with senior leaders, influence without authority, and navigate a matrixed environment.
- Demonstrated ability to manage multiple priorities simultaneously to intended outcomes, iterating when required.
- Strong business acumen and project management skills with an ability to anticipate team, function, and business unit needs.
- Experience working with complex data sets to solve business challenges by establishing robust measurement frameworks.
Nice to Have
- MBA or PhD in a scientific field.
- Preferred background with Biologics CMC (proteins, conjugates, peptides, neurotoxins) and/or genetic medicine (AAV, LNPs, cell therapy) data systems like NGE, GRE, Prodev, Pega, etc.
Benefits & Compensation
- Compensation range: $282,200.00 - $444,200.00.
- Annual bonus and long-term incentive, if applicable.
- Comprehensive benefits including 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.
Work Mode
This is a hybrid position open to candidates in the United States.
Merck is an Equal Employment Opportunity Employer. We provide equal opportunities to all employees and applicants and prohibit discrimination on the basis of race, color, age, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, protected veteran status, disability status, or other applicable legally protected characteristics.
