POSITION SUMMARY:

This position is responsible for the overall planning, execution, and reporting of a portfolio of research and/or development projects in the life sciences field. The incumbent will be responsible for initiating and nurturing external collaborations, preparing research proposals, and coordinating internal teams to ensure projects are completed on time, within budget, adhere to quality standards and meet customer/collaborator expectations.  

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES: 

• Lead a team of scientists and/or research associates to execute research and/or product development activities.

• Prepare Design and Development plans and collaborate on the development of product requirements.

• Author or contribute to grant proposals, reports, posters and publications; act as principal investigator for externally funded projects.

• Initiate and nurture relationship with external collaborators.

• Contribute to MSD’s IP portfolio.

• Coordinate Risk Management activities throughout the project life cycle.   

• Use appropriate project management methods to meet the project deliverables on time and on budget.   

o Determine resources and coordinate project teams to deliver projects according to the development plan.

o Adjust project plans, schedules and resources to meet the product requirements through project completion and closeout.

o Monitor progress and budgets for each project.

• Provide technical input and recommendations for key decisions. 

• Report progress of portfolio projects at internal and external meetings.

• Coordinate with Legal, Procurement, Operations, Quality Assurance, Quality Control and Commercial groups as necessary to attain project goals.  

• Facilitate and encourage professional development of teams and team members through mentorship and training.

• Understand, follow and enforce laboratory safety policies to ensure compliance with company safety requirements.

• Specific duties will vary depending upon departmental requirements.

EXPERIENCE AND QUALIFICATIONS:

• Ph.D. in Physical Science, Life Sciences, or Engineering.

• Minimum four years of post-graduate experience in a research, clinical, or product development environment.

o Master’s degree may be considered with a minimum eight years of relevant experience and proven technical abilities.

• Strong publication record is highly desired.

• Previous success in obtaining grant funding is a plus. 

• Two years of supervisory experience.

• Experience with protein chemistry, immunology, immunoassays, antibody-development, or technology development is preferred.

• Experience in ISO9001/ISO13485, GMP, and/or Design Control are highly desired.

• Industry experience with product development, including experience with quality systems, is required.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES:

• Strong knowledge of scientific fundamentals and quantitative analysis.

• A professional presence and strong interpersonal skills for interacting both internally and externally, in a courteous, diplomatic manner. 

• Demonstrated ability to conduct independent research or product development from feasibility to launch.

• Organizational, project, and priority management skills for planning, executing and following up on issues, projects and daily responsibilities in order to meet established deadlines.

• Solid leadership skills with demonstrated knowledge and understanding of staff management practices and the ability to establish accountabilities and expectations and manage performance to achieve results.

• Solid communication (written and verbal) skills with the ability to translate information into a meaningful, understandable context and message, regardless of the format (e.g., documents, public speaking, virtual presentations). 

• Ability to identify complex problems and review related information to develop and evaluate options and implement solutions. 

• Demonstrate a thorough understanding of the principles of immunoassays, their development, and their applicability in different research fields. 

• Proficiency in MS Office Suite; MS Project experience desired.

• A wide degree of creativity and latitude is expected including the ability to multi-task and work productively in a demanding environment with changing priorities.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS:

While performing the duties of this job, the individual is frequently required to sit and stand for long periods. The individual is occasionally required to walk; use hands and fingers to operate, handle, or feel objects, tools, or controls; reach with hands and arms.

WORK ENVIRONMENT:

This position is performed in a traditional office environment.