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Director - In Vitro Sciences Job

Employer
Merck
Location
San Francisco CA
Closing date
Dec 23, 2016

Job Details

Director - In Vitro Sciences-RES001727

Description

Merck Research Laboratories South San Francisco, a wholly owned subsidiary of Merck and Co., is focused on driving discovery research. Our new multi-disciplinary discovery research site offers state-of- the-art resources to explore the most promising science combined with Merck’s world-class R&D expertise in small molecules and biologics. Located within the heart of the Bay area’s biomedical community, research conducted in our new laboratories spans exploratory biology through early clinical development and is an integral part of Merck’s powerful world-class network of drug and vaccine discovery.

At Merck, we are inspired by the belief that a research-driven enterprise dedicated to scientific excellence can create medicines and vaccines that save and improve lives. Every employee is building on our proud legacy of scientific breakthrough. Our ability to impact the lives of patients worldwide depends on the integrity, creativity, humility and scientific acumen of our team. We are creating a diverse organization that is inspired by invention and founded on a culture of respect and collaboration. At Merck Research Labs South San Francisco, you’ll have the opportunity to expand your knowledge and skills through collaboration with talented and dedicated colleagues while advancing your career.

Merck Research Laboratories is seeking an experienced, innovative leader in cutting edge in vitro technologies and capabilities to lead a research team focused on novel drug discovery at our new site in South San Francisco, CA. Here you will be able to participate in a vibrant culture of leading academic and biotech research centers to promote your research and advance our drug discovery efforts. A primary feature of your work will be to facilitate the close collaboration of experts employing state of the art laboratory automation and novel biochemical and cell based assay development with medicinal chemists and therapeutic area biologists across functional teams, contributing to lead identification and lead optimization programs in multiple disease areas.

- In this role you will be expected to promote and facilitate creative thinking from target identification/validation through lead optimization towards advancing programs primarily in the Cardio-renal and Metabolic Disease Area but also Ophthalmic and Oncology Disease Areas.

- You will be expected to be a “drug creator”, and promote such thinking through your direct reports and, by influence, your colleagues in other disciplines with whom you will work closely.

- You will be involved in setting the strategy for identifying innovative approaches towards laboratory automation and high throughput assay technologies for investment and resourcing.

- You will oversee external consultation and collaboration efforts with scientific leaders and advisors across the various disciplines that comprise the In Vitro Sciences group; biochemistry and biophysics, pharmacology, etc.

- You will be responsible for leading a world-class, cutting edge in vitro science research effort, that promotes a culture of collaboration both internally and externally, in which experimental plans are crafted with a goal of facilitating robust and efficient decision-making with a focus on driving results.

- An important aspect will be to balance internal resourcing with working effectively at external partners at leading contract research organizations.

- In order to achieve this, strong communication skills will be required to influence both cross-site therapy area aligned groups as well as functional area disciplines.

- We are therefore seeking an individual with the ability to balance internal cross-site activities with an expansive program of collaborative research with leading laboratories in the external scientific community to drive innovation and a deeper understanding of human biology resulting in more relevant, translatable assays.

- In this position you will be responsible for contributing to CMD area strategy in collaboration with senior management and play a lead scientist role on Scientific Review committees.

- Promote Merck externally in the scientific and business communities

- Maintain high visibility among internal and external peers

- Participate in hiring outstanding scientists with a track record of developing novel assays with cutting edge approaches to laboratory automation and high throughput technologies.

- In addition, you will participate in the leadership of the local site with other therapeutic area and functional leaders.

Qualifications

Education:

- Required: Ph.D. in Biochemistry, Biomedical Engineering, Cell Biology, Pharmacology or related fields.

Required Experience:

- A minimum of 10 years of related experience in industry and/or academia

- Record of accomplishment in leading an In Vitro Sciences team in an industrial setting, e.g., initiation and progression of innovative projects.

- In this light, demonstrated experience in leading teams employing a variety of technologies including LCMS, fluorescence-based techniques, SPR and calorimetry with demonstrated ability to performed detailed enzymatic and/or biophysical mechanistic studies.

- Experience in leading teams to develop and execute on novel biochemical and cell-based assays, using laboratory automation and high throughput assay technologies.

- Strong knowledge of drug discovery and development holistically, with a deep appreciation for biology in particular.

- Demonstrable leadership skills, e.g. building strong teams, ability to motivate, influence, develop/coach others, lead by example through scientific/technical expertize.

- Encourages innovative thinking/risk taking.

- Eliminates obstacles/barriers in order to implement change.

- Ability to present clear and compelling scientific and business cases.

- Outstanding record in academic basic science training.

- 25% Travel

Preferred Experience:

- Assay development and troubleshooting experience in quantitative biochemistry, enzymology, and/or protein-ligand interactions.

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Strong quantitative pharmacology skills and the ability to function and communicate effectively in a highly productive multi-disciplinary environment.

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Prior knowledge and experience of cell biology, signaling and molecular bases of cardio-metabolic diseases.

- Direct experience and/or appreciation of novel techniques being used in target identification and/or validation using human tissues, e.g. 3D organoidal cultures, organ on a chip.

- Proven ability to create and work within high performance teams and/or matrix organization.

- Knowledge an appreciation of multi-modalities approaches to solve for novel, challenging drug targets.

- Track record of achievement in academic research, including but not limited to high impact publications and extramural funding.

The quality of our team is essential to our success. We are creating a new and innovative approach to rewarding our employees and establishing a comprehensive value proposition. Our competitive compensation program and benefits are designed to support the wide range of goals, needs and lifestyles of our employees, and the people that matter the most in their lives. If you need an accommodation for the application process please email us at staffingaadar@merck.com.

Merck & Co., Inc. Kenilworth, N.J., U.S.A. known as Merck in the United States and Canada, is a global health care leader with a diversified portfolio of prescription medicines, vaccines and animal health products. Today, we are building a new kind of healthcare company – one that is ready to help create a healthier future for us all.

For more information about personal rights under Equal Employment Opportunity, visit:

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Merck is an equal opportunity employer, Minority/Female/Disability/Veteran – proudly embracing diversity in all of its manifestations.


Job: Research Science

Job Title:TBD

Primary Location: NA-US-CA-San Francisco

Employee Status: Regular

Travel: Yes, 25 % of the Time

Number of Openings: 1

Company Trade Name:Merck

Company

Our vision is to make a difference in the lives of people globally through our innovative medicines, vaccines, biologic therapies, consumer health and animal products. We aspire to be the best healthcare company in the world and are dedicated to providing leading innovations and solutions for tomorrow.

We have made it our mission to provide innovative, distinctive products and services that save and improve lives, satisfy customer needs and to be recognized as a great place to work

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