Principal Scientist/Lab Manager, Clinical Pathology Full-time NEW

Clinical Pathology Laboratory Manager/Principal Scientist

The Clinical Pathology Laboratory Manager provides operational and technical leadership with scientific insights for the clinical pathology laboratory within Nonclinical Drug Safety Department. The successful candidate will ensure accurate, timely, and compliant delivery of laboratory data, and collaborates with stakeholders across functions to support nonclinical studies and development decisions across the pipeline from early discovery to submissions and post-marketing requirements. This role reports to the head of Clinical Pathology group.

Key Responsibilities:

Operational Leadership

• Manage day-to-day functions of the clinical pathology laboratory, including hematology, coagulation, clinical chemistry, urinalysis, and related areas in multiple nonclinical species (rodents and non-rodents). This role will include instrument operation and data generation on a rotating basis.
• Supervise laboratory personnel: hiring, onboarding, scheduling, performance reviews, and career development.
• Ensure appropriate staffing levels and competency through workforce planning and cross-training.

Quality and Compliance

• Ensure compliance with institutional policies in a regulated environment (Good Laboratory Practice).
• Oversee validation and documentation for new assays, instruments, and software updates.
• Technical and Analytical Oversight
• Monitor test performance, instrument functionality, and quality control (QC) metrics; respond to QC failures and implement corrective actions.
• Evaluate new technologies, reagents, and automation opportunities; lead implementation projects as needed.
• Safety and Environment
• Promote and enforce a safe work environment, ensuring adherence to biosafety, chemical safety, and waste disposal regulations.
• Ensure staff are appropriately trained in the safety policies and use of personal protective equipment laboratory operations.
• Communication and Collaboration
• Serve as the primary point of contact between laboratory and stakeholders.
• Prepare and present reports on laboratory performance, quality metrics, and improvement projects.
• Participate in multidisciplinary committees and contribute to laboratory strategy.

Qualifications:

Required:

• Bachelor's degree in Medical Laboratory Science, Clinical Laboratory Science, Biology, Chemistry, or related field.
• ASCP (MLS/MLT) or equivalent certification required.
• Minimum 10 years of clinical laboratory experience with at least 2 years in a supervisory or lead role in clinical pathology or equivalent sections.
• Strong knowledge of clinical laboratory operations, instrumentation, quality systems, and regulatory requirements (GLP).
• Proven leadership, communication, and team development skills.
• Proficiency with laboratory information systems (LIS) and electronic laboratory notebooks.

Preferred:

• Master's degree in clinical laboratory science or related field.
• Prior experience in a hospital-based or high-volume clinical laboratory.

Competencies:

• Leadership and people management.
• Decision-making and problem solving.
• Quality and regulatory focus.
• Resource optimization.
• Effective communication.
• Technical aptitude and continuous learning.

Working Conditions:

• Primarily laboratory environment with intermittent exposure to biological specimens, chemical reagents, and laboratory equipment noise.
• Requires use of PPE and adherence to safety protocols.
• On site office and laboratory-based position.

Required Skills:

Chemical Safety, Clinical Judgment, Clinical Pathology, Collaborative Communications, Detail-Oriented, Hematology, Improvement Projects, Innovation, Intellectual Curiosity, Laboratory Documentation, Laboratory Informatics, Laboratory Information Management System (LIMS), Medical Laboratories, Microscopic Imaging, Morphology, Regulatory Compliance, Regulatory Requirements, Team Collaboration, Technical Leadership, Urinalysis

Salary Range:

$173,200.00 – $272,600.00

This is the lowest to highest salary we in good faith believe we would pay for this role at the time of this posting. An employee's position within the salary range will be based on several factors including, but not limited to relevant education, qualifications, certifications, experience, skills, geographic location, government requirements, and business or organizational needs.

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.