Global Downstream & Validation Services (DSVS) Innovation Lead

Merck Group • $162K — $245K *
Bedford, MA 01730In-Person
Pharmaceuticals & Biotech
5 - 7 years of experience
Today
Be an Early Applicant
Job Overview by Ladders

Qualifications

  • 7-10+ years in biopharmaceutical or life science industry with expertise in downstream processing.
  • Proven experience in innovation strategy, roadmap development, and portfolio management.
  • Ability to influence complex, global cross-functional organizations.
  • Strong analytical skills to interpret business and market data using insights and AI tools.
  • Exceptional communication skills for storytelling to diverse audiences, including senior leadership.
  • Entrepreneurial mindset with a focus on driving decisions and delivering results.

Responsibilities

  • Develop and update the DSVS innovation roadmap from ambition to execution.
  • Identify and analyze emerging technologies and market trends for innovation opportunities.
  • Define organic and inorganic innovation paths based on identified gaps.
  • Oversee the innovation pipeline from ideation to implementation.
  • Establish frameworks to prioritize a mix of incremental and breakthrough innovations.
  • Engage with external ecosystems to translate insights into pipeline opportunities.
  • Build collaboration models with internal stakeholders to integrate solutions across portfolios.
  • Steer leadership reviews and advocate for a culture of bold innovation.

Benefits

  • Health insurance
  • Paid time off (PTO)
  • Retirement contributions
  • Additional perquisites
Full Job Description
Global Innovation Lead - Downstream & Validation Services (DSVS)

Are you an innovative thinker who turns ideas into impact ?

We are looking for a Global Innovation Lead to shape and drive the innovation agenda for our Process Solutions, Downstream & Validation Services (DSVS) Franchise, a 1.6bn business with a double digit growth ambition and a strategic focus on innovation. This is a role for a genuine intrapreneur: someone who thrives in ambiguity, brings their own ideas to the table, and builds momentum in an environment that is continuously evolving.

What You Will Do:
  • Develop and update the DSVS innovation roadmap - from ambition to execution - in close alignment with Business, R&D, Business Development, and Innovation Portfolio & Project Management. (IPPM)
  • Identify and analyze emerging technologies, market trends, and industry insights to continuously sharpen innovation opportunities.
  • Orchestrate the definition of organic and inorganic innovation paths within the DSVS roadmap, based on identified gaps, and support sub-franchise roadmap development.
  • Oversee the innovation pipeline, ensuring a steady flow of projects from ideation to implementation.
  • Establish and oversee innovation frameworks and processes to build and prioritize a balanced portfolio of incremental, sustaining, and breakthrough innovations together with key stakeholders.
  • Engage with external ecosystems - startups, research institutions, partners, customers, and key opinion leaders - to identify unmet needs and translate insights into pipeline opportunities.
  • Build and maintain a structured collaboration model with key internal stakeholders, including Portfolio Directors, Strategic Product Managers, R&D, IPPM, and Innovation Leads of other Process Solutions (PS) Franchises
    to integrate innovative solutions into the PS portfolio across targeted modalities.
  • Steer senior leadership innovation reviews, secure resources, and champion a culture where bold ideas are acted upon.
  • Measure and report on innovation performance, including key metrics and ROI.


Minimum Qualifications:
  • 7-10+ years in the biopharmaceutical or life science or related industry, with deep scientific expertise in downstream processing.
  • Proven track record in innovation strategy, innovation roadmap development, and portfolio management.
  • Experience orchestrating and influencing across a complex, global, cross-functional organization, enabling credible sparring with R&D, customers, portfolio teams and stakeholders.
  • Strong business and analytical acumen - able to build, interpret, and act on complex business and market data, leveraging insights and AI-enabled tools.
  • Clear, motivational storytelling and executive communication skills across diverse audiences, including senior leadership.
  • An intrapreneurial and entrepreneurial mindset - you initiate, you drive decisions, and you deliver.


Preferred Qualifications:
  • Relevant Masters and/or PhD in related industry
  • Project management experience

Role can be based in anywhere in US, (preferably in Burlington/Bedford MA) or Darmstadt, Germany

Pay Range for this position: $162,600- $245,400. The offer range represents the anticipated low and high end of the base pay compensation for this position. The actual compensation offered will be determined by factors such as location, level of experience, education, skills, and other job-related factors. Position may be eligible for sales or performance-based bonuses. Benefits offered by the Company include health insurance, paid time off (PTO), retirement contributions, and other perquisites. For more information click here.

About Merck Group

Merck Group Careers

There has never been a more opportune time to join Merck Group, a leading science and technology company in healthcare, life science, and performance materials. Merck Group offers a plethora of job opportunities that cater to a variety of skills and professional aspirations, making it an ideal environment for both seasoned experts and those at the start of their career journey.

Work You’ll Do

At Merck Group, every team member contributes to breakthrough innovations in healthcare, life sciences, and electronics. The company's commitment to diversity and innovation fuels its leadership in various sectors, driving growth and transformation globally. Merck Group’s career paths are diverse, offering positions that challenge individuals to use their skills in new ways every day, supported by robust training programs and development opportunities.

Explore Job Opportunities and Growth

Merck Group is not just about jobs; it's about building a career. With a vast array of positions, from research and development to marketing and sales, the company is keen on hiring and nurturing talent to lead industry transformation. Merck Group’s dedication to professional growth is evident in its comprehensive benefits package and performance management processes that aim to maximize individual potential.

Internship Programs

Starting with an internship at Merck Group can be a pivotal step in securing a prosperous career. Interns gain invaluable industry experience, working alongside seasoned professionals and engaging in projects that offer real-world applications of their studies. Internships often lead to full-time employment opportunities, providing a seamless transition from education to professional employment.

Inclusive Culture and Leadership

Merck Group is proud of its inclusive culture that embraces diversity and fosters an environment where all employees can thrive. The company’s leadership is committed to creating a workplace where diverse ideas lead to innovative outcomes. Merck Group also offers diversity training to ensure all team members are equipped to contribute to the company’s inclusive goals.

Networking and Professional Development

Employees at Merck Group are encouraged to engage in networking and professional development activities that enhance their career trajectories. The company hosts various networking events, workshops, and seminars that are designed to hone skills and foster connections within the industry. Leadership development programs are also a cornerstone, preparing employees for future roles of increased responsibility.

Stay Connected with Merck Group Careers

Interested candidates can explore open positions that match their skills and interests through the Merck Group careers page. The company values curious, creative, and solution-driven team players who are eager to make an impact.

Keep Up to Date

Stay informed with career tips, insider perspectives, and industry-leading insights from Merck Group professionals. These resources are invaluable for those looking to advance their careers and stay ahead in a competitive job market.

Job Alert Emails

Personalize your subscription to receive job alerts, latest news, and insider tips tailored to your preferences from Merck Group. Discover the exciting and rewarding career opportunities that await.

SEARCH MERCK GROUP JOBS

READ CAREERS BLOG

Merck Group is continuously looking for individuals who are ready to drive innovation and lead in the global marketplace. Whether through full-time positions, internships, or leadership roles, Merck Group offers a career path filled with opportunities for growth, learning, and leadership.
Learn more about Merck Group
Industry
Pharmaceuticals & Biotech
* Ladders Estimates

Similar Jobs

Ad banner background

Get Ready For Your
Next Interview

More Jobs at Merck Group

More Pharmaceuticals & Biotech Jobs

Find similar Global Downstream & Validation Services (DSVS) Innovation Lead jobs:

NationwideBedford, MA