Precision Medicines & Biomarkers Leads x 2 – Field-based UK Oncology

Job Description

We have two brand new opportunities for Precision Medicines & Biomarkers Leads in our UK Oncology team. This is a UK national field-based role.

Travel requirement: 50%

Role Purpose 

Our vision is to transform cancer care through precision medicine by accelerating biomarker testing, strengthening diagnostic pathways, and improving patient access across the UK NHS. This role leads the development and execution of the UK Oncology biomarker and precision medicine strategy, simplifying complex scientific and system information into actionable plans.

As a key member of the Oncology team, you will drive initiatives that improve testing, diagnostic readiness, and patient access across indications, working closely with Medical, Marketing, Corporate Affairs, Value, Access & Devolved Nations, Strategic Insights and Global Precision Medicine teams. 

What you will do: 

• Shape and deliver the UK biomarker strategy for current and future launches, including companion diagnostics and screening. 

• Define biomarker workstreams and ensure effective delivery of franchise testing priorities. 

• Partner with Corporate Affairs and Value, Access & Devolved Nations to advance biomarker policy and access initiatives. 

• Use market research and forecasting insights to support strategic decision‑making. 

• Collaborate with Medical Affairs on strategic projects, advisory boards and cross‑functional initiatives. 

• Maintain alignment with Global and Regional Precision Medicine teams to ensure UK input and adoption. 

• Build internal biomarker capability through training and education across commercial teams. 

• Manage the biomarker promotional budget and ensure investments support strategic objectives. 

• Lead development of biomarker assets with marketing teams. 

• Build and sustain relationships with pathology Key Opinion Leaders, NHS England, Genomics England and professional societies. 

• Identify and progress opportunities to improve testing rates and support optimal patient pathways. 

• Lead the Diagnostic Patient Programme for new assets when required. 

What you will need: 

Experience required: 

• Degree in life sciences. 

• Significant pharmaceutical experience, ideally with customer‑facing roles. 

• Strong experience in  Oncology and precision medicine/biomarkers/diagnostics. 

• Strong understanding of NHS oncology pathways, diagnostics systems, and biomarker technologies (i.e. IHC, NGS, ctDNA). 

• Ability to translate complex scientific and system information into clear, actionable plans. 

• Knowledge of ABPI and non‑promotional governance. 

• High learning agility, strategic and lateral thinking, and multi‑project leadership. 

• Ability to develop strategic plans while delivering operational priorities within a matrix environment. 

Leadership Behaviours required: 

• Act with Integrity: Ensures compliance with ABPI, governance and internal policies. 

• Drive Performance & Accountability: Sets clear objectives, removes barriers and drives diagnostic readiness and testing adoption. 

• Focus on What Matters: Prioritises initiatives that improve patient access and NHS pathway performance. 

• Act with Urgency: Makes informed decisions quickly to meet critical launch milestones. 

• Speak Up & Be Open‑Minded: Encourages constructive challenge and transparent dialogue. 

• Embrace Diversity & Inclusion: Builds diverse precision medicine capability and supports others’ development. 

• Win as One Team: Works across UK, Regional, Global and external networks to deliver shared outcomes. 

• Champion Experimentation & Learning: Promotes innovation, data‑driven improvement and rapid adaptation. 

• Proven matrix working capability and ability to influence across teams. 

Closing date for applications: Monday 25th May 23.59.

Required Skills:

Account Management, Account Management, Adaptability, Biomarkers, Brand Strategy, Contract Management, Customer-Focused, Customer Needs Assessments, Data Analysis, Distributor Management, Ethical Standards, Financial Acumen, Healthcare Reimbursement, Life Science, Market Analysis, Marketing, Market Research, Medical Affairs, Medical Teamwork, Open-Mindedness, Pharmaceutical Industry, Product Management, Sales Target Achievement, Stakeholder Relationship Management, Strategic Planning {+ 1 more}

Preferred Skills:

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Merck & Co., Inc., Rahway, NJ, USA, also known as Merck Sharp & Dohme LLC, Rahway, NJ, USA, does not accept unsolicited assistance from search firms for employment opportunities. All CVs / resumes submitted by search firms to any employee at our company without a valid written search agreement in place for this position will be deemed the sole property of our company.  No fee will be paid in the event a candidate is hired by our company as a result of an agency referral where no pre-existing agreement is in place. Where agency agreements are in place, introductions are position specific. Please, no phone calls or emails. 

Employee Status:

Regular

Relocation:

VISA Sponsorship:

Travel Requirements:

Flexible Work Arrangements:

Remote

Shift:

Valid Driving License:

Hazardous Material(s):

Job Posting End Date:

05/26/2026

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