At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead the UK Oncology biomarker strategy and improve patient access to precision medicine.
- Company: Join a pioneering company transforming cancer care through innovative solutions.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, travel opportunities, and a chance to make a real difference.
- Other info: Dynamic role with opportunities for professional growth and collaboration across teams.
- Why this job: Be at the forefront of oncology and precision medicine, impacting lives across the UK.
- Qualifications: Degree in life sciences and significant experience in oncology and diagnostics required.
The predicted salary is between 60000 - 80000 € per year.
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
- 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.
Required Skills
- 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
Precision Medicines & Biomarkers Leads x 2 – Field-based UK Oncology employer: MSD in the UK
Join our dynamic UK Oncology team as a Precision Medicines & Biomarkers Lead, where you will play a pivotal role in transforming cancer care through innovative strategies and collaborative initiatives. We pride ourselves on fostering a supportive work culture that values integrity, diversity, and continuous learning, offering ample opportunities for professional growth and development. With a focus on improving patient access and diagnostic pathways, this field-based role allows you to make a meaningful impact while enjoying the flexibility of a national travel requirement.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Precision Medicines & Biomarkers Leads x 2 – Field-based UK Oncology
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Get out there and connect with people in the oncology and precision medicine fields. Attend industry events, webinars, or even local meet-ups. You never know who might have the inside scoop on job openings or can put in a good word for you.
✨Tip Number 2
Show your passion! When you get the chance to chat with potential employers, make sure to express your enthusiasm for precision medicine and how it can transform cancer care. Share your ideas on improving patient access and diagnostic pathways – it’ll set you apart from the crowd.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare for interviews by brushing up on your knowledge of NHS oncology pathways and biomarker technologies. Be ready to discuss how you can simplify complex scientific information into actionable plans. This will show that you’re not just knowledgeable but also practical!
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, we love seeing candidates who are proactive about their job search. So, hit that apply button and let’s get you on board!
We think you need these skills to ace Precision Medicines & Biomarkers Leads x 2 – Field-based UK Oncology
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV is tailored to the role of Precision Medicines & Biomarkers Lead. Highlight your experience in oncology and precision medicine, and don’t forget to showcase any relevant projects or achievements that align with our vision at StudySmarter.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to explain why you’re passionate about transforming cancer care through precision medicine. Be sure to mention how your skills can help us drive initiatives that improve testing and patient access.
Showcase Your Understanding of the NHS:Since this role involves working closely with NHS pathways, make sure to demonstrate your understanding of the UK healthcare system. Mention any previous experiences you have that relate to NHS oncology pathways or diagnostics systems.
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you’re considered for this exciting opportunity in our UK Oncology team!
How to prepare for a job interview at MSD in the UK
✨Know Your Biomarkers
Make sure you brush up on the latest developments in biomarkers and precision medicine. Be ready to discuss specific technologies like IHC, NGS, and ctDNA, and how they relate to NHS oncology pathways. This shows you’re not just familiar with the field but also passionate about it.
✨Showcase Your Strategic Thinking
Prepare examples of how you've developed and executed strategic plans in previous roles. Think about how you can translate complex scientific information into actionable plans, as this is crucial for the role. Use the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to structure your responses.
✨Demonstrate Your Collaborative Spirit
This role requires working closely with various teams, so be ready to share experiences where you’ve successfully collaborated across departments. Highlight your ability to build relationships with key stakeholders, such as KOLs and NHS representatives, to show you can drive initiatives effectively.
✨Understand the Market Landscape
Familiarise yourself with current market trends and challenges in oncology and precision medicine. Be prepared to discuss how market research and forecasting insights can inform strategic decision-making. This will demonstrate your understanding of the broader context in which the company operates.
