At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead the UK Oncology biomarker strategy and improve patient access to precision medicine.
- Company: Join a leading pharmaceutical company transforming cancer care through innovation.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, flexible work arrangements, and opportunities for professional growth.
- Other info: Dynamic role with 50% travel and collaboration across diverse teams.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in cancer care while working with cutting-edge science.
- Qualifications: Degree in life sciences and experience in oncology and precision medicine 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:
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, 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.
Preferred Skills: Current Employees apply HERE Current Contingent Workers apply HERE Search Firm Representatives Please Read Carefully 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.
Precision Medicines & Biomarkers Leads x 2 – Field-based UK Oncology in London employer: MSD
Join our dynamic UK Oncology team, where we are committed to transforming cancer care through precision medicine. As an employer, we offer a collaborative work culture that prioritises employee growth and development, alongside competitive benefits and flexible working arrangements. With opportunities to lead impactful initiatives and engage with key stakeholders in the NHS, you will play a vital role in improving patient access and outcomes across the UK.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Precision Medicines & Biomarkers Leads x 2 – Field-based UK Oncology in London
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Get out there and connect with people in the oncology and precision medicine fields. Attend industry events, join relevant online forums, and don’t be shy about reaching out to professionals on LinkedIn. You never know who might have the inside scoop on job openings!
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for those interviews! Research the company and its recent projects in precision medicine and biomarkers. Be ready to discuss how your experience aligns with their goals, especially around improving patient access and diagnostic pathways. Show them you’re not just another candidate, but someone who truly understands their mission.
✨Tip Number 3
Follow up after interviews! A quick thank-you email can go a long way. Mention something specific from your conversation to remind them of your fit for the role. It shows your enthusiasm and keeps you fresh in their minds as they make their decision.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! We’ve got some fantastic opportunities waiting for you, and applying directly can sometimes give you an edge. Plus, it’s super easy to keep track of your applications that way. Let’s get you into that dream role!
We think you need these skills to ace Precision Medicines & Biomarkers Leads x 2 – Field-based UK Oncology in London
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV reflects the specific skills and experiences that align with the Precision Medicines & Biomarkers Leads role. Highlight your experience in oncology and precision medicine, and don’t forget to mention any relevant projects or achievements!
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 connect your background to the job description and show us how you can contribute to our vision.
Showcase Your Understanding of the NHS:Since this role involves working closely with NHS pathways, make sure to demonstrate your knowledge of NHS oncology systems and diagnostics. This will show us that you’re not just qualified, but also ready to hit the ground running!
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply directly through our website for a smoother application process. It’s the best way to ensure your application gets into the right hands and shows us you’re serious about joining our team!
How to prepare for a job interview at MSD
✨Know Your Biomarkers
Make sure you brush up on the latest in biomarkers and precision medicine. Be ready to discuss specific technologies like IHC, NGS, and ctDNA, as well as how they fit into NHS oncology pathways. This shows you’re not just familiar with the terms but can also translate complex information into actionable insights.
✨Showcase Your Strategic Thinking
Prepare examples of how you've developed and executed strategic plans in previous roles. Think about times when you had to balance operational priorities with long-term goals, especially in a matrix environment. This will demonstrate your ability to drive performance and accountability.
✨Build Relationships
Since this role involves collaboration with various teams and stakeholders, be ready to talk about how you've built and maintained relationships in the past. Highlight any experience working with Key Opinion Leaders or within the NHS, as this will show you understand the importance of networking in this field.
✨Embrace Diversity and Inclusion
Be prepared to discuss how you’ve promoted diversity and inclusion in your previous roles. This could be through team-building initiatives or by supporting others' development. Showing that you value diverse perspectives will resonate well with the company’s culture.
