Associate Director, Bioinformatics Support

POSITION SUMMARY:

This position will be responsible for building and managing a high-performing bioinformatics and software support team for MSD’s cutting-edge proteomics platform and MSD software. The Associate Director, Bioinformatics Support will interface with both internal teams and external users to ensure seamless integration of bioinformatics into the assay workflow. This role involves collaborating with internal teams and external users to provide top-tier support while guiding the development of data analysis tools and interfaces tailored to the needs of MSD’s proteomics customers.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES: 

• Team Leadership and Management: Build, manage, and mentor a team of bioinformatics and software support professionals, ensuring high performance, continuous learning, and effective collaboration. Define roles, responsibilities, and performance metrics for team members.

• Customer Engagement:  Work closely with users to ensure their needs are understood and addressed. Engage with customers at various expertise levels and providing solutions that meet their specific requirements.

• Customer Requirements Input: Provide expert insight  to the design and refinement of the customer-facing data analysis interface, providing valuable input on customer requirements and functionality.

• Bioinformatics Support Structure: Develop and refine a robust bioinformatics support framework, ensuring the timely and effective resolution of complex customer issues while maintaining a high level of service quality.

• Bioinformatics Pipeline: Provide strategic input into the development of bioinformatics pipelines, ensuring they are robust, efficient, and optimized for proteomics applications.

• Technical Expertise: Serve as a subject matter expert, providing expert-level support and guidance on bioinformatics concepts, particularly in the context of proteomics analysis. Simplify complex bioinformatics concepts for non-experts, including customers, support team members, and software developers.

• Cross-Functional Collaboration: Collaborate with the software development, research and development, and customer support teams to ensure customer feedback is integrated into platform development and product improvements and innovation.

• Customer Training & Education: Develop training materials and lead educational sessions for customers, support staff, and internal teams to ensure proper use of the proteomic analysis tools and platform.

• Regulatory & Compliance Knowledge: Ensure bioinformatics processes comply with relevant industry regulations (e.g., RUO and other regulated environments) as applicable.

EXPERIENCE AND QUALIFICATIONS:

• Advanced degree (PhD) in Bioinformatics, Biological Sciences, or a related field.

• A minimum of 7 years of proven bioinformatics experience, including managing bioinformatics pipelines and experience working with proteomics analysis.

• A minimum of 3 years of experience in leading or managing teams, preferably in a technical or scientific environment.

• Experience in customer-facing roles and a customer-centric approach to problem solving.

• Prior experience in RUO (Research Use Only) and regulated environments is highly desirable.

• Experience with and understanding of protein pathway analysis and pathway mapping is a plus.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES:

• Strong background in bioinformatics tools and workflows.

• Proven ability to translate complex bioinformatics concepts and visualization high complexity genome-wide or proteome-wide data for non-expert audiences, including customers and internal teams.

• Familiarity with common NGS platforms and their output.

• Experience with bioinformatics programming and data analysis tools (e.g., Python, R).

• Strong knowledge of cloud-based applications, software platforms, and networking in the context of bioinformatics.

• Self-starter with the ability to work independently and as part of a collaborative team.

• Strong problem-solving abilities with a customer-first mindset.

• Proven leadership and team-building skills, with the ability to mentor, motivate, and lead a diverse team.

• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with an ability to convey technical concepts to diverse audiences.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS:

This position requires the ability to communicate and exchange information, utilize equipment necessary to perform the job, and move about the office.

WORK ENVIRONMENT:

This position is typically performed in a home office environment.

COMPENSATION SUMMARY

The annual base salary for this position ranges from $147,600. to $230,600. This salary range represents a general guideline as MSD considers other factors when presenting an offer of employment, such as scope and responsibilities o