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Senior Director of Human Factors
Senior Director of Human FactorsMERCK • Rahway, New Jersey, US
Senior Director of Human Factors

Senior Director of Human Factors

MERCK • Rahway, New Jersey, US
16 hours ago
Job type
  • Full-time
Job description

Overview

Job Description

If you would like to know a bit more about this opportunity, or are considering applying, then please read the following job information.

The Senior Director of Human Factors (HF) will provide visionary leadership and strategic direction for the HF function within our company. This role leads a center of excellence team within Device Development & Technology (DD&T) engaged across the entire product lifecycle—from early development through commercialization and post-market activities—ensuring integration of HF principles to enhance patient safety and product usability. The Senior Director will champion enterprise-wide HF strategy, foster cross-functional collaboration, and represent the company externally to influence industry standards and regulatory practices.

Responsibilities

  • Serve as a trusted advisor and coach to the HF team and key stakeholders across R&D, clinical, regulatory, marketing, manufacturing, and quality functions.
  • Educate and build awareness of HF principles to foster alignment and commitment at all organizational levels.
  • Develop and communicate a compelling HF vision and strategy that inspires collaboration and drives adoption of best practices.
  • Empathize with diverse stakeholder concerns and involve cross-functional partners in exploring innovative solutions.
  • Steer commitment to implementation and action, ensuring HF considerations are prioritized in decision-making and product lifecycle activities.
  • Serve as a trusted HF subject matter expert via engagements with Health Authorities and Industry Trade Organizations.
  • Instill a culture of accountability within the HF team and broader organization by clearly defining roles, responsibilities, and performance expectations.
  • Promote individual and collective ownership of deliverables, driving results with a bias for action and a willingness to go above and beyond to achieve goals.
  • Provide support and resources to empower team members without diminishing their task ownership.
  • Lead by example in owning the end-to-end execution of HF initiatives, from strategy through implementation and post-market follow-up.
  • Foster transparent decision making, communication, and agreements to ensure alignment and shared responsibility for outcomes.

Additional Scientific & Leadership Competencies

  • Demonstrate entrepreneurship and business savviness to identify opportunities for innovation and growth within the HF domain (beyond combination products).
  • Apply strategic planning, rigorous budget management, and sound scientific business decision-making to balance short-term operational demands with long-term organizational goals.
  • Champion talent growth through coaching, development, and fostering diversity and inclusion within the team.
  • Build and leverage internal and external networks and partnerships to enhance HF capabilities and influence industry standards.
  • Act as a change catalyst, driving execution excellence and continuous improvement in HF practices.
  • Education, Qualifications & Experience

  • Advanced degree (M.S. or Ph.D.) in Human Factors, Ergonomics, Cognitive Psychology, Engineering, or related field preferred.
  • Minimum of 15 years of progressive experience in HF within pharmaceutical, medical device, or combination product development.
  • Proven track record of leading and growing HF teams in a regulated environment.
  • Deep knowledge of global HF regulatory requirements, FDA guidance, and industry standards.
  • Strong strategic thinking, leadership, and communication skills with the ability to influence at all organizational levels.
  • Experience integrating HF into clinical trial design and execution.
  • Demonstrated ability to manage multiple complex projects and priorities in a fast-paced environment.
  • Required Skills

  • Accountability
  • Budget Management
  • Business Decisions
  • Cognitive Psychology
  • Conflict Resolution
  • Cross-Functional Teamwork
  • Customer-Focused
  • Design Control Process
  • Ergonomics Consulting
  • Human Factor Engineering
  • Human Resource Management
  • Innovation
  • Intellectual Property Management
  • Medical Devices
  • Mentoring Staff
  • Negotiation
  • Neuropsychology
  • Patient Safety
  • Post Marketing Surveillance
  • Prioritization
  • Process Engineering
  • Product Lifecycle
  • Product Lifecycle Management (PLM)
  • Social Collaboration
  • Preferred Skills

  • Current Employees apply — contact internal postings
  • Current Contingent Workers apply — contact internal postings
  • Compensation & Benefits

    Salary : The salary range for this role is $153,800.00 - $242,200.00. The successful candidate will be eligible for annual bonus and long-term incentive, if applicable.

    Benefits : We offer a comprehensive package of benefits, including medical, dental, vision, retirement benefits (e.g., 401(k)), paid holidays, vacation, and compassionate and sick days. More information about benefits is available on the company site.

    Work Model & Location

    U.S. & Puerto Rico Residents : Our company is committed to inclusion and will consider applicants in accordance with applicable laws and accommodations process. We comply with equal employment opportunity laws and reverse discrimination protections where applicable. A hybrid work model is in place for many U.S. roles; some roles may be remote or on-site depending on the position.

    U.S. Hybrid Work Model : Effective September 5, 2023, employees in office-based positions in the U.S. will follow a hybrid schedule; specific on-site days may vary by site. This guidance does not apply to field-based, facility-based, manufacturing-based, or remote-designated roles, or those covered by collective-bargaining agreements.

    Location-specific notes : San Francisco residents — Fair Chance Ordinance; Los Angeles residents — Fair Chance Initiative for Hiring.

    Other — Travel requirements, visa sponsorship, and relocation details as applicable. This posting ends on 11 / 21 / 2025.

    Requisition ID : R367965

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