Senior Director of Human Factors
Company: Merck & Co.
Location: Rahway
Posted on: October 28, 2025
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Job Description:
Job Description 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. Primary Scientific & Leadership Requirements HF
Influence 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. HF Ownership & Accountability 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.
Keywords: Merck & Co., Edison , Senior Director of Human Factors, Science, Research & Development , Rahway, New Jersey
