Director, Global Contamination Control Strategy (all genders)

The Director, Global Contamination Control Strategy leads the development, harmonization, and stewardship of microbiological, viral, and environmental contamination control programs across Merck's global manufacturing network, including internal sites and third-party manufacturers (TPMs)/CDMOs. This position reports to the VP, Head of Global Quality Compliance. Acting as the senior global technical authority for contamination control, the successful candidate defines microbial and viral control strategy in close partnership with global and local Engineering, Manufacturing Science and Technology, Quality Control, and Quality Assurance functions, and provides technical direction for new facility start-ups as well as ongoing network operations. The role owns network-level frameworks such as the global Contamination Control Strategy (CCS) methodology, Environmental Monitoring and Cleanroom Performance Qualification (CPQ) standards, contamination FMEA methodology, and contamination response playbooks – establishing a Center of Excellence approach that provides consistent technical direction while allowing for site-specific risk assessment. The Director will build and lead a team of technical experts, mentor site-level microbiology and contamination control staff across the network, and drive continuous improvement through new technologies, digital plant capabilities, and Process Analytical Technology (PAT).