Vice President Global Pathology

Job Description

Job Description

About Discovery Life Sciences:

Discovery Life Sciences is a global leader in biospecimen solutions and specialty laboratory services, supporting every phase of drug discovery and development. With a robust global footprint and deep scientific expertise, we partner with biopharma, diagnostics, and research organizations to accelerate the advancement of precision medicine.

Our integrated capabilities—ranging from high-quality biospecimens to advanced molecular and pathology services—enable our partners to bring innovative therapies and diagnostics to patients faster.

Position Summary:

The Vice President, Pathology provides global leadership for Discovery’s pathology function supporting Tissue Biomarker Services (TBS). As the VP, Pathology, you will be responsible for driving harmonization and optimization of global pathology processes, tools, and technologies, enabling close collaboration across pathologists, laboratory operations, business development, and clients. The role serves as the senior pathology authority and escalation point for complex scientific, operational, and client‑related challenges and represents the pathology organization directly in client engagements.

In addition to strategic leadership, this position remains hands on in pathology operations, including biomarker assay development and validation, clinical trials (including companion diagnostic and performance studies), and scientific consultation for biopharma and biotech clients. The VP Pathology acts as a Laboratory Director and Principal Investigator for performance studies, in accordance with applicable national and international regulations.

This is a global role that may be performed remotely, with consistent and predictable availability required.

Position Qualifications (Education, Skills, Experience):

• MD or PhD in Pathology, Human Medicine, or related field, with a board certification in anatomic pathology (cytology preferred)
• Deep expertise in diagnostic pathology, particularly oncology and immune-related diseases, with experience across both exploratory and clinical applications
• Strong experience in biomarker development and interpretation, including both descriptive and predictive biomarkers (e.g., HER2, PD-L1)
• Proven experience with histopathology and multiplex assays (IHC, mIF), including assay development, validation, and clinical application
• Familiarity with digital pathology, image analysis platforms, and automated image analysis tools
• Working knowledge of molecular and genomic assays and their integration with pathology workflows (preferred)
• Experience operating within regulated environments (CAP, CLIA, GCLP), including serving or supporting roles such as Laboratory Director or Principal Investigator
• Demonstrated ability to lead cross-functional collaboration with operations, R&D, business development, and clients in a CRO or central lab setting
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills, with the ability to serve as a scientific leader in both internal and client-facing settings

Key Responsibilities:

Global Leadership & Team Development

• Lead, mentor, and scale a global team of pathologists across the US and Germany, fostering a high-performance, collaborative, and accountable culture
• Establish consistent process harmonization practices, performance standards, and succession planning across regions
• Drive talent development, including training, competency programs, and ongoing professional development

Scientific & Clinical Leadership

• Serve as the senior pathology authority, providing expert guidance on complex diagnostic, biomarker, and study-related challenges
• Maintain hands-on involvement in biomarker assay development, validation, and interpretation, including clinical trials and companion diagnostic studies
• Act as Laboratory Director and/or Principal Investigator in accordance with applicable regulations

Global Quality, Compliance & Standardization

• Own the scientific quality and consistency of all pathology deliverables globally
• Lead development and oversight of SOPs, proficiency testing, and quality systems to ensure compliance with CAP, CLIA, GCLP, and other regulatory standards
• Drive harmonization and standardization of pathology workflows, tools, and reporting practices across global sites

Client Engagement & Commercial Partnership

• Serve as a senior scientific representative in client interactions, supporting business development, proposals, and strategic partnerships
• Provide consultative expertise to clients on study design, biomarker strategy, and pathology interpretation
• Collaborate with commercial teams to expand service offerings and drive growth within Tissue Biomarker Services

Compensation and Benefits:

Discovery Life Sciences is committed to fair and equitable compensation practices, and we strive to provide employees with total compensation packages that are market competitive. Candidates hired will be subject to pay ranges associated with their location, and the actual annualized salary amount offered to any candidate at the time of hire will be reflected solely in the candidate’s offer letter. The exact base pay offered for this role will depend on various factors, including the candidate's qualifications, skills, and experience. Your annual salary is only one part of your total compensation package. Other benefits include:

• Competitive salary and benefits package options, including a free dental, vision package, life insurance, and disability coverage which start on your first day of employment.
• 401(k) match program which starts on your first day of employment.
• Time away from work (Generous vacation and paid time off, paid parental leave, paid family leave, etc.).
• Professional development opportunities and reimbursement for relevant certifications and tuition.
• Collaborative and inclusive work environment that values diversity.
• Employee Referral Program and Colleague Recognition Program.
• Team-building activities and social events.

Location and work hours details:

• Hybrid in Newtown, PA OR Kassel, Germany preferred
• Remote option will be considered for an exceptional candidate
• Relocation assistance will be considered
• Up to 20% domestic or international travel required for mandatory site meetings and trainings

We are actively seeking motivated, dedicated individuals like you to join our thriving organization. As a leader in our industry, we offer unparalleled opportunities for professional growth and success.

The Discovery Life Sciences Talent Acquisition team proudly manages and represents all Discovery recruitment activities. We respectfully request that third party staffing agencies refrain from submitting candidates or soliciting meetings to discuss recruiting services.

We are unable to sponsor or take over sponsorships of any applicant work visas at this time.