Director R&D
at Merck
Markus Obkircher is director of the Chemistry Customer Solution R&D unit at Merck Life Science, with a strong focus on the APAC region. He oversees the co-creation of customized turnkey solutions and kits through strategic partnerships and collaborations, while driving the development of applications and workflows across the APAC application lab network.
Prior to this role, Markus led Merck’s Reference Materials and Proficiency Testing R&D division for a decade, managing teams in the US and Europe. He was responsible for the in-house development of new analytical standards and certified reference materials across multiple market segments.
Markus joined Merck/Sigma-Aldrich in 2013 after leading a development unit for a custom API manufacturer specializing in peptide pharmaceuticals. He completed his post-doctoral research in natural product synthesis at Harvard University and holds a PhD from the University of Basel. Additionally, he earned an executive MBA from the University of Zurich and actively participates in various chemistry committees and councils.
Education
Awards & Certifications
Best Chemistry Diploma Class of 97, University of Basel
PhD Summa cum laude, 1992
CITAC Best Paper Award 2018
Accreditations
Diploma in Chemistry recognised by University of Basel
PhD in Chemistry recognised by University of Basel
Executive MBA recognised by University of Zürich
Member recognised by Cooperation on International Traceability in Analytical Chemistry (CITAC)
Member recognised by Association of Official Analytical Chemists (AOAC)
Areas of Expertise
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