Senior Data Scientist

Job Description

We are actively recruiting a Senior Data Scientist within the Quantitative Biosciences Department at our Research Laboratories located in South San Francisco. This role will lead statistical analyses, the implementation of novel data pipelines, and develop machine learning models that enhance our ability to discover new therapeutic targets and drug candidates (molecules).

This role will apply rigorous biostatistical and computational methods to assist scientists in generating novel hypotheses for lead optimization across multiple modalities and analyzing data types from in vitro assays and in vivo models. The role also includes designing and developing agentic AI assistants that enable self-service data analysis, data visualization and summarization, mathematical modeling and data simulation, rapid information retrieval and QC, synthesis of decision-critical information, and support for medical writing of regulatory documents. Working closely with bench scientists and cross-functional partners, you will provide stakeholders with an in-depth understanding of complex data while developing novel computational pipelines and methodologies.

We invite motivated candidates from computational disciplines (for example, statistics, biostatistics, data science, computer science, bioinformatics, or related fields) as well as from natural sciences (including biochemistry, chemistry, biology, pharmacology, or related fields) to apply. The ideal candidate will have a strong foundation in data science, AI, and software engineering, and/or working fluency with assay development and pharmacology in drug discovery and an interest in working at the interface of both.

The candidate will be highly motivated, creative, curious, and collaborative, with a passion for uncovering insights hidden within large data sets. This is an excellent opportunity for individuals who are intellectually curious and analytically minded. You should be able to communicate results clearly, concisely, and effectively.

The Senior Data Scientist will:

• Become part of a creative and flexible team; collaborate and work closely with scientists in biology, pharmacology, chemistry, and data science to develop strategies and novel computational approaches to detect meaningful patterns and connections in sources of biological data (e.g., biochemical, biophysical, cellular, and in vivo)
• Help define and contribute to our data analysis and visualization infrastructure development, including the development and implementation of new agentic solutions
• Collaborate with bench scientists, therapeutic area discovery teams and across functional teams to develop biological hypotheses for computational interrogation
• Publish and present your data at conferences

QUALIFICATIONS:

Education:

• Master’s (with 3+ years) or Ph.D. in epidemiology, biostatistics, computational biology, bioinformatics, computer science, chemistry, biochemistry, biology, pharmacology or related field and relevant computational experience

Required Experience and Skills:

• Strong background with computational methods (such as statistics, machine learning, AI, or software engineering) and/or in natural sciences (such as biology, chemistry, pharmacology, or related fields)
• Experience analyzing data using tools such as Python or R
• Possess an interest in applying computational and/or experimental scientific expertise to problems in early target and drug discovery
• Collaborative, curious, and motivated to work across disciplines and build fluency outside your core area of expertise

Preferred Experience and Skills:

• Experience with deep learning frameworks such as TensorFlow or PyTorch
• Proficient in data wrangling, mathematical modeling and data simulation, and comfortable working with large databases
• Have a track record of scientific contribution, which may include publications, impactful project work, or other research achievements
• Prior experience with pharmaceutical research projects supporting early target and drug discovery
• Experience with multiple data modalities, e.g. high content cell/tissue imaging and/or chemical structure data, integration with other data formats and performing interpretations

#EligibleforERP 

Required Skills:

Bioinformatics, Biostatistics, Computational Biology, Computational Methods, Data Modeling, Data Science, Machine Learning, Pharmaceutical Research, Python (Programming Language), R Programming, Software Engineering, Statistical Analysis

Preferred Skills:

Current Employees apply HERE

Current Contingent Workers apply HERE

US and Puerto Rico Residents Only:

Our company is committed to inclusion, ensuring that candidates can engage in a hiring process that exhibits their true capabilities. Please click here if you need an accommodation during the application or hiring process.

As an Equal Employment Opportunity Employer, we provide equal opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibit discrimination on the basis of race, color, age, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, protected veteran status, disability status, or other applicable legally protected characteristics.  As a federal contractor, we comply with all affirmative action requirements for protected veterans and individuals with disabilities.  For more information about personal rights under the U.S. Equal Opportunity Employment laws, visit:

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We are proud to be a company that embraces the value of bringing together, talented, and committed people with diverse experiences, perspectives, skills and backgrounds. The fastest way to breakthrough innovation is when people with diverse ideas, broad experiences, backgrounds, and skills come together in an inclusive environment. We encourage our colleagues to respectfully challenge one another’s thinking and approach problems collectively.

Learn more about your rights, including under California, Colorado and other US State Acts

The salary range for this role is

$159,600.00 - $251,200.00

This is the lowest to highest salary we in good faith believe we would pay for this role at the time of this posting. An employee’s position within the salary range will be based on several factors including, but not limited to relevant education, qualifications, certifications, experience, skills, geographic location, government requirements, and business or organizational needs.

The successful candidate will be eligible for annual bonus and long-term incentive, if applicable.

We offer a comprehensive package of benefits.  Available benefits include medical, dental, vision healthcare and other insurance benefits (for employee and family), retirement benefits, including 401(k), paid holidays, vacation, and compassionate and sick days. More information about benefits is available at https://jobs.merck.com/us/en/compensation-and-benefits.

You can apply for this role through https://jobs.merck.com/us/en (or via the Workday Jobs Hub if you are a current employee). The application deadline for this position is stated on this posting.

San Francisco Residents Only: We will consider qualified applicants with arrest and conviction records for employment in compliance with the San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance

Los Angeles Residents Only: We will consider for employment all qualified applicants, including those with criminal histories, in a manner consistent with the requirements of applicable state and local laws, including the City of Los Angeles’ Fair Chance Initiative for Hiring Ordinance

Search Firm Representatives Please Read Carefully 
Merck & Co., Inc., Rahway, NJ, USA, also known as Merck Sharp & Dohme LLC, Rahway, NJ, USA, does not accept unsolicited assistance from search firms for employment opportunities. All CVs / resumes submitted by search firms to any employee at our company without a valid written search agreement in place for this position will be deemed the sole property of our company.  No fee will be paid in the event a candidate is hired by our company as a result of an agency referral where no pre-existing agreement is in place. Where agency agreements are in place, introductions are position specific. Please, no phone calls or emails. 

Employee Status:

Regular

Relocation:

Domestic

VISA Sponsorship:

No

Travel Requirements:

10%

Flexible Work Arrangements:

Hybrid

Shift:

1st - Day

Valid Driving License:

No

Hazardous Material(s):

N/A

Job Posting End Date:

08/26/2026

*A job posting is effective until 11:59:59PM on the day BEFORE the listed job posting end date. Please ensure you apply to a job posting no later than the day BEFORE the job posting end date.