Associate Director, Data Science, Neuroscience Biomarker Discovery

MSD • Cambridge, MA

2d • Hybrid

About The Position

Our Company’s Data, AI & Genome Sciences Department in Cambridge, MA is seeking an Associate Director, Data Science - Neuroscience Biomarker Discovery to join our ongoing efforts of using cutting-edge data-driven approaches to identify biomarkers and inform translational strategies in Neuroscience. The qualified individual will be a motivated data scientist or computational biologist with a track record of using advanced AI/ML methodologies to analyze proteomics data and integrate with other data modalities to drive biomarker discovery. In this role, they will develop and deploy analytic pipelines to integrate proteomics data with other omics data from patient cohorts and preclinical models to identify biomarkers for disease severity or progression, pathological subtypes, and target pathway biology in Alzheimer’s disease, Parkinson’s disease, and pain. They will work alongside other data scientists, geneticists, AI/ML scientists in the department to develop and apply innovative approaches to analyze and integrate proteomics data with WGS, bulk/single-cell/spatial RNAseq, and metabolomics data to identify disease subtypes and predict therapeutic responses of biomarkers and clinical endpoints in specific subgroups of patients. They will also be closely collaborating with cross-functional teams of data scientists, bench biologists, and clinical colleagues to drive our neuroscience biomarker and translational strategies.

Requirements

• PhD in Data Science, Computational Biology, Computer Science, Neuroscience, Bioinformatics, Biostatistics, Biophysics, Genomics, or a related STEM discipline, with a minimum of 5 years of experience in multimodal data analytics OR MS and 8+ years of experience.
• Demonstrated expertise in data science, computational biology, machine learning, omics data analysis, integration, and interpretation.
• Extensive experience with QC and analysis of data generated with various proteomics platforms (Olink/SomaScan/LC-MS/Seer).
• Proficient in one or more programming languages (e.g., Python, R), HPC environments and/or cloud-based platforms, as well as version control systems, (e.g., Github).
• Ability to critically evaluate and apply novel data analysis methods in translational applications.
• Strong problem-solving skills, self-motivated, attention to detail, and ability to handle multiple projects.
• Extensive experience to conduct research in a collaborative environment and excellent ability to communicate scientific questions, methodologies, findings and insights.
• Track record of contributions to peer-reviewed publications in the field of data science or computational biology.

Nice To Haves

• Outstanding scientific caliber with strong capabilities to identify key analytic questions and formulate rigorous data analytic plans to address critical scientific needs of drug discovery programs.
• Familiarity with public databases, repositories, and consortia for neurological disease research, especially those include biofluid proteomics data.
• Good understanding of neurobiology, particularly neurodegenerative diseases and pain biology.

Responsibilities

• Lead proteomics data analysis efforts to drive precision biomarker discovery, inform translational strategies, and enable data-driven decision-making of multiple Neuroscience drug discovery programs.
• Formulate and drive integrative analysis of biofluid proteomics data with other omics data modalities and across multiple patient cohorts.
• Collaborate with AI/ML scientists to develop and incorporate new methodologies into existing frameworks to enhance data analysis capabilities.
• Collaborate with data generation, analytics and IT teams to build platforms for data sharing and knowledge dissemination.
• Work with experimental biologists, functional area experts, and clinical scientists to support drug discovery and development programs at various stages.
• Provide data science / computational biology input into research strategy, experimental design, provide data analytical input, and assist in interpreting results from both in-vitro and in-vivo studies.
• Communicate data analytic results effectively to project teams, key stakeholders, as well as the wider scientific community through written and verbal means, including proposals for further experiments, presentations at internal and external meetings, and publications in leading journals.

Benefits

• 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.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Director
• Education Level: Ph.D. or professional degree