Director, Data Science – Pharmacokinetics, Dynamics, Metabolism, and Bioanalytics (PDMB)

Merck • Boston, MA

5d • Hybrid

About The Position

We are seeking a visionary and transformative leader for the position of Director, Data Science, within our Pharmacokinetics, Dynamics, Metabolism, and Bioanalytics (PDMB) department. This role is responsible for driving the overarching data science strategy for PDMB, leading a world-class team of data scientists, and pioneering the development and deployment of cutting-edge AI/ML innovations. The ideal candidate is a proven scientific and business leader with a "tri-lingual" ability to speak the languages of science, technology, and business strategy. You will be responsible for coaching, mentoring, and developing a high-performing team while forging critical partnerships with internal R&D functions and external academic and industry collaborators. This role is central to our mission, requiring you to identify needs and opportunities and deliver data science solutions that improve quality and efficiency, enable critical Go/NoGo decisions and create substantial business value across our R&D portfolio.

Requirements

• Ph.D. or MS in a scientific or computational discipline (e.g., Biochemistry, Biophysics, Computational Biology, Chemistry, Engineering, Computer Science or related STEM field).
• A PhD and a minimum of 7 years of experience in the pharmaceutical industry, with a proven track record of progressing leadership roles OR an MS and 10+ years of experience.
• Domain knowledge across multiple R&D functions, including but not limited to molecular design, bioanalysis, ADME, PK/PD, translational, and (digital) clinical trials.
• Expert-level knowledge of modern AI/ML, including Generative AI, LLMs, Graph Neural Networks (GNNs), and Transformers, applied to scientific challenges.
• Excellent communication skills to explain complex concepts in terms appropriate to a range of audiences.

Nice To Haves

• Demonstrated experience in building, leading, and developing high-performing data science teams.
• Project leadership and management experience.
• A strong record of publication in top-tier, peer-reviewed machine learning conferences (e.g., ICML, ICLR, NeurIPS) and scientific journals.

Responsibilities

• Strategic Leadership: Define and execute the comprehensive data science strategy.
• Coach, mentor, and lead a high-performing data science team to deliver transformative solutions.
• Maintain strong relationships with partner functions.
• AI/ML Innovation: Oversee the development and deployment of novel data science innovations.
• Deploy Generative AI (GenAI) and Large Language Models (LLMs).
• Create scalable platforms for R&D data analytics.
• Develop generative models for scientific applications using GNNs or Transformers.
• Design computational frameworks to enhance predictivity and augment decisions for complex therapeutic portfolios.
• Cross-Functional Partnership: Forge strong, collaborative partnerships with internal R&D leaders across Chemistry, Biology, DMPK, Bioanalysis, Toxicity, Formulation, and Translational Medicine.
• Engage with cross-functional stakeholders to identify and manage high ROI data science projects.
• External Collaboration & Influence: Identify opportunities for strategic external collaborations with academic institutions and AI institutes.
• Keep a finger on the pulse of the field and represent the company at AI/ML events.

Benefits

• medical, dental, vision healthcare and other insurance benefits (for employee and family)
• retirement benefits, including 401(k)
• paid holidays
• vacation
• compassionate and sick days

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Director
• Education Level: Ph.D. or professional degree
• Number of Employees: 5,001-10,000 employees