Senior AI Data Scientist

Merck • Rahway, NJ

1d • $117,000 - $184,200 • Hybrid

About The Position

The Senior AI Data Scientist works at the intersection of AI, data, and pharmaceutical Research & Development. The role applies data analytics, scientific reasoning, and generative AI agentic approaches to address complex scientific problems. The successful candidate will deliver solutions across pharmaceutical R&D and work with scientists, clinicians, and regulatory agencies to translate scientific problems into tangible outcomes. The position also communicates technical and non-technical concepts and authors formal data analytic protocols and reports.

The role requires demonstrated hands-on expertise with agentic AI and experience building, scaling, and managing computer vision systems in production. Relevant work includes end-to-end preprocessing of gigapixel whole-slide images and applying deep learning to histology tasks, along with familiarity with modern vision foundation models for feature extraction and downstream fine-tuning. The position is hybrid, based primarily in Rahway, New Jersey, with additional locations potentially available. Travel requirements are 10%.

Requirements

• PhD or Master's degree with relevant quantitative education.
• Demonstrated hands-on expertise with agentic AI, supported by concrete examples of solutions, tools, research, or applications.
• Evidence of passion for rapid learning, experience in project management, ability to work independently and collaboratively in a cross-functional team, and excellent communication.
• Proven record of building, scaling, and managing computer vision systems in production.
• End-to-end experience preprocessing gigapixel whole-slide images and applying deep learning to histology tasks.
• Familiarity with modern vision foundation models for feature extraction and downstream fine-tuning.
• Skills in applied statistics, computational biology, computer vision, data analysis, data management, data science, generative AI, histology, statistical analysis techniques, statistical models, study design, and vision systems.

Responsibilities

• Deliver solutions to challenging problems across pharmaceutical Research & Development.
• Collaborate with scientists, clinicians, and regulatory agencies to translate scientific problems into tangible solutions.
• Communicate ideas and concepts clearly to technical and non-technical audiences.
• Author formal data analytic protocols and reports.
• Build, scale, and manage computer vision systems in production.

Benefits

• Medical, dental, and vision healthcare benefits and other insurance benefits for employees and family.
• Retirement benefits, including 401(k).
• Paid holidays, vacation, compassionate days, and sick days.
• Eligible for annual bonus and long-term incentive, if applicable.
• Domestic relocation.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Senior