Senior Data Scientist, Neuroscience Biomarker Discovery

Merck • Cambridge, MA

1d • $144,800 - $227,900 • Hybrid

About The Position

Our Company’s Data, AI & Genome Sciences Department in Cambridge, MA is seeking a Senior Specialist (Senior Scientist), Data Science - Neuroscience Biomarker Discovery to join our ongoing efforts of using cutting-edge data analytic 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 developing and 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 computational approaches to integrate biofluid 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. To achieve these goals, they will drive the development of new approaches that enable target-biomarker-indication mapping and contextualization. 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, Genetics/Genomics, or a STEM related discipline, preferably with 3+ years of experience in integrative multimodal data analytics.
• Demonstrated experience in developing novel and integrative analytic approaches to converting data into actionable insights.
• 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 integrative multi-omics analysis approaches, especially biofluid proteomics.
• Familiarity with public databases, repositories, and consortia for neurological disease research, especially those include biofluid proteomics data (e.g., BioFINDER, ADNI, PPMI, UKBB).
• 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.
• Strong problem-solving skills, self-motivated, attention to detail, and ability to handle multiple projects.
• 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

• Prior experience in driving pipeline decisions through data analytics in industry settings.
• Extensive experience in QC and analysis of data generated with various proteomics platforms (Olink/SomaScan/LC-MS/Seer).
• Working knowledge of leveraging knowledge graphs for data integration.

Responsibilities

• Support data analytics projects to drive precision biomarker discovery, inform translational strategies, and enable data-driven decision-making of multiple Neuroscience drug discovery programs.
• Help formulate and drive integrative analysis of biofluid proteomics data with other omics data modalities and across multiple patient cohorts to contextualize biofluid biomarker dynamics, and map biomarkers to target biology, disease mechanisms, and patient subpopulations in neurodegenerative diseases and pain.
• Collaborate with AI/ML scientists to develop and incorporate new methodologies into existing frameworks to enhance integrative 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

• 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: Senior
• Education Level: Ph.D. or professional degree