Senior Specialist, Data Science

MSD•Rahway, NJ

7d•$129,000 - $203,100•Hybrid

About The Position

We are seeking a Senior Data Scientist to join the Clinical Data Science Realization Team (DSRT) within the Data Science & Scientific Informatics (DSSI) organization. This team sits at the intersection of clinical science, AI, and real-world application—delivering scalable data science solutions that directly support clinical decision-making and operations. You will play a critical, high-visibility role as the primary U.S.-based data science partner, translating complex clinical and business questions into impactful AI solutions. This is a hybrid role combining hands-on data science with strong business partnership.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in mathematics, statistics, data science, computer science, or related field
Hands-on experience with machine learning and data science using Python or R
Proven ability to translate business or scientific questions into actionable models and insights
Strong communication skills, with the ability to explain complex concepts to non-technical audiences
Self-driven and comfortable operating independently in a globally distributed team environment
Animal Vaccination
Business Intelligence (BI)
Collaborative Development
Computer Engineering
Computer Science
Database Design
Data Engineering
Data Modeling
Data Science
Data Visualization
Disease Prevention
End to End Management
Information Technology (IT) Support
IT Project Lifecycle
Machine Learning (ML)
Prioritization
Python (Programming Language)
Software Development
Stakeholder Relationship Management
Veterinary Medicine
Waterfall Model
Working Independently

Nice To Haves

Advanced degree (PhD or Master’s + 3+ years industry experience) preferred
Current Employees apply HERE
Current Contingent Workers apply HERE
US and Puerto Rico Residents Only
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 place, introductions are position specific. Please, no phone calls or emails.

Responsibilities

Build & deploy clinical AI solutions: Design, develop, and deliver machine learning models and AI-driven applications using real-world clinical data
Act as a strategic partner to stakeholders: Serve as the first point of contact for U.S.-based business and IT teams, translating clinical and operational needs into data science solutions
Drive use case development and prioritization: Facilitate workshops and working sessions to identify, shape, and advance high-value AI opportunities
Translate complex AI into business impact: Clearly communicate technical concepts and model insights to non-technical stakeholders to enable adoption
Collaborate across global teams: Partner closely with data scientists, MLOps, and engineering teams across the U.S. and Prague to deliver scalable solutions