Senior Specialist, Data Science

Job Description Senior Data Scientist for Clinical Data Science Realization Team in Rahway About the Role 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. What You’ll Do This is a hybrid role combining hands-on data science with strong business partnership : 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 Required Experience & Skills Bachelor’s degree in mathematics, statistics, data science, computer science, or related field Advanced degree (PhD or Master’s + 3+ years industry experience) preferred 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 Required Skills: 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 Preferred Skills: Current Employees apply HERE Current Contingent Workers apply HERE US and Puerto Rico Residents Only: Our company is committed to inclusion, ensuring that candidates can engage in a hiring process that exhibits their true capabilities. Please click here if you need an accommodation during the application or hiring process. As an Equal Employment Opportunity Employer, we provide equal opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibit discrimination on the basis of race, color, age, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, protected veteran status, disability status, or other applicable legally protected characteristics. As a federal contractor, we comply with all affirmative action requirements for protected veterans and individuals with disabilities. For more information about personal rights under the U.S. Equal Opportunity Employment laws, visit: EEOC Know Your Rights EEOC GINA Supplement​ We are proud to be a company that embraces the value of bringing together, talented, and committed people with diverse experiences, perspectives, skills and backgrounds. The fastest way to breakthrough innovation is when people with diverse ideas, broad experiences, backgrounds, and skills come together in an inclusive environment. We encourage our colleagues to respectfully challenge one another’s thinking and approach problems collectively. Learn more about your rights, including under California, Colorado and other US State Acts The salary range for this role is $129,000.00 - $203,100.00 This is the lowest to highest salary we in good faith believe we would pay for this role at the time of this posting. An employee’s position within the salary range will be based on several factors including, but not limited to relevant education, qualifications, certifications, experience, skills, geographic location, government requirements, and business or organizational needs. The successful candidate will be eligible for annual bonus and long-term incentive, if applicable. 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 . You can apply for this role through https://jobs.merck.com/us/en (or via the Workday Jobs Hub if you are a current employee). The application deadline for this position is stated on this posting. 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 in place, introductions are position specific. Please, no phone calls or emails. Employee Status: Regular Relocation: No relocation VISA Sponsorship: No Travel Requirements: 10% Flexible Work Arrangements: Hybrid Shift: 1st - Day Valid Driving License: No Hazardous Material(s): N/A Job Posting End Date: 08/4/2026 *A job posting is effective until 11:59:59PM on the day BEFORE the listed job posting end date. Please ensure you apply to a job posting no later than the day BEFORE the job posting end date. Requisition ID: R399865