Principal Scientist, Stat. Programming – A&R Standards, Innovation

MSD

Principal Scientist developing reusable R, Python, and SAS standards for Merck’s drug and vaccine programs. Driving clinical-trial reporting, automation, compliance, and cross-functional innovation.

Posted 8/4/2026full-timeNorth Wales • New Jersey, Pennsylvania • 🇺🇸 United StatesLead💰 $173,200 - $272,600 per yearWebsite

Core Competencies

Role fit

Core Competencies

Use this summary to align your resume positioning with the role.

Demonstrates expertise in statistical programming and analysis for clinical trials, with a strong focus on R, Python, and SAS. Proven ability to develop and implement strategic solutions while ensuring compliance with industry standards such as CDISC.

Highest-signal resume keywords

Clinical SAS ProgrammingData ManagementR ProgrammingStatistical Programming DeliverablesStakeholder Relationship Management

ATS Keywords

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Applicant Tracking System Keywords

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Hard Skills

Statistical ProgrammingData ManipulationReporting WorkflowsVisualizationNumerical AnalysisMultilingual Analysis DevelopmentQuality ComplianceAnalysis Dataset StandardsProcess ImprovementAI/GenAI Tools

Soft Skills

Interpersonal SkillsNegotiation SkillsCollaboration SkillsProject Management SkillsStrategic Thinking

Industry Keywords

Clinical TrialsDrug DevelopmentVaccine DevelopmentCDISCPHUSEBiostatisticsRegulatory ComplianceObservational ResearchPK/PD ModelingStatistical Analysis

Tech Stack

Tools & technologies

Python

About the role

Key responsibilities & impact

Support the strategic design, development, and delivery of efficient, flexible, modular analysis and reporting and submission standards and tools for drug and vaccine projects
Drive development and adoption of a scalable, reusable multilingual standards library based on R, Python, and SAS
Emphasize open-source adoption, automation, and appropriate use of AI
Address operational challenges through strategic standard-based solutions
Facilitate global adoption of standards and programming best practices
Contribute strategic solutions for cross-functional stakeholder groups in BARDS, GCD, and the Research & Development Division
Provide technical consultation and analytical support to statistical programmers and statisticians
Lead and contribute to departmental strategic initiative project teams
Represent the company in industry initiatives including CDISC and PHUSE
Collaborate with Biostatistics, Statistical Programming, Data Management, Clinical Research, Regulatory, Observational Research, Clinical Safety, and PK/PD Modeling and Simulation organizations
Drive analysis and reporting data structures and submission standards
Adhere to departmental standard operating procedures and guidelines

Requirements

What you’ll need

BA/BS in Computer Science, Statistics, Applied Mathematics, Life Sciences, Engineering, or related field plus 12 or more years of statistical programming experience in a clinical trial environment, or MS in a related field plus 10 or more years of such experience
Excellent interpersonal, negotiation, and collaboration skills
Excellent written, oral, and presentation skills
Superior knowledge and significant experience setting strategy and developing analysis and reporting deliverables for R&D projects
Excellent project management skills and leadership across multiple complex programs
Ability to determine approaches, ensure consistency, direct development of others, and engage key stakeholders
Expertise in clinical trial programming, including data manipulation, reporting workflows, visualization, and production-quality practices using multiple programming languages and tools
Superior knowledge and significant experience developing statistical programming deliverables according to quality, compliance, and timeliness requirements
Strong knowledge and understanding of CDISC SDTM and ADaM analysis dataset standards
Experience with analytical research databases, analysis datasets, and procedures
Understanding of statistics, clinical trials, and data management concepts applied to drug and vaccine development
Demonstrated success assuring deliverable quality and process compliance
Strategic thinking and ability to develop and implement strategic solutions
Ability to anticipate stakeholder requirements
Ability and interest to work across cultures and geographies
Preferred: experience developing multilingual analysis and reporting products using R, Python, and SAS
Preferred: process assessment, improvement, and operational excellence methodologies
Preferred: experience developing and managing project plans
Preferred: experience using AI/GenAI tools such as Claude Code
Preferred: active participation in professional societies and collaboration across regions
Required skills include Clinical SAS Programming, Data Management, Data Modeling, Numerical Analysis, R Programming, and Stakeholder Relationship Management
Visa sponsorship available
Travel requirements: 10%
Valid driving license: not required

Benefits

Comp & perks

Annual bonus eligibility
Long-term incentive eligibility, if applicable
Medical healthcare coverage for employee and family
Dental healthcare coverage for employee and family
Vision healthcare coverage for employee and family
Other insurance benefits for employee and family
Retirement benefits, including 401(k)
Paid holidays
Vacation
Compassionate days
Sick days
Hybrid work arrangement
Visa sponsorship