Associate Director, Data Science, AI Solutions

MSD

Associate Director building AI and data science solutions for Merck’s healthcare business. Designing RAG, machine learning, forecasting, and optimization systems for R&D quality.

Posted 8/4/2026full-timeRahway • New Jersey, Pennsylvania • 🇺🇸 United StatesSenior💰 $156,900 - $247,000 per yearWebsite

Core Competencies

Role fit

Core Competencies

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Demonstrates expertise in building and deploying advanced AI applications, including custom RAG architectures and MLOps practices. Proficient in using Python, R, and SQL for machine learning and analytics solutions within regulated environments.

Highest-signal resume keywords

Python ProgrammingR ProgrammingAdvanced SQLMLOps ExperienceGxP Compliance

ATS Keywords

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Applicant Tracking System Keywords

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Hard Skills

Machine LearningForecasting ModelsOptimization ModelsCustom RAG ArchitecturesData Analytics SolutionsETL PipelinesUser-Friendly Dashboard Design

Soft Skills

Exceptional CommunicationStakeholder EngagementCross-Functional Collaboration

Tools & Technologies

DataikuPosit WorkbenchPower BISpotfireAWSAzureGCP

Industry Keywords

Pharmaceutical IndustryBiotech IndustryAI GovernanceRegulatory FrameworksSoftware Validation

Tech Stack

Tools & technologies

AWSAzureETLGoogle Cloud PlatformPythonSQL

About the role

Key responsibilities & impact

Build, deploy, and maintain advanced AI applications, including custom RAG pipelines and agentic systems
Develop traditional analytics solutions such as forecasts, simulations, and optimizations for R&D quality challenges
Monitor, enhance, and scale operational analytics systems in enterprise platforms such as Dataiku and Posit Workbench
Collaborate with the GxP AI Governance Program on regulatory frameworks, validation playbooks, and monitoring protocols
Explain AI algorithms, models, and limitations to non-technical stakeholders and leadership
Partner with business leaders to identify challenges and propose high-value data science and AI use cases
Learn business processes and stakeholder needs to drive meaningful outcomes
Educate and upskill QA team members on modern technology stacks, LLMs, and data literacy
Represent the company in cross-functional forums such as IMPALA

Requirements

What you’ll need

BS/BA degree in a relevant area
5+ years of experience in the pharmaceutical, biotech, or technology-related industry
Minimum 5 years of professional experience using Python, R, and advanced SQL to design and deploy machine learning, forecasting, or optimization models
Hands-on experience developing custom RAG architectures
Experience working with LLM APIs
Core MLOps experience, including Git/version control, monitoring, and model maintenance
Proficiency designing user-friendly dashboards using Power BI or Spotfire
Foundational understanding of ETL pipelines and data structures
Familiarity with hosting and deploying AI solutions or agentic pipelines in AWS, Azure, or GCP
Prior experience in a regulated pharmaceutical GxP environment
Exposure to software validation or AI governance frameworks
Exceptional communication skills and ability to distill complex technical terminology into actionable insights
Experience supporting cross-functional teams in a global, matrixed organization
Interest in emerging technologies, including generative AI

Benefits

Comp & perks

Annual bonus eligibility
Long-term incentive eligibility, if applicable
Medical, dental, and vision healthcare
Other insurance benefits for employee and family
Retirement benefits, including 401(k)
Paid holidays
Vacation
Compassionate days
Sick days