Job Description

Position Summary

The Associate Director, Data Science leads a team of data scientists in delivering advanced analytics, machine learning, and AI-driven solutions that support strategic business priorities. This role partners closely with cross-functional stakeholders to identify high-impact opportunities, translate business needs into analytical approaches, and drive execution from exploration to implementation. The role requires strong technical leadership, people management, and the ability to operate effectively in a complex, data-driven, and regulated environment.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead and develop a team of data scientists, providing coaching, guidance, and performance management.
• Partner with business and functional stakeholders to identify data science opportunities and translate them into actionable solutions.
• Oversee the design, development, validation, and delivery of predictive models, machine learning solutions, and advanced analytics.
• Ensure analytical work is aligned with business objectives, scientific rigor, and governance requirements.
• Communicate insights, recommendations, and trade-offs clearly to technical and non-technical audiences, including senior leadership.
• Collaborate with data, digital, and technology teams to enable scalable and sustainable solutions.
• Promote best practices in methodology, documentation, reproducibility, and responsible use of data and AI.

Qualifications

Required

• Master’s degree or PhD in Data Science, Statistics, Computer Science, Applied Mathematics, Engineering, or a related quantitative field.
• 8+ years of experience in data science, advanced analytics, machine learning, or a related discipline.
• Demonstrated experience leading a team or mentoring data science professionals.
• Strong background in statistical analysis, predictive modeling, and machine learning techniques.
• Proven ability to translate complex business questions into analytical approaches and actionable insights.
• Experience working with large datasets and modern analytics tools/platforms.
• Strong communication, stakeholder management, and influencing skills.
• Experience working in a matrixed environment with multiple priorities and cross-functional partners.

Preferred

• Experience in the pharmaceutical, life sciences, healthcare, or other regulated industries.
• Experience supporting business decisions through data science in areas such as commercial, medical, operations, R&D, or supply chain.
• Experience deploying models into production or working with MLOps/data engineering teams.
• Familiarity with cloud-based analytics environments and data governance practices.
• Gen AI experience is a plus.

Core Competencies

• Team leadership and talent development
• Strategic thinking and business acumen
• Analytical and scientific rigor
• Cross-functional collaboration
• Clear communication and storytelling
• Execution excellence
• Innovation and continuous learning

Required Skills:

Business Decisions, Business Intelligence (BI), Business Management, Computer Science, Database Design, Data Engineering, Data Governance, Data Modeling, Data Science, Data Visualization, Machine Learning (ML), Organizational Performance Management, People Management, Software Development, Stakeholder Communications, Stakeholder Engagement, Technical Leadership

Preferred Skills:

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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:

Not Applicable

Shift:

Not Indicated

Valid Driving License:

No

Hazardous Material(s):

n/a

Job Posting End Date:

09/30/2026

*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.