Merck & Co, Inc

Associate Scientist, Postdoctoral Fellow - AI in Infectious Disease Modeling

Merck & Co, Inc$75K — $86K *
Pharmaceuticals & Biotech
Less than 5 years of experience
Job Overview by Ladders

Qualifications

  • PhD in Computer Science, Mathematics, Statistics, or a related field.
  • Experience with large language models (LLMs), natural language processing (NLP), or machine learning.
  • Proficiency in Python and/or C++, specifically in model fitting and data workflows.
  • Demonstrated ability to synthesize complex information and draw conclusions.
  • Strong creative problem-solving and interpersonal skills.
  • Experience in interdisciplinary research environments.

Responsibilities

  • Develop health economic models using AI-assisted systematic review techniques.
  • Extract model structures and parameters using advanced LLMs.
  • Evaluate model consistency and validity with AI reasoning techniques.
  • Propose new model structures based on disease-specific needs using generative AI.
  • Apply developed models to critical infectious disease case studies.
  • Foster cross-functional collaboration within the research laboratories.
  • Disseminate research findings through presentations and publications.

Benefits

  • Bonus eligibility and comprehensive health care insurance for employees and families.
  • Retirement benefits with contributions towards retirement savings.
  • Paid holidays, vacation days, and sick days for work-life balance.
  • Flexible work arrangements with a hybrid work model.
  • Visa sponsorship available for eligible candidates.
Full Job Description

Job Description

Position Overview:

This position is in the vaccine modeling team of the Health Economic and Decision Sciences (HEDS) department withing Biostatistics and Research Decision Sciences (BARDS) at our Research Laboratories. BARDS HEDS provides strategic and analytic modeling expertise to measure and quantify the value of our company's products.

As part of an agile team, the fellow will develop and support a seamless mechanism of coordination and collaboration in a dynamic area of interdisciplinary research. Collaboration with modeling scientists, data scientists, IT partners, subject matter experts and strategically leveraging generative AI to automate model extraction and facilitate rapid, intelligent adaptation across diverse settings, this project will profoundly enhance model transparency, dramatically accelerate deployment, and improve consistency in global health decision-making. This innovative approach promises to transform the efficiency and impact of health economic evaluations in infectious disease preparedness and response.

Responsibilities include but are not limited to:

Reporting under a Senior Director within the Vaccines team within HEDS, the fellow is expected to:

  • Build a robust corpus of health economic infectious disease models using AI-assisted systematic review techniques,

  • Utilize advanced LLMs to precisely extract infectious disease model type, structure (states, transitions), and parameters (costs, utilities, probabilities),

  • Implement an intelligent AI reasoning layer to evaluate consistency, completeness, and scientific validity across extracted models,

  • Employ generative AI to propose new model structures, dynamically guided by disease-specific needs and prior evidence,

  • Apply the developed pipeline to critical case studies (e.g., RSV vaccine modeling) and rigorously compare AI-generated models with existing approaches,

  • Develop excellent working relationships within partner across our Research Laboratories; ensure effective cross-functional collaboration across teams,

  • Collaborate externally and solicit input from appropriate stakeholders and adopt latest techniques from relevant published literature, and

  • Disseminate key research findings/methodology via scientific presentations at congresses and publications in scientific journals.

Education Minimum Requirement:  

Candidates should currently hold a PhD OR will receive a PhD by start of employment in Computer Science, Mathematics, Statistics, or a closely-related quantitative field.

Required Experience and Skills:

  • Previous experience with large language models (LLMs), natural language processing (NLP), or machine learning,

  • Strong programming skills in Python and/or C++, with experience in model fitting, simulation, and data extraction workflows,

  • Previous experience working on interdisciplinary research projects and/or working within interdisciplinary teams,

  • Ability to gather, organize, and synthesize complex information in order to draw conclusions and make recommendations,

  • Strong creative problem solving skills,

  • Strong interpersonal, networking, presentation, and communication skills, and

  • Ability to communicate effectively in English in both verbal and written formats.

Preferred Experience and Skills:

  • Experience in prompt engineering, fine-tuning, or evaluating large language models, and

  • Previous experience of health economic modeling and cost-effectiveness analysis for infectious disease.

postdoctoralopportunities

Under New York City, Colorado State, Washington State, and California State law, the Company is required to provide a reasonable estimate of the salary range for this job. Final determinations with respect to salary will take into account a number of factors, which may include, but not be limited to the primary work location and the chosen candidate’s relevant skills, experience, and education.

Expected salary range:

$75,000.00-$86,000.00

Available benefits include bonus eligibility, health care and other insurance benefits (for employee and family), retirement benefits, paid holidays, vacation, and sick days. For Washington State Jobs, a summary of benefits is listed here. 

Required Skills:

Adaptability, Computer Science, Data Analysis, Generative AI, Global Health, Health Economics, Infectious Disease, Information Technology Consulting, Interdisciplinary Research, Large Language Models (LLMs), Natural Language Processing (NLP), Programming Languages, Prompt Engineering, Report Writing, Scientific Presentations, Scientific Writing, Statistical Analysis, Synthetic Chemistry

Preferred Skills:

Current Employees apply

Current Contingent Workers apply

Employee Status:

Regular

Relocation:

Domestic

VISA Sponsorship:

Yes

Travel Requirements:

10%

Flexible Work Arrangements:

Hybrid

Shift:

Not Indicated

Valid Driving License:

No

Hazardous Material(s):

n/a

Job Posting End Date:

08/15/2026

*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.

About Merck & Co, Inc

Schering-Plough Corporation is a major U.S.-based manufacturer of pharmaceuticals. It operates in three segments: Prescription Pharmaceuticals, Animal Health, and Consumer Health Care. Schering-Plough develops products targeting on allergy, cancer, hepatitis, cardiovascular, central nervous system, respiratory system, and more.  It was founded in 1851 by Ernst Christian Friedrich Schering as Schering AG in Germany. Schering-Plough manufactured several pharmaceutical drugs, the most well-known of which were the allergy drugs Claritin and Clarinex, an anti-cholesterol drug Vytorin, and a brain tumor drug Temodar. It also developed drugs targeting on central nervous system and the respiratory system. Schering Plough also owned and operated the major foot care brand name Dr. Scholl's and the skin care line Coppertone. These also became a part of the new company. Schering-Plough was a full member of the European Federation of Pharmaceutical Industries and Associations (EFPIA), a membership which is also maintained by the new Merck.

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Join the visionary team at Merck & Co, Inc, a global leader in healthcare dedicated to advancing the world of medicine. As part of our professional community, you'll find dynamic job opportunities that foster innovation and leadership across various fields. Merck & Co, Inc is not just a company; it's a place where you can make a difference.

Work You’ll Do

At Merck & Co, Inc, we are committed to improving global health through groundbreaking research and innovative healthcare solutions. Our team is at the forefront of developing new therapies and vaccines that significantly impact public health worldwide. By joining us, you will collaborate with some of the brightest minds in the industry, using your skills to contribute to projects that save and improve lives around the globe.

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Merck & Co, Inc is an ideal environment for those who lead with curiosity and the drive to innovate. Our leadership is committed to fostering a culture where inventive thinking and collaboration are encouraged, making it a perfect place for professionals who seek to make an impact through their work.

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Benefits and Culture

We understand that our employees are our greatest asset, which is why we offer competitive benefits designed to support the health and well-being of you and your family. From comprehensive health care coverage and retirement plans to flexible working conditions and wellness programs, our benefits package is designed to meet the diverse needs of our team members.

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Learn more about Merck & Co, Inc
Size
68,000 employees
Market Cap
$282.6 billion
Industry
Net Income
$7 billion
Founded
1668
5 Year Trend
+4.1%
Revenue
$47.9 billion
NASDAQ

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