Merck & Co, Inc

Director, Data Science

Merck & Co, Inc$190K — $300K *
Pharmaceuticals & Biotech
5 - 7 years of experience
Job Overview by Ladders

Qualifications

  • 7+ years of experience in analytical projects within pharmaceuticals, biotech, consulting, or healthcare
  • Strong business acumen and consultative skills
  • Proven data science experience in machine learning and analytical methodologies
  • Ability to communicate effectively with senior leaders and cross-functional teams
  • Experience with both descriptive and machine learning algorithms using Python, R, SAS, or SQL
  • Self-motivated with a proactive mindset and strong project management skills
  • Knowledge of data privacy and responsible AI use in regulated environments

Responsibilities

  • Translate business needs into analytical plans to generate actionable insights
  • Communicate and collaborate with teams across various functions
  • Analyze diverse data sources to inform commercial strategies
  • Stay updated on industry trends in analytics and AI methodologies
  • Contribute to innovative experimentation to improve business processes
  • Develop and communicate clear data-driven stories to stakeholders
  • Lead and mentor a team of data scientists and business analysts

Benefits

  • Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision insurance for employees and families
  • Retirement benefits including a 401(k) plan
  • Paid holidays, vacation, and sick leave
  • Support for work-life balance through flexible work arrangements
  • Access to ongoing training and professional development opportunities
Full Job Description

Job Description

Job Title:Director Personalized Customer Engagement (PCE) – US Market Engagement, US Oncology, Digital Human Health

Job Description: This role will reside within theDigital Human Health (DHH) US Market Engagement Team. This team operates as part of the US commercial team, providing strategic thought-partnership to US commercial stakeholders through understanding brand strategy, co-creating DHH demand and associated business requirements aligned to business priorities. The US Market Engagement team quarterbacks demand fulfillment and leads the activation of DHH products and services. 

The Director will be responsible for developing and communicating data-driven and actionable insights that drive greater customer and market understanding to inform launch & go-to market strategies and help meet in-line commercial objectives.  

The individual in this role will be an independent contributor, as well as a team leader, supporting commercial insight and analytics needs for US marketing teams.  The person will have demonstrated consistently strong leadership skills, an ability to work objectively and deal well with ambiguity and strong partnership skills. They will empower a growth mindset and inspire a culture of continual learning. This role will require interfacing and collaborating with many teams requiring strong communication skills. 

The preferred candidate will have an entrepreneurial spirit, consultative and strategic mindset, experience in oncology & technology (ML algorithm, AI, agentic etc.), The candidate will be accountable for creating targeting and segmentation models for the Oncology Business Unit that will be used for theallocation of promotional resources and tactics across channels, brands, and customer segments. The Director will also develop and lead self-service analytics, AI solutions, and decision-support capabilities that improve commercial performance, HCP segmentation and engagement; establish KPI, data, and measurement standards across omnichannel engagement, performance reporting, and HCP/account analytics; lead analytics resources and external partners, building capabilities, prioritizing work, and scaling best practices across the organization;  work with HH market leaders and provide guidance to help define omnichannel tactics and strategies to implement customer targeting and segmentation schemes using predictive and machine learning models, with a focus on automation , standardization and Agentic AI enablement across our companys oncology portfolio.

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Key Responsibilities:

  • Translate business needs and priorities to build analytical plans that answer business questions by providing actionable insights. Effectively communicating advanced analytics to stakeholders to inform business decisions.  

  • Communicate & collaborate effectively with cross functional teams with competencies in market research, forecasting, commercial analytics, data science, customer engagement, data strategy, population health, competitive insights, marketing operations, medical & clinical backgrounds. 

  • Analyze data across disparate databases/sources (including claims/EMR Data and other sources) to develop insights that inform commercial business strategies. 

  • Stay current with industry trends and advancements in analytical methodologies to bring new ideas forward (including application of GenAI) that will enhance analytic capabilities of the organization. 

  • Contribute to innovative experiments, specifically to idea generation, idea incubation and/or experimentation, identifying tangible and measurable criteria to make meaningful improvements to the business processes and strategies. 

  • Derive actionable business insights from various data sources, develop clear data story, and communicate effectively to business stakeholders. 

  • Lead and mentor a team of data scientists and business analysts (on-shore and off-shore), providing guidance on best practices in data analytics, modeling and data visualization, through the scope of a project.  

Education Requirements: 

  • BS (or equivalent) in Data Science, Mathematics, Economics, Computer Science, Statistics, Decision Science, Marketing, Engineering, Public Health, or equivalent scientific/ commercial discipline.  

Required Experience and Skills: 

  • 7+ years of relevant experience delivering complex analytical projects in the pharmaceutical, biotech, consulting, or healthcare industry. 

  • Self-motivated, proactive mindset, and ability to work independently. 

  • Story-telling and executive presence with senior leaders. 

  • Effective interpersonal skills, communication skills, and stakeholder management, including experience collaborating in a matrixed organization and ability to align stakeholders on data-driven decisions. 

  • Strong business acumen and consultative skills, with proven ability to comprehend business processes and commercial strategies in detail and translate these into detailed business standards/questions that power analytics. 

  • Superior Organizational and project management skills to work effectively across the organization

  • Innovative thinking with affinity toward experimentation and appropriate risk-taking, including curiosity about how agenticAIand automation can enhance commercial analytics and insight generation. 

  • Awareness of the opportunities, limitations, and responsible use ofAI(including agenticAI) in a regulated environment (e.g., data privacy, validation ofAI-generated outputs). 

  • Travel may be required <10%. 

  • Ability to develop efficient programming code and software assets that provide advanced analytical functionality. 

  • Proven data science experience leveraging advanced statistical methods, Machine Learning/Artificial Intelligence

  • Knowledge of both machine learning and descriptive algorithms/modeling using such languages as Python, R studio, SAS, SQL etc. 

========================= 

Preferred Experience and Skills: 

  • Domain knowledge in oncology, specifically as it relates to data analytics. 

  • Previous experience in managing employees or contractors.

  • MBA, MS or PhD degree is a plus.  

Work location: Upper Gwynedd, PA (role will be hybrid and chosen candidate is expected to be in the office at least 3 days/week).  

Required Skills:

Advanced Analytics, Advanced Analytics, Analytical Tools, Base SAS, Business Acumen, Business Decisions, Business Intelligence (BI), Business Metrics, Business Opportunity Identification, Data Analysis, Database Design, Data Engineering, Data Modeling, Data Science, Data Visualization, Executive Leadership, Growth Mindset, Ideation, Insight Generation, Machine Learning (ML), Marketing Science, Python (Programming Language), Software Development, Stakeholder Relationship Management, Statistical Analysis {+ 1 more}

Preferred Skills:

Current Employees apply HERE

Current Contingent Workers apply HERE

US and Puerto Rico Residents Only:

The salary range for this role is

$190,800.00 - $300,300.00

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 employees 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:

VISA Sponsorship:

Travel Requirements:

Flexible Work Arrangements:

Hybrid

Shift:

Valid Driving License:

Hazardous Material(s):

Job Posting End Date:

10/2/2026

*A job posting is effective until 11:59:59PM on the day BEFOREthe 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.

Merck & Co, Inc Careers

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.

Explore Career Paths

Whether you're seeking an internship, a graduate opportunity, or a professional position, Merck & Co, Inc offers a range of career paths in environments that promote rapid professional growth and development. Explore job opportunities in research, digital transformation, manufacturing, and more, all while benefiting from a culture that supports diversity and inclusion.

Innovate and Lead

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.

Develop Your Skills

With Merck & Co, Inc, you are not just getting a job; you're gaining access to unparalleled career development opportunities. Enhance your skills through diverse training programs, workshops, and continuous learning courses designed to help you grow at every stage of your career.

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.

Join Our Team

Ready to advance your career at Merck & Co, Inc? Search open positions that match your skills and interests. We are continuously hiring and looking for passionate, creative, and solution-driven team players. Prepare your resume, sharpen your interview skills, and become part of a company that's dedicated to making a difference.

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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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