Director Real World Data Scientist (Billerica MA)

Merck Group • $174K — $262K *
Billerica, MA 01821In-Person
Pharmaceuticals & Biotech
8 - 10 years of experience
5 days ago
Job Overview by Ladders

Qualifications

  • PhD in statistics, biostatistics, epidemiology, applied mathematics, data science, or a related quantitative discipline.
  • 8+ years of experience in real-world evidence, statistics, or epidemiology.
  • Deep expertise in statistical methods and causal inference.
  • Strong grasp of real-world data and understanding of data limitations.
  • Proven capability in supporting regulatory decisions with high-quality evidence.
  • Demonstrated ability to influence cross-functional teams.
  • Excellent communication and scientific leadership skills.

Responsibilities

  • Define key scientific questions that guide evidence strategies.
  • Lead RWE approaches for development and regulatory decision-making.
  • Serve as a scientific authority on intricate methodological issues.
  • Identify methodological gaps and risks while proposing solutions.
  • Critically assess study designs and analytical methods.
  • Apply expertise in statistical theory and quantitative modeling.
  • Translate complex analyses into impactful, decision-relevant insights.

Benefits

  • Health insurance.
  • Paid time off (PTO).
  • Retirement contributions.
  • Opportunities for sales or performance-based bonuses.
Full Job Description
Your Role:

The Director is a senior individual contributor and scientific authority responsible for shaping how real-world evidence is generated and used to inform high-impact development and regulatory decisions. This role combines deep statistical and quantitative expertise with strong scientific judgment to define key questions, evaluate methodological choices, and ensure outputs are credible, defensible, and decision-grade. The Director plays a critical role in identifying methodological gaps, advancing approaches, and integrating perspectives across disciplines.

Key Responsibilities:
  • Scientific & Strategic Leadership
    • Define key scientific questions underpinning evidence strategies.
    • Provide leadership on RWE approaches supporting development and regulatory decisions.
    • Serve as a recognized scientific authority on complex methodological topics.
    • Identify methodological gaps, risks, and opportunities, and define pragmatic forward paths.
  • Methodological Expertise
    • Critically evaluate study designs, analytical strategies, and data sources.
    • Apply deep expertise in statistical theory, bias, confounding, causal inference, and quantitative modeling.
    • Assess whether methodological choices are fit-for-purpose, transparent, and scientifically defensible.
    • Guide complex methodological decisions involving multiple sources of evidence and competing analytical options.
  • Decision Enablement
    • Translate complex analysis into high-impact, decision-relevant insights.
    • Shape evidence used to inform critical questions such as disease characterization, comparator strategy, endpoint feasibility, external control design, and patient population definition.
    • Influence how evidence is generated and used in high-stakes decisions across programs.
  • Innovation, Methods & Data Integration
    • Evaluate emerging methodologies, technologies, and data paradigms for relevance and impact.
    • Evaluate and guide how real-world data sources are selected, structured, and interpreted to support complex evidence needs.
    • Apply deep understanding of data-generating processes and data limitations to inform methodological choices.
    • Shape how data is made accessible, interpretable, and usable for evidence generation across teams.
    • Provide scientific input into data pipelines, transformations, and analytical workflows to ensure they align with study needs and methodological rigor.
    • Partner with data science and engineering functions to ensure data infrastructure supports high-quality, scalable, and reproducible analysis.
    • Integrate innovations where they meaningfully improve rigor, efficiency, or interpretability.
  • Cross-Functional Collaboration
    • Partner across clinical development, biostatistics, regulatory, medical, HEOR, and data science.
    • Act as a bridge across disciplines, aligning scientific perspectives and decision needs.
    • Influence without authority in a complex matrix environment.
  • External Engagement
    • Engage externally to support scientific credibility and methodological advancement.
    • Contribute to methodological discussions with regulators, collaborators, or scientific communities where appropriate.
    • Support publications, presentations, or collaborations aligned with strategic priorities.


Who You Are

Minimum Qualifications:
  • PhD in statistics, biostatistics, epidemiology, applied mathematics, data science, or a related quantitative discipline.
  • 8 or more years of experience in real-world evidence, statistics, epidemiology, or related fields.
  • Deep expertise in statistical methods, causal inference, and analysis of complex healthcare data.
  • Strong understanding of real-world data, data-generating processes, and data limitations.
  • Experience supporting regulatory and development decisions with high-quality evidence.
  • Demonstrated ability to influence cross-functional teams and shape methodological direction.
  • Excellent communication skills and strong scientific leadership presence.


Preferred Qualifications:
  • Recognized scientific thought leadership in RWE, statistics, or a related field.
  • Track record of advancing or applying innovative methodologies in real-world settings.
  • Experience integrating diverse data sources and evidence types.
  • Proficiency in R, python, or other programming languages.
  • Experience engaging with regulators or external scientific communities on methodological topics.

Location: On-site Billerica MA

Pay Range for this position: $174,600-262,000

The offer range represents the anticipated low and high end of the base pay compensation for this position. The actual compensation offered will be determined by factors such as location, level of experience, education, skills, and other job-related factors. Position may be eligible for sales or performance-based bonuses. Benefits offered by the Company include health insurance, paid time off (PTO), retirement contributions, and other perquisites. For more information click here.

About Merck Group

Merck Group Careers

There has never been a more opportune time to join Merck Group, a leading science and technology company in healthcare, life science, and performance materials. Merck Group offers a plethora of job opportunities that cater to a variety of skills and professional aspirations, making it an ideal environment for both seasoned experts and those at the start of their career journey.

Work You’ll Do

At Merck Group, every team member contributes to breakthrough innovations in healthcare, life sciences, and electronics. The company's commitment to diversity and innovation fuels its leadership in various sectors, driving growth and transformation globally. Merck Group’s career paths are diverse, offering positions that challenge individuals to use their skills in new ways every day, supported by robust training programs and development opportunities.

Explore Job Opportunities and Growth

Merck Group is not just about jobs; it's about building a career. With a vast array of positions, from research and development to marketing and sales, the company is keen on hiring and nurturing talent to lead industry transformation. Merck Group’s dedication to professional growth is evident in its comprehensive benefits package and performance management processes that aim to maximize individual potential.

Internship Programs

Starting with an internship at Merck Group can be a pivotal step in securing a prosperous career. Interns gain invaluable industry experience, working alongside seasoned professionals and engaging in projects that offer real-world applications of their studies. Internships often lead to full-time employment opportunities, providing a seamless transition from education to professional employment.

Inclusive Culture and Leadership

Merck Group is proud of its inclusive culture that embraces diversity and fosters an environment where all employees can thrive. The company’s leadership is committed to creating a workplace where diverse ideas lead to innovative outcomes. Merck Group also offers diversity training to ensure all team members are equipped to contribute to the company’s inclusive goals.

Networking and Professional Development

Employees at Merck Group are encouraged to engage in networking and professional development activities that enhance their career trajectories. The company hosts various networking events, workshops, and seminars that are designed to hone skills and foster connections within the industry. Leadership development programs are also a cornerstone, preparing employees for future roles of increased responsibility.

Stay Connected with Merck Group Careers

Interested candidates can explore open positions that match their skills and interests through the Merck Group careers page. The company values curious, creative, and solution-driven team players who are eager to make an impact.

Keep Up to Date

Stay informed with career tips, insider perspectives, and industry-leading insights from Merck Group professionals. These resources are invaluable for those looking to advance their careers and stay ahead in a competitive job market.

Job Alert Emails

Personalize your subscription to receive job alerts, latest news, and insider tips tailored to your preferences from Merck Group. Discover the exciting and rewarding career opportunities that await.

SEARCH MERCK GROUP JOBS

READ CAREERS BLOG

Merck Group is continuously looking for individuals who are ready to drive innovation and lead in the global marketplace. Whether through full-time positions, internships, or leadership roles, Merck Group offers a career path filled with opportunities for growth, learning, and leadership.
Learn more about Merck Group
Industry
Pharmaceuticals & Biotech
* Ladders Estimates

Similar Jobs

Ad banner background

Get Ready For Your
Next Interview

More Jobs at Merck Group

More Pharmaceuticals & Biotech Jobs

Find similar Director Real World Data Scientist (Billerica MA) jobs:

NationwideBillerica, MA