Product Specialist, Software & AI

Merck Group$116K — $175K *
Pharmaceuticals & Biotech
5 - 7 years of experience
Job Overview by Ladders

Qualifications

  • Bachelor's degree in biology, bioengineering, computer science, data science, or a related field.
  • 5+ years of experience with scientific software, digital platforms, or data/analytics solutions in life science research.
  • M.Sc., Ph.D., or MBA preferred.
  • Experience with AI/ML applications in assay development and data interpretation.
  • Familiarity with cloud-based software and workflow orchestration tools.
  • Strong ability to simplify scientific concepts into user-friendly digital tools.
  • Experience working across biology, software, engineering, and commercial teams.

Responsibilities

  • Define and drive the technical roadmap for software and AI capabilities in protein sciences.
  • Serve as the technical and innovation lead for software and AI, bridging workflows and advanced analytics.
  • Identify opportunities for AI to enhance capabilities and performance monitoring in assay development.
  • Translate market needs into software and AI requirements, focusing on user experience and real-world applications.
  • Lead integration of software and data systems, ensuring interoperability across digital platforms.
  • Manage cross-functional product development from concept through launch, ensuring strategic alignment.
  • Evaluate and develop partnerships with external providers to enhance innovation and capabilities.
  • Support go-to-market strategies by applying product management principles.

Benefits

  • Health insurance
  • Paid time off (PTO)
  • Retirement contributions
  • Performance-based bonuses
  • Other perquisites
Full Job Description
The preferred location for this role is Burlington, MA or St. Louis, MO. Other locations in the US, including remote, may also be considered.

Your Role

As the Product Specialist for Software & AI, you will drive pioneering innovation in the strategy, development, and commercialization of cutting-edge software and AI-enabled solutions that revolutionize protein science workflows. Functioning as a technical product owner, this role requires deep expertise in scientific software and digital technologies, with a strong emphasis on transforming assay knowledge, customer insights, and automation data into smart, forward-thinking, and intuitive product innovations that accelerate time-to-market.

You will collaborate closely with automation, R&D, software engineering, and data science teams to co-create advanced digital capabilities - owning the product vision and roadmap delivery - that set new standards for ease of use, reproducibility, and workflow efficiency across our Protein Sciences portfolio.

Key Responsibilities
Define and drive the technical roadmap for scientific software, data infrastructure, and AI/ML capabilities across the Protein Sciences portfolio, delivering differentiated data-driven and algorithm-enabled solutions.
Serve as the technical and innovation lead for scientific software and AI, bridging assay workflows, data models, and advanced analytics to enable next-generation protein analysis.
Identify and drive opportunities where AI and modern data methods unlock new capabilities, advancing assay development, signal processing, data harmonization, and performance monitoring beyond traditional approaches.
Translate customer, market, and workflow needs into software and AI product requirements, including data models, feature definitions, and user experiences aligned to real-world scientific applications.
Lead the integration of software, data, and automation systems, defining data capture, metadata standards, control interfaces, and interoperability across instruments and digital platforms.
Drive cross-functional product development and innovation, partnering with Software Engineering, UX, R&D, Automation, and PM Operations - managing the full product development lifecycle from concept through launch to ensure on-time, on-strategy delivery.
Evaluate and develop strategic partnerships with external software, data, and AI providers to accelerate platform capabilities and innovation.
Support go-to-market strategy and commercial enablement, applying core product management principles including product positioning, voice-of-customer synthesis, messaging, and launch execution for software and AI solutions.

Minimum Qualifications
  • Bachelor's degree in biology, bioengineering, computer science, data science, or related field.
  • 5+ years of experience with scientific software, digital platforms, or data/analytics solutions in life science research.


Preferred Qualifications
  • M.Sc., Ph.D., or MBA.
  • Experience with AI/ML applications in assay development, signal analysis, data interpretation, or workflow optimization.
  • Familiarity with cloud-based software, data pipelines, and workflow orchestration tools.
  • Strong ability to translate scientific complexity into user-friendly digital tools.
  • Experience working across biology, software, engineering, and commercial teams; familiarity with agile product management methodologies and cross-functional roadmap execution is a plus.


US Pay Range for this position: $116,600-$175,000

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.

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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.
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