Epidemiology Scientist

MSD Malaysia; Greater London; Hybrid; GBP 65,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

Merck & Co., Inc. is seeking a Scientist in Epidemiology to drive observational research and real‑world evidence generation.

You will lead studies across products, collaborate with Clinical Research, Regulatory Affairs, Safety and HEOR, and develop plans for regulatory submissions and publications. The role requires a PhD in Epidemiology and deep experience with large datasets, UK/European data assets, and SAS/R analysis.

Qualifications

• Demonstrated experience leading epidemiologic projects using large databases (e.g., national surveys, administrative claims, EHRs, disease registries), including familiarity with UK and European data assets
• Experience in infectious disease and/or vaccine epidemiology, with interest in applying methods to infectious diseases and vaccines
• Strong skills in observational study design and protocol development
• Experience with large datasets in partnership with statisticians/programmers; proficient in SAS and/or R
• Research output commensurate with career stage (peer‑reviewed manuscripts, abstracts, presentations)
• Knowledge of core epidemiologic and pharmacoepidemiologic methods and healthcare data structures in major markets
• Excellent written and verbal communication, cross‑functional collaboration

Responsibilities

• Drive observational research and RWE generation
• Lead and support observational studies and protocols across products and therapeutic areas
• Lead studies using real‑world data from US, UK and European sources
• Develop analysis plans and data specifications; interpret findings for decisions, submissions and publications
• Prepare high‑quality tables, figures and summaries for governance and regulatory audiences
• Collaborate across Clinical Research, Regulatory Affairs, Safety, Statistics, Outcomes Research and HEOR
• Contribute epidemiologic input to safety, post‑marketing studies and regulatory interactions
• Work in cross‑functional teams to ensure appropriate generation and application of evidence
• Advance epidemiologic methods and stay current with data sources in major markets
• Publish and present findings to strengthen scientific reputation

Skills

Epidemiology

Observational study design

RWE

SAS

R

Cross-functional collaboration

Manuscripts & presentations

Education

PhD in Epidemiology

Tools

SAS

R

Job description

What you’ll do

As a Scientist, Epidemiology you will:

• Drive observational research and RWE generation
• Contribute to the design and development of robust observational studies and protocols across assigned products and therapeutic areas
• Lead and support studies using real‑world data from selected major U.S. databases, as well as UK and European sources (claims, EHRs, registries, biobanks, surveys and other RWD)
• Help develop analysis plans and data specifications, and interpret study findings to support internal decision‑making, regulatory submissions and publications
• Prepare high‑quality tables, figures, and summaries for internal governance, regulatory agencies, and scientific communications
• Partner across the organisation
• Collaborate closely with colleagues in Clinical Research, Regulatory Affairs, Safety, Statistics & Statistical Programming, Outcomes Research, Health Economics, Discovery Medicine, and Commercial
• Contribute epidemiologic input to product safety and risk management, post‑marketing safety studies, clinical development plans, and regulatory interactions
• Work as part of cross‑functional teams to ensure epidemiologic evidence is appropriately generated, understood, and applied
• Advance methods and science
• Maintain awareness of key external data sources, especially U.S., UK, and European assets, relevant to our therapeutic areas
• Stay current with evolving epidemiologic and analytic methods (e.g., propensity scores, causal inference; familiarity with ML/AI‑based approaches is a plus)
• Strengthen the company’s scientific reputation by authoring or contributing to manuscripts, presenting at scientific meetings, and participating in peer review where appropriate

What you bring

Minimum education

• PhD in Epidemiology

Required experience and skills

• Demonstrated experience leading epidemiologic projects using large databases (e.g., national surveys, administrative claims, EHRs, disease registries), including familiarity with UK and European data assets
• Experience in infectious disease and/or vaccine epidemiology, with a clear interest in applying epidemiologic methods to infectious diseases and vaccine research
• Strong skills in observational study design and protocol development
• Experience working with large datasets in partnership with statisticians/programmers; proficiency in SAS and/or R, including the ability to independently manipulate, analyse, and interpret epidemiologic data
• Research output commensurate with career stage (e.g., peer‑reviewed manuscripts, abstracts, scientific presentations)
• Solid knowledge of core epidemiologic and pharmacoepidemiologic methods and of healthcare data structures in major markets
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills, with strong problem‑solving ability
• Proven ability to work effectively in cross‑functional teams and collaborate with colleagues from diverse scientific and professional backgrounds

Preferred experience and skills

• Broad experience applying epidemiologic methods to pharmaceutical or biotechnology research questions
• Familiarity with Good Pharmacovigilance Practices (GVP), Good Pharmacoepidemiology Practices, and FDA/EMA guidance on RWE/RWD

Why join us?

• Work with rich, diverse real‑world data sources from the U.S., UK, Europe, and beyond
• Influence decisions across the product lifecycle – from early development through post‑marketing
• Be part of a collaborative, scientifically rigorous Epidemiology department with strong links across R&D
• Grow your career in an environment that values innovation in methods, curiosity, and scientific excellence

If you are passionate about leveraging real‑world data and epidemiologic methods to improve patient outcomes, we would like to hear from you.

Required Skills: Academic Research, Epidemiology, Health Economics, Medical Statistics, Methods and Tools, Observational Studies, Outcomes Research, Pharmacoepidemiology, Real World Data, Researching, Research Reporting, Scientific Presentations, Scientific Research, Scientific Writing, Technical Advice

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: Hybrid Shift: Not Indicated Valid Driving License: No Hazardous Material(s): N/A Job Posting End Date: 09/19/2026 *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.

Our company is a global health care leader with a diversified portfolio of prescription medicines, vaccines and animal health products. The difference between potential and achievement lies in the spark that fuels innovation and inventiveness; this is the space where we have codified our legacy for over a century. Our success is backed by ethical integrity, forward momentum, and an inspiring mission to achieve new milestones in global healthcare.