Senior Computational Biologist

Merck; Noord-Brabant; On-site; EUR 90,000 - 130,000; Full time

Job summary

Merck in Boxmeer, Netherlands, is seeking a Senior Computational Biologist to join the Animal Health IT Data Science and AI team. You will apply computational biology and data science to challenges across manufacturing, diagnostics, and R&D, delivering solutions with scientific and business impact.

You will work in a globally dispersed, cross-functional team, translating complex analyses into actionable insights for senior executives and stakeholders, embedding analytics into core processes, and

Qualifications

• PhD in Computer Science, Biomedicine, Molecular Biology, or related field; MSc with 6+ years R&D accepted.
• Deep understanding of biological processes.
• Familiarity with cutting-edge AI protein methods.
• Proficient in R and Python for modeling and analysis.

Responsibilities

• Formulate and lead computational biology projects, including defining and executing appropriate benchmarks and in silico experiments
• Own project delivery and quality assurance
• Select appropriate algorithms, infrastructure, and benchmark to best solve challenges
• Drive the development of high-quality, well‑documented, and reusable software code to execute data science algorithms
• Communicate and collaborate with diverse stakeholders
• Understand the business context of the decisions to be supported
• Use R or Python to develop, implement benchmark, and evaluate models, leveraging both internal and public data sources
• Interpret results and communicate findings to business and R&D stakeholders
• Build and maintain knowledge of data sources, data quality, and metadata
• Recognize repeatable situations and recommend the appropriate level of analytics automation
• Promote a culture of modelling and analytics as a differentiator and a competitive advantage, placing high value on embedding analytical tools within business processes
• Stay up to date with cutting‑edge methods and share knowledge within the team and company

Skills

R programming

Python programming

AI protein methods

Communication skills

Analytical thinking

Education

PhD in related field

MSc with 6+ years R&D

Tools

Git

Cloud HPC

Job description

Are you passionate about applying computational biology and data science to solve real‑world challenges in animal health? As a Senior Computational Biologist, you will join our Animal Health IT Data Science and AI team, driving impact across manufacturing, diagnostics, and R&D. In this multifaceted role, you will combine biology, analytics, and collaboration to deliver solutions with tangible scientific and business value.

At location Boxmeer we have an exciting opportunity for a: Senior Computational Biologist

Welcome to Our Team

We are a highly collaborative, globally dispersed, and multifaceted team. If you are passionate about combining biology, advanced analytics, and cross‑functional collaboration to solve complex, real‑world animal health challenges, this is the perfect place for you.

As a Senior Computational Biologist, you will play a key role in applying computational biology and data science to address challenges across manufacturing, diagnostics, and R&D. In this multifaceted position, you will combine biological expertise, analytical thinking, and collaborative problem‑solving to deliver solutions with tangible scientific and business impact.

Purpose of the Role

The Senior Computational Biologist plays a critical role in enabling data‑driven decision‑making through advanced computational modeling, analytics, and biological insight. You will translate complex analytical results into clear, actionable insights and deliver impactful communication to senior executives and a broad range of stakeholders.

You will apply strong analytical and problem‑solving skills to work with complex or imperfect data and connect quantitative findings to real‑world biological and business contexts. In this role, you operate both independently and collaboratively within a globally dispersed, cross‑functional team, building strong relationships across scientific, technical, and business domains.

A key focus of this position is to embed modeling and analytics into core business and research processes, helping to drive innovation and support strategic decision‑making.

Primary Job Responsibilities:

• Formulate and lead computational biology projects, including defining and executing appropriate benchmarks and in silico experiments
• Own project delivery and quality assurance
• Select appropriate algorithms, infrastructure, and benchmark to best solve challenges
• Drive the development of high-quality, well‑documented, and reusable software code to execute data science algorithms
• Communicate and collaborate with diverse stakeholders
• Understand the business context of the decisions to be supported
• Use R or Python to develop, implement benchmark, and evaluate models, leveraging both internal and public data sources
• Interpret results and communicate findings to business and R&D stakeholders
• Build and maintain knowledge of data sources, data quality, and metadata
• Recognize repeatable situations and recommend the appropriate level of analytics automation
• Promote a culture of modelling and analytics as a differentiator and a competitive advantage, placing high value on embedding analytical tools within business processes
• Stay up to date with cutting‑edge methods and share knowledge within the team and company

What we ask

• PhD in Computer Science, Biomedicine, Molecular Biology, or related field. Alternative, MSc with at least 6 years of R&D experience.
• Deep understanding of biological processes
• Familiarity with cutting‑edge AI protein methods

Desired Experience and Skills:

• Expert-level proficiency in R and/or Python
• Extensive knowledge in one or more of the following areas: wet lab techniques, bioinformatics, biology, structural biology, or machine learning
• Track record of delivering successful data science products
• Experience with version control systems such as Git and collaboration tools
• Experience with cloud computing or HPC
• Demonstrated communication and interpersonal skills, including the ability to deliver high‑level presentations to senior executives
• Strong analytical and problem‑solving skills, with the ability to work with incomplete or imperfect data and to interpret and apply analytics results within a real business context
• Ability to work both independently and collaboratively within a globally dispersed team

What we offer

We welcome you to a truly global, dynamic and challenging environment with great opportunities for personal development. Our benefits depend on the job location but are in any case very competitive.

Animal Health Division

Our Animal Health division is a trusted global leader in veterinary medicine, dedicated to the health and well‑being of animals. We are a global team of professionals working together to make a positive difference in animal care and the world's food supply and have a deep se