Artificial Intelligence (AI) Ethics and Governance Senior Specialist

MSD; Singapore; Hybrid; SGD 120,000 - 180,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Hybrid work arrangement

Job summary

MSD in Singapore is seeking a Senior Specialist for AI Ethics and Governance to lead risk assessment, implement XAI, and guide policy across diverse projects in health, operations, and IT. The role sits in a collaborative, cross-functional team within the Singapore Technology Center.

You will work with experts across the organization to advance responsible AI practices, monitor regulatory changes, and mentor colleagues in ethical AI deployment. The position is hybrid in Singapore.

Qualifications

• Experience in AI ethics and responsible AI with knowledge of AI/ML.
• Experience in trust and safety, risk management, governance or related.
• Ability to lead and teach others and foster inclusive culture.
• Ability to communicate technical viewpoints to senior stakeholders clearly.
• 4+ years of relevant working experience.
• Qualifications in analytical and technology disciplines are encouraged.

Responsibilities

• Lead AI risk assessment team and develop risk management processes.
• Identify and mitigate AI project risks with stakeholders.
• Implement Explainable AI (XAI) and audit models for bias.
• Support policy processes and contribute to responsible AI governance.
• Stay updated on AI developments and regulatory changes.

Skills

AI Ethics

Responsible AI

AI risk

Stakeholder communication

Leadership

Hands-on data science

XAI knowledge

Policy knowledge

Pharma domain knowledge

Education

Bachelor’s or Master’s Degree

Tools

SHAP

LIME

Job description

Job Description

• Opportunity to be a part of a diverse and dynamic AI Ethics and Governance team in Singapore!
• Based in Singapore, the regional hub for Asia Pacific (AP) and top-ranked biopharmaceutical company on The Straits Times and Statista’s list of Best Employers in Singapore for three consecutive years (2020, 2021, 2022).
• Join the premier biopharmaceutical company that has been in Singapore for more than 25 years and in AP for over 60 years.

Artificial Intelligence (AI) Ethics and Governance Senior Specialist

• Opportunity to be a part of a diverse and dynamic AI Ethics and Governance team in Singapore!
• Based in Singapore, the regional hub for Asia Pacific (AP) and top-ranked biopharmaceutical company on The Straits Times and Statista’s list of Best Employers in Singapore for three consecutive years (2020, 2021, 2022).
• Join the premier biopharmaceutical company that has been in Singapore for more than 25 years and in AP for over 60 years.

Artificial intelligence is transforming the way we save and improve lives. The rising use of machine learning and advanced analytics brings great potential as well as risks of unintended consequences. Effectively scaling AI from bench to production rests on doing the right thing, with ethical policies, responsible development, and implementations that respect people, fairness, inclusion, and prevent harm.

As an AI Ethics and Governance Specialist, you will be part of our diverse and dynamic AI Ethics and Governance team based in our Singapore Technology Center working on AI risk assessment and governance processes in the organization.

You will be part of a key global project, working alongside subject matter experts and honing your skills and expertise in responsible AI. We are a highly collaborative team and our work is inherently cross-functional. You will have the chance to meet and work with stakeholders across the organization including senior leaders and have exposure to projects in human and animal health, business operations, supply chain management, clinical research, and IT.

Be a pioneer in the rapidly growing and recognized field of Responsible AI. In this role, you will have the opportunity to explore and work on our team’s multiple focus areas depending on your interest and expertise.

Primary Responsibilities

• Lead AI risk assessment team. Work with AI risk analysts to develop and run AI risk management processes and infrastructure. Support development and growth of team members.
• Find and Mitigate Risks in AI Projects. Work with business and technical stakeholders to identify and assess potential risks and impacts, recommend appropriate mitigations, and prevent harm.
• Implement Explainable AI (XAI). Test and audit data sets, models and AI solutions for bias, fairness, and explainability using open-source and enterprise tools.
• Support development and implementation of policy processes and further the field of AI ethics. Be involved with building a safe, responsible, and ethical AI ecosystem in the organization and external industry.
• Research and stay on top of AI developments, best practices, and regulatory changes. Experience opportunities to develop guidance and contribute to external initiatives.

If you would describe yourself as

• Self-motivated and driven to learn new topics and develop your domain expertise; Finds excitement in working at the bleeding edge in an emerging field.
• Passionate about building a fairer and more inclusive AI ecosystem with respect for all; Has a keen interest in AI ethics, responsible AI, including policy, legal or regulatory landscape for emerging technologies, data privacy, or intellectual property.
• Enjoys working in a diverse and cross-functional team; Has good communication and interpersonal skills and enjoys sharing knowledge and coaching others.

Education Qualification

• Bachelor’s or Master’s Degree in any Field.

Experience And Skills

• Experience in AI ethics and responsible AI, with in-depth knowledge of AI, ML, Generative AI, agentic systems and the emerging technology landscape.
• Experience in with trust and safety, risk management, governance or related.
• Ability to lead and teach others. Ability to foster a collaborative, positive and inclusive team culture.
• Ability to communicate and express technical viewpoints to senior stakeholders with succinctness and clarity
• 4+ years relevant working experience
• Qualifications in analytical and technology disciplines, such as Engineering, Sciences, Mathematics, Computer Science or in Law, Philosophy or Psychology are encouraged to apply. Candidates are evaluated on a case-by case basis. Candidates with relevant experience are encouraged to apply.

Desired Experience And Skills

• Hands‑on code development experience in Data Science, Machine Learning, Generative AI, and agentic systems (Python, generative models / LLMs, synthetic data, etc.)
• Knowledge of XAI (SHAP, LIME, etc.)
• Knowledge of law, IP, policy, regulatory processes, or industry standards in AI or related fields
• Domain knowledge in pharmaceutical business areas such as research, clinical, manufacturing, commercial and corporate functions is highly regarded

What We Look For …

Imagine getting up in the morning for a job as important as helping to save and improve lives around the world. Here, you have that opportunity. You can put your empathy, creativity, digital mastery, or scientific genius to work in collaboration with a diverse group of colleagues who pursue and bring hope to countless people who are battling some of the most challenging diseases of our time. Our team is constantly evolving, so if you are among the intellectually curious, join us—and start making your impact today.

We are proud to be a company that embraces the value of bringing diverse, talented, and committed people together. The fastest way to breakthrough innovation is when diverse ideas come together in an inclusive environment. We encourage our colleagues to respectfully challenge one another’s thinking and approach problems collectively. We are an equal opportunity employer, committed to fostering an inclusive and diverse workplace.

Required Skills

• Business Management
• Business Operations
• Clinical Research
• Clinical Trials
• Data Engineering
• Design Applications
• Emerging Technologies
• Explainable AI (XAI)
• Information Security
• Machine Learning (ML)
• Motivation Management
• Risk Management
• Self Motivation
• Software Development
• Software Development Life Cycle (SDLC)
• Stakeholder Engagement
• Supply Change Management
• Supply Management
• System Designs
• System Integration
• Testing

Preferred Skills

Current Employees apply HERE

Current Contingent Workers apply HERE

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

11/30/2026

• 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.

Requisition ID

R400053