Senior Scientist/Senior Data Scientist, Talent Accelerator Program

MSD; Singapore; On-site; SGD 80,000 - 120,000; Full time

Job summary

MSD in Singapore is seeking a Senior Scientist/Specialist to join the Talent Accelerator Program focusing on integrating biology, data, and AI in drug discovery. The role requires independent contributions and the development of core scientific expertise across various disciplines.

Ideal candidates will have a PhD or equivalent, a strong collaborative mindset, and a passion for scientific innovation. This two-year program offers in-depth training and the opportunity to shape new scientific capabilities.

Qualifications

• Strong passion for interdisciplinary collaboration.
• Track record of innovative problem-solving.
• PhD or equivalent experience in relevant scientific fields.

Responsibilities

• Integrate biology, data, and AI in drug discovery.
• Contribute to cross-disciplinary projects.
• Develop expertise in core scientific areas during the program.

Skills

Biodesign

Data Science

Machine Learning

Biomarker Identification

Data Visualization

Education

PhD in a relevant field or equivalent experience

Tools

Data Engineering

Computational Biology

Job description

Job Description

Become a “multilingual” scientist, integrating biology, data, and AI to drive the next breakthroughs in drug discovery. Accelerate your career through a two‑year Talent Accelerator Program that builds deep expertise and cross‑disciplinary innovation.

What You Can Expect

• Opportunity to shape and establish new scientific capabilities within a multidisciplinary drug discovery environment.
• Direct involvement in projects that inform pipeline decisions and translational strategy.
• Exposure to cutting‑edge technologies and global expertise while contributing your own domain knowledge.
• A collaborative environment that supports both scientific leadership and cross‑disciplinary growth.

What You Will Do

The role is positioned at the Senior Scientist or Senior Specialist (Data Science) level and requires independent scientific contribution, ownership of deliverables, and the ability to translate deep expertise into organisational capability.

During the two‑year program you will develop expertise in one of the four core areas (Translational Science & Discovery, Spatial Omics & Imaging, AI/ML, or Multimodal Data Integration) while learning new domains, collaborating with internal and external experts, and contributing to cross‑disciplinary problem solving.

Core Technical, Scientific and Functional Expertise

Core A: Translational Science & Discovery

• Design, develop, optimise and deploy advanced translational human‑derived models to study disease biology.
• Investigate disease‑relevant pathways and mechanisms to inform target identification and validation.
• Evaluate therapeutic candidates by linking experimental findings to disease biology and clinical relevance.
• Synthesize experimental and computational insights into clear, actionable recommendations.

Core B: Spatial Omics, Imaging & Medical Technology

• Apply advanced imaging and spatial profiling technologies (e.g., immunohistochemistry, spatial omics, flow cytometry, genomics) to generate and interpret complex datasets.
• Develop and optimise assays and imaging workflows in translational research.
• Translate experimental outputs into biologically meaningful insights.
• Contribute to establishing robust, reproducible experimental approaches that support downstream analysis.

Core C: AI/ML Model Development & Image Analysis

• Develop robust, reusable software and analytics pipelines that extend AI/ML capabilities.
• Apply AI/ML and advanced image analysis to spatial multiomics and digital pathology datasets.
• Design and implement pipelines for image processing, feature extraction, segmentation, and spatial pattern recognition.
• Evaluate and benchmark emerging AI/ML approaches to enable appropriate application.

Core D: Multimodal Data Integration & Biomarker Discovery

• Develop frameworks to integrate multi‑modal data across omics, clinical, imaging and biobank datasets.
• Apply big data modelling to uncover novel disease‑associated patterns and biomarker signatures.
• Leverage multimodal data to enable precision medicine strategies, including patient stratification.
• Build scalable, reproducible workflows for data integration and interpretation.
• Collaborate across disciplines to solve complex scientific problems and communicate insights to stakeholders.

What You Must Have

• A strong passion and commitment to working across boundaries and disciplines.
• A track record of exploring solutions beyond conventional approaches.
• Well‑developed integrator mindset with evidence‑supported capability.
• Foundational expertise in one of the following: cell biology/disease models, data science/statistics/computational biology, imaging technologies/analysis, or omics.
• PhD in a relevant field or equivalent experience (Bachelor’s with 5+ years or Master’s with 3–5 years).
• Experience in scientific innovation, experimental design, data generation or quantitative analysis preferred.
• Strong cross‑functional collaboration, ownership, and drive.
• Excellent communication skills to simplify complex scientific concepts for diverse stakeholders.
• Demonstrated initiative in experimentation, innovation and challenging conventional approaches.
• Commitment to scientific rigor, reproducibility and delivering high‑quality, decision‑enabling outcomes.

Required Skills

• Biodesign, Biological Sciences, Biomarker Identification, Biomedical Sciences, Business Intelligence, Cell Physiology, Computational Biology, Database Design, Data Engineering, Data Modelling, Data Science, Data Visualization, Drug Discovery Process, Emerging Technologies, Immunochemistry, Machine Learning, Multilingualism, Proteomics, Software Development, Stakeholder Relationship Management.

Preferred Skills

• Experience with advanced imaging, multi‑omics integration, AI‑driven analysis, translational models.
• Knowledge of multi‑modal data integration and biomarker discovery.

Application Notes

• Shortlisted candidates will be requested to submit a 2‑min video demonstrating why the Talent Accelerator Program is right for your career.