Specialist, Machine Learning Engineer

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

Job summary

Merck & Co., Inc. seeks an AI ethics consultant to assess AI systems, identify risks, and implement mitigations that safeguard patients and society. You will collaborate with business and technical teams to propose guardrails and ensure responsible AI design.

You will test and evaluate AI models and support policy development, governance, and external initiatives in a hybrid work setting. Strong communication to senior stakeholders is essential.

Qualifications

• Experience in AI ethics and responsible AI, with in-depth knowledge of AI, ML, Generative AI and agentic systems.
• Experience in trust and safety, risk management, governance or related fields.
• Ability to communicate technical viewpoints to senior stakeholders with succinctness and clarity.
• Candidates evaluated case-by-case

Responsibilities

• Find and Mitigate Risks in AI Projects and ensure responsible AI design.
• Test and evaluate cutting edge AI and support policy processes.
• Help build an ethical AI ecosystem and contribute to external initiatives.
• Support policy processes and external initiatives
• Stay updated on AI developments and regulatory changes

Skills

AI ethics

Risk management

Governance

Communication

Policy landscape

Education

Bachelor’s or Master’s Degree in any Field

Tools

Python

SHAP

LIME

Job description

Primary Responsibilities

Find and Mitigate Risks in AI Projects. Take an analytical approach to assess AI systems for potential risks and impacts and prevent harm to people, patients and society. Be a responsible AI consultant. Work with business and technical stakeholders to understand business needs and recommend appropriate mitigations and guardrails for responsible AI design. Test and evaluate cutting edge AI. Support testing and evaluation of AI models, agents and systems for performance, safety, security and explainability (XAI), including both quantitative methods and qualitative assessments. 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, with opportunities to support community engagement and training initiatives. 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.

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 trust and safety, risk management, governance or related. Ability to communicate and express technical viewpoints to senior stakeholders with succinctness and clarity. 2+ 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. Additional location(s)

Compensation Information

Required Skills: Accountability, Artificial Intelligence (AI), Artificial Intelligence Ethics, Business Management, Business Operations, Clinical Research, Computer Science, Data Engineering, Design Applications, Emerging Technologies, Explainable AI, Explainable AI (XAI), Information Security, Machine Learning (ML), Pharmaceutical Research, Python (Programming Language), Responsible AI, Risk Management, Software Development, Software Development Life Cycle (SDLC), Stakeholder Engagement, System Designs, System Integration, Testing Preferred Skills:

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: Yes Travel Requirements: No Travel Required Flexible Work Arrangements: Hybrid Shift: Not Indicated Valid Driving License: No Hazardous Material(s): NA Job Posting End Date: 01/31/2027 *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.