Associate Specialist, Data Science

MSD; United States; Remote; USD 70,000 - 110,000; Full time

Job summary

An established industry player is seeking a dynamic Analyst in Data Science to leverage analytics and technology for impactful decision-making. This role will involve creating scalable analytics solutions across therapeutic areas, utilizing statistical and machine learning expertise to address critical business challenges. Collaborating with experienced data scientists, you will translate business queries into analytical problems and deliver impactful solutions. Join a diverse team focused on innovation and patient-first ideology, where your contributions will drive significant advancements in healthcare analytics.

Qualifications

• 0-3 years of industry experience in data science or healthcare analytics.
• Strong skills in Python, R, SQL, and data visualization.

Responsibilities

• Translate business requirements into analytical problem statements.
• Implement solutions using SQL/Python and appropriate ML techniques.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams to design and implement solutions.

Skills

Python

R

SQL

Excel

Machine Learning

Data Visualization

Statistical Analysis

Critical Thinking

Problem-Solving

Education

Bachelor's degree

Advanced degree in STEM (MS, MBA, PhD)

Tools

Dataiku

Business Intelligence (BI)

Database Design

Data Engineering

Data Modeling

Job description

Job Description

Associate Specialist/ Analyst - Data Science

At our company we are leveraging analytics and technology, as we invent for life on behalf of patients around the world. We are seeking those who have a passion for using data, analytics, and insights to drive decision making, that will allow us to tackle some of the world’s greatest health threats.

Within our commercial Insights, Analytics, and Data organization we are transforming to better power decision-making across our end-to-end commercialisation process, from business development to late lifecycle management. As we endeavor, we are seeking a dynamic talent to serve in the role of Analyst - Data Science.

This role involves working with our partners in different Therapeutic areas (e.g. Oncology, Vaccines, Pharma & Rare Disease, etc.) and Domain areas (HCP Analytics, Patient Analytics, Segmentation & targeting, Market Access, etc.) across the organization to help create scalable and production-grade analytics solutions, ranging from data visualization and reporting to advanced statistical and AI/ML models.

You will work in one of the three therapeutic areas of Brand Strategy and Performance Analytics – Oncology/Vaccines/Pharma & Rare Disease, where you will play a pivotal role in leveraging your statistical and machine learning expertise to address critical business challenges and derive insights to drive key decisions. Working alongside experienced data scientists and business analysts, you will have the opportunity to collaborate in translating business queries into analytical problems, employing your critical thinking, problem-solving, statistical, machine learning, and data visualization skills to deliver impactful solutions.

We are seeking candidates with prior experience in the healthcare analytics or consulting sectors, prior hands-on experience in Data Science (building end-to-end ML models). It is preferred that you have a good understanding of Physician and Patient-level data (PLD) from leading vendors such as IQVIA, Komodo, and Optum. Familiarity with HCP Analytics, PLD analytics, concepts like persistence, compliance, line of therapy, etc., or Segmentation & Targeting is highly desirable. You will be part of a dynamic team that collaborates with our partners across therapeutic areas. Furthermore, effective communication skills are crucial, as this role requires interfacing with executive and business stakeholders.

Who you are:

• You understand the foundations of statistics and machine learning and can work in high performance computing/cloud environments, with experience/knowledge in aspects across statistical analysis, machine learning, model development, data engineering, data visualization, and data interpretation.
• You are self-motivated and have demonstrated abilities to think independently as a data scientist.
• You structure your data science approach according to the necessary task, while appropriately applying the correct level of model complexity to the problem at hand.
• You have an agile mindset of continuous learning and will focus on integrating enterprise value into team culture.
• You are kind, collaborative, and capable of seeking and giving candid feedback that effectively contributes to a more seamless day-to-day execution of tasks.

Key Responsibilities:

• Understand the business requirements and support the manager to translate those to analytical problem statements.
• Implement the solution steps through SQL/Python, appropriate ML techniques without rigorous handholding.
• Follow technical requirements (datasets, business rules, technical architecture) and industry best practices in every task.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams to design and implement solutions that meet business requirements.
• Present the findings to US DS stakeholders in a clear and concise manner and address feedback.
• Adopt a continuous learning mindset, both technical and functional.
• Develop deep expertise in therapeutic area, with clear focus on commercial aspects.

Minimum Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree with at least 0 - 3 years industry experience (experience requirement can be waived off for exceptional candidates).
• Strong Python/R, SQL, Excel skills.
• Strong foundations of statistics and machine learning.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Advanced degree in STEM (MS, MBA, PhD).
• 1-3 years’ experience in healthcare analytics and consulting.
• Familiarity with Physician and Patient-Level data (e.g., claims, electronic health records) and data from common healthcare data vendors (IQVIA, Optum, Komodo, etc.).
• Experience in HCP & Patient Level Data analytics (e.g., HCP Segmentation & targeting, Patient Cohorts, knowledge of Lines of Therapy, Persistency, Compliance, etc.).
• Proficiency in Data Science Concepts, Microsoft Excel and PowerPoint, and familiarity with Dataiku.

Our Human Health Division maintains a “patient first, profits later” ideology. The organization is comprised of sales, marketing, market access, digital analytics and commercial professionals who are passionate about their role in bringing our medicines to our customers worldwide.

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.

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):

Required Skills:

Business Intelligence (BI), Database Design, Data Engineering, Data Modeling, Data Science, Data Visualization, Machine Learning, Software Development, Stakeholder Relationship Management, Waterfall Model

Preferred Skills:

Job Posting End Date:

05/31/2025

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