Director, Data Science, Functional Genomics

Merck & Co.; Cambridge (MA); Hybrid; USD 214,000 - 337,000; Full time

Job summary

Merck & Co. is seeking a Director of Data Science for Functional Genomics in Cambridge, MA. You will lead the Translational Genome Analytics team, shaping evidence generation and integration across discovery, and build computational and modeling frameworks from hit calling to multi-evidence prioritization.

You will apply cutting-edge AI/ML to accelerate decisions and turn data into actionable insights. You will architect and lead scalable analytics for CRISPR screens, single-cell perturbations,

Qualifications

• Ph.D. or higher in bioinformatics, biostatistics, computational biology, statistics, CS, math, or related field.
• At least 10 years of experience in computational biology or related quantitative science.
• Proven leadership of analytics teams and technical strategy.
• Experience analyzing large-scale NGS/functional genomics datasets.
• Proficiency with ML to analyze scRNA-seq data and extract insights.
• Experience with experimental design and integrating multi-omics data.
• Proficiency in at least one of R or Python and version control like Git.
• Familiarity with public data repositories and AWS/Linux environments.

Responsibilities

• Design and build scalable analytics frameworks for pooled, arrayed, single cell, and optical CRISPR screens.
• Lead development of functional genomics methods including perturbation screening and lineage tracing.
• Build image analysis pipelines for high-content CRISPR screens and derive biological insights.
• Integrate genomics and imaging results with transcriptomics/proteomics for target prioritization.
• Apply modern AI/ML, including LLM-powered workflows, to triage targets and synthesize evidence.
• Grow and mentor a team of scientists and drive reproducible research and FAIR data practices.

Skills

AWS

Python

R

Bioinformatics

Computational Biology

NGS Data Analysis

Machine Learning

Single-cell RNA-seq

Data Visualization

Git

Education

Ph.D. in Bioinformatics/Computational Biology/related field

Tools

Docker

Linux

Git

Job description

Director of Data Science, Functional Genomics

Group Translational Genome Analytics (TGA) / Data, AI and Genome Sciences (DAGS)

Location Cambridge, MA

Our company is a global health care leader committed to being the world's premier research-intensive biopharmaceutical company. Our Research Laboratories will take our leading discovery capabilities and world class small molecule and biologics research and development expertise to create breakthrough science that radically changes how we approach serious diseases.

The Data, AI and Genome Sciences (DAGS) department seeks an accomplished computational biologist for our Translational Genome Analytics (TGA) team. In this role, you will lead our functional genomics analytics function, shaping how its evidence is generated, interpreted, and integrated across the discovery portfolio. You will own the computational and modeling frameworks that range from hit calling for our perturbational screens to multi evidence integration to prioritize targets and/or drug combinations. You will serve as a senior technical and scientific leader who sets early discovery direction, builds and leads a team of scientists, and applies cutting edge AI and ML to accelerate how we turn data into decisions.

This is a rare opportunity to build and lead a functional genomics analytics capability from the ground up, where your team's calls directly shape which targets advance in our discovery portfolio, one of the most exciting frontiers in computational biology today.

In This Exciting Role You Will

• Lead the design and build of scalable computational analytics frameworks for pooled, arrayed, single cell, and optical CRISPR screens, from QC pipelines and library design to longitudinal readout analysis.
• Invent and scale computational methods for the next generation of functional genomics, spanning scalable single cell perturbation screening, cellular barcoding, and lineage tracing, to elucidate adaptive resistance mechanisms and drug combinations.
• Build image analysis pipelines for high content and optical CRISPR screens, turning morphological phenotypes into biological insight that guides target prioritization.
• Integrate functional genomics and imaging derived results with high throughput transcriptomics and proteomics datasets to build multi evidence target prioritization packages for multiple stages of drug discovery.
• Bring modern AI and ML, including LLM powered agentic workflows and network based methods, to how we triage targets and synthesize biological evidence.
• Build, lead, and grow a team of scientists, set the strategic and technical direction for functional genomics analytics, and drive standards for reproducible research and FAIR data infrastructure.
• Collaborate across disciplines with experimental scientists, software engineers, and external partners to advance shared analytical platforms and support Therapeutic Area target identification.

Minimum Requirements

• A Ph.D. in Bioinformatics, Biostatistics, Computational Biology, Statistics, Computer Science, Mathematics, or a related field.
• A minimum of 10 years of relevant experience in computational biology, bioinformatics, biostatistics, or a related quantitative discipline, including hands on experience analyzing large scale NGS and functional genomics datasets.
• Demonstrated experience leading and building analytics teams, setting technical strategy, and mentoring scientists.
• A passion for solving biological problems through computational methods with a proactive focus on details and execution.
• Experience with the computational analysis, algorithm development, and biological interpretation of diverse large scale NGS and functional genomics datasets.
• A proven track record of applying machine learning to analyze single cell RNA sequencing data to identify novel patterns and functional insights.
• Previous experience with experimental design of biological assays, statistical hypothesis testing, and integrating results from multiple omics data sources.
• Proficiency in at least one statistical programming language such as R or Python, along with experience using version control environments like Git.
• Familiarity with public data repositories like The Cancer Genome Atlas, Dependency Map, Cancer Cell Line Encyclopedia, and Clinical Proteomic Tumor Analysis Consortium.
• Experience with AWS cloud computing infrastructure and Linux environments.
• Excellent oral and written communication skills.

Preferred Experience and Skills

• A strong background with post-doctoral or relevant industry experience, including experience leading multidisciplinary teams or functions and influencing scientific strategy across an organization.
• Substantial computational experience specifically with functional genomics data, including CRISPR screen hit calling frameworks and library design interpretation.
• Experience with optical pooled CRISPR screening image analysis pipelines and integrating morphological readouts with genomic datasets.
• Expertise applying deep learning approaches to image based phenotypic profiling and cell classification for target identification.
• Deep understanding of general disease biology and immunology, with knowledge of the latest functional genomics research.
• Expertise in utilizing network-based analysis frameworks or transfer learning techniques to infer gene regulatory patterns from diverse NGS datasets.
• Hands on experience building or deploying LLM powered systems or AI tools for biological data interrogation.
• Experience developing interactive data visualization tools, for example R Shiny, for multiomics readouts.
• A track record of developing novel functional genomics methods, demonstrated through first author publications or released tools.

Travel

• Up to 10% travel is required.

Required Skills

Amazon Web Services (AWS), Bioinformatics, Computational Genomics, CRISPR-Cas System, Data Science, Functional Genomics, Linux, Machine Learning (ML), NGS Data Analysis, Omics

As an Equal Employment Opportunity Employer, we provide equal opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibit discrimination on the basis of race, color, age, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, protected veteran status, disability status, or other applicable legally protected characteristics.

We are proud to be a company that embraces the value of bringing together, talented, and committed people with diverse experiences, perspectives, skills and backgrounds. The fastest way to breakthrough innovation is when people with diverse ideas, broad experiences, backgrounds, and skills come together in an inclusive environment. We encourage our colleagues to respectfully challenge one another's thinking and approach problems collectively.

Where required by law, the compensation range for this role is provided below.

The salary range for the primary location of this role is:
$214,100.00 - $337,000.00

This range reflects the Company's reasonable expectation of the base salary applicable to this role at the time of posting. An employee's position within the salary range will be based on several factors including, but not limited to relevant education, qualifications, certifications, experience, skills, geographic location, government requirements, and business or organizational needs. The successful candidate will be eligible for annual bonus and long-term incentive, if applicable.

We offer a comprehensive package of benefits. Available benefits include medical, dental, vision healthcare and other insurance benefits (for employee and family), retirement benefits, including 401(k), paid holidays, vacation, and compassionate and sick days. More information about benefits is available at https://jobs.merck.com/us/en/compensation-and-benefits.

Additional location(s): Please note the salary range above applies to the Primary Location of the position. Where a role has other listed locations, different compensation guidelines may apply. You may find the salary ranges for additional locations below. If the salary range is not listed for the location you are applying to, our Talent Acquisition team will provide further information to you relevant to your location.

We will consider qualified applicants with arrest and conviction records for employment in compliance with the San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance

We will consider for employment all qualified applicants, including those with criminal histories, in a manner consistent with the requirements of applicable state and local laws, including the City of Los Angeles' Fair Chance Initiative for Hiring Ordinance

Employee Status: Regular

Relocation: No relocation

VISA Sponsorship: No

Travel Requirements: 10%

Flexible Work Arrangements: Hybrid

Shift: Not Indicated

Valid Driving License: No

Hazardous Material(s): n/a

Job Posting End Date: 11/3/2026

*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.