Postdoctoral Researcher – Integrative Genetics and Multi-Omics Data Science

MSD; Cambridge (MA); On-site; USD 82,000 - 92,000; Full time

Job summary

MSD seeks a highly motivated postdoctoral researcher for the Precision Genetics group within DAGS. You will develop scalable pipelines to integrate genetics, proteomics, EHR, and other large datasets to drive target and biomarker discovery, and implement causal modeling frameworks combining human genetics with perturbation-based data.

You will publish findings and collaborate across functions. The role requires a PhD in a quantitative field with experience in statistical genetics and

Qualifications

• PhD in a quantitative field (as listed) and eligible to start by Spring 2027.
• Experience analyzing large-scale biobank/omics datasets.
• Proficiency in R or Python and cloud/HPC environments.

Responsibilities

• Develop scalable pipelines for integrating genetics, proteomics, EHR, and biomarker data.
• Create causal modeling methods combining genetics, genomics, and perturbation data.
• Analyze biobank-scale datasets and interpret association signals.
• Stay current with methods in statistical genetics and computational biology.
• Collaborate with wet-lab scientists and cross-functional teams.
• Disseminate findings via publications and internal/external presentations.

Skills

R

Python

Education

PhD in Statistics/Biostatistics/Genetic Epidemiology/Computational Biology/ Bioinformatics/CS/Math

Tools

AWS

HPC

Job description

We are seeking a highly motivated and innovative postdoctoral researcher to join the Precision Genetics group within the Data, AI and Genome Sciences (DAGS) department at our company. The successful candidate will develop and apply scalable computational and statistical methods for biobank-scale multi-modal data analysis and biomarker discovery, integrating human genetics, proteomics, electronic health record (EHR) data, and other large-scale clinical and molecular datasets. The role will also involve developing genetics-informed causal modeling frameworks by integrating human genetics and genomics data with perturbation-based sequencing datasets in close collaboration with the Genome Science group, with co-mentorship across teams. This unique role aims to uncover causal gene–pathway–disease relationships, identify disease- and target-associated biomarkers, and advance translational research across multiple therapeutic areas.

Key Responsibilities

• Develop scalable computational pipelines for integrating genetics, proteomics, EHR, and other biomedical datasets to support target and biomarker discovery.
• Develop robust statistical and computational methods for causal modeling by integrating human genetics, genomics, and perturbation datasets.
• Analyze biobank-scale datasets and support interpretation of associations and candidate biomarker signals.
• Track cutting-edge computational and statistical methods in statistical genetics and computational biology, and proactively propose and pilot innovative ideas and approaches.
• Collaborate closely with wet-lab scientists and cross-functional computational teams.
• Communicate findings effectively through peer-reviewed publications, internal and external presentations, and collaborative meetings within the department and across functions in our company.

Education Minimum Requirement

• Must currently hold a PhD OR
• Receive a Ph.D. no later than spring 2027
• Ph.D. in Statistics, Biostatistics, Statistical Genetics, Genetic Epidemiology, Computational Biology, Bioinformatics, Computer Science, Mathematics, or a related quantitative field.

Required Qualifications

• Demonstrated experience working with large-scale biobank or consortium phenotypic, genetic, genomic, and biomarker datasets such as UK Biobank, Our Future Health, All of Us, FinnGen, etc..
• Demonstrated experience analyzing large-scale omics datasets, including whole-genome sequencing (WGS), genome-wide genotyping data, transcriptomics, proteomics, or other molecular data types.
• Hands‑on experience applying and/or developing statistical genetics methods such as GWAS, QTL mapping, polygenic scores, etc.
• Proficient programming skills in R and/or Python for data analysis, statistical modeling, and pipeline development.
• Cloud platforms (e.g., AWS) or HPC environments, including parallel computing, job scheduler, and scalable workflow design.
• Excellent written and oral communication skills, with a demonstrated ability to publish methodological papers or innovative applications in statistical genetics, computational biology, or related fields.

The salary range for this role is: $82,000- $92,000

This is the lowest to highest salary we in good faith believe we would pay for this role at the time of this 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.

Required Skills

• Bioinformatics, Biomarker Discovery, Computational Biology, Genetic Analysis, Genetic Epidemiology, Genomics, Human Genetics, Omics, Proteomics, Statistical Genetics, Transcriptomics

US and Puerto Rico Residents Only

Our company is committed to inclusion, ensuring that candidates can engage in a hiring process that exhibits their true capabilities.

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. As an equal employment opportunity employer, we comply with all affirmative action requirements for protected veterans and individuals with disabilities. For more information about personal rights under the U.S. Equal Opportunity Employment laws, visit: EEOC Know Your Rights EEOC GINA Supplement

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.

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San Francisco Residents Only

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

Los Angeles Residents Only

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.

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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.

Employment Details

• Employee Status: Regular
• Relocation: Domestic
• VISA Sponsorship: Yes
• Travel Requirements: 10%
• Flexible Work Arrangements: Not Applicable
• Shift: Not Indicated
• Valid Driving License: No
• Hazardous Material(s): N/A
• Job Posting End Date: 10/12/2026*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.