Senior AI Data Scientist

1000 Merck Sharp & Dohme LLC; Rahway (NJ); Hybrid; USD 117,000 - 184,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical

Dental

Vision insurance

Retirement benefits (401(k))

Paid holidays

Vacation

Sick days

Job summary

Merck & Co., Inc. in Rahway, NJ seeks a highly motivated quantitative scientist at the intersection of AI, data and pharmaceutical R&D. You will combine rigorous data analysis with agentic AI approaches to solve complex scientific problems.

The role emphasizes end‑to‑end data processing, collaboration with cross‑functional teams, and clear communication of results to scientific and regulatory audiences. Hybrid work and US residency are supported.

Qualifications

• PhD or Master’s degree with relevant quantitative education.
• Hands‑on expertise with agentic AI, supported by concrete examples.
• Experience in project management and cross‑functional collaboration.

Responsibilities

• Deliver solutions to challenging problems across pharmaceutical R&D.
• Collaborate with scientists, clinicians and regulatory agencies to translate problems into solutions.
• Communicate ideas clearly to technical and non‑technical audiences.
• Author formal data analytic protocols and reports.

Skills

Applied Statistics

Computational Biology

Computer Vision

Data Analysis

Data Management

Data Science

Generative AI

Histology

Statistical Analysis Techniques

Statistical Models

Study Design

Vision Systems

Education

PhD or Master’s degree with quantitative education

Job description

Position Overview

We are seeking a highly motivated quantitative scientist to work at the intersection of AI, data and pharmaceutical Research & Development. The successful candidate will combine strong data analytic and scientific reasoning with demonstrated ability to use generative AI agentic approach to solve complex scientific problems.

Key Responsibilities

• Deliver solutions to challenging problems across pharmaceutical Research & Development
• Collaborate with scientists, clinicians and regulatory agencies to translate scientific problems into tangible solutions
• Communicate ideas and concepts clearly, both technical and non-technical audiences
• Author formal data analytic protocols and reports

Qualifications

PhD or Master's degree with relevant quantitative education. Demonstrated hands‑on expertise with agentic AI, supported by concrete examples of solutions, tools, research, or applications. Evidence of passion for rapid learning, experience in project management, work independently and collaboratively in a cross functional team, and excellent communication. Proven record of building, scaling, and managing computer vision systems in production.

Experience

• End-to-end experience in preprocessing gigapixel whole-slide images and applying deep learning to histology tasks
• Familiarity with modern vision foundation models for feature extraction and downstream fine‑tuning

Eligible for ERP BARDS2020

Required.

Required Skills

• Applied Statistics
• Computational Biology
• Computer Vision
• Data Analysis
• Data Management
• Data Science
• Generative AI
• Histology
• Statistical Analysis Techniques
• Statistical Models
• Study Design
• Vision Systems

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.

Equal Employment Opportunity Statement

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 a federal contractor, 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. Read more about your rights, including under California, Colorado and other US State Acts.

Location and Working Conditions

The primary location for this posting is: USA - New Jersey - Rahway. Employee Status: Regular. Relocation: Domestic. VISA Sponsorship: Yes. Travel Requirements: 10% Flexible Work Arrangements: Hybrid Shift: Not Indicated Valid Driving License: No Hazardous Material(s): n/a.

Salary Range

Where required by law, the compensation range for this role is provided below. The salary range for the primary location of this role is: $117,000.00 - $184,200.00. 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.

Benefits

• Medical
• Dental
• Vision healthcare and other insurance benefits (for employee and family)
• Retirement benefits, including 401(k)
• Paid holidays
• Vacation
• Compassionate and sick days

Search Firm Representatives

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.

Job Posting End Date

11/30/2026. A job posting is effective until 11:59:59PM on the day BEFORE the listed job posting end date.

Our Mission

We are 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.