Senior Specialist Digital and Data Quality

MSD Malaysia; Durham (NC); On-site; USD 106,000 - 167,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical, dental, vision care

401(k) retirement plan

Paid holidays

Vacation and sick days

Sick days

Job summary

Merck & Co., Inc. seeks a Sr. Specialist Digital and Data Quality to oversee GMP computerized systems quality, ensuring compliance with regulatory expectations and company policies.

You will partner with site operations, IT, automation and engineering to drive system lifecycle quality and continuous improvement. The role requires independent work, strong knowledge of GxP, and experience in regulated pharmaceutical manufacturing, audits, and validation documentation.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree or equivalent in science, IT, engineering or related field.
• Hands-on experience with automated systems in regulated pharma environments.
• Strong knowledge of FDA/EU/ICH regulations and 21 CFR Part 11.
• Experience delivering validated IT solutions in GMP settings.
• Ability to lead cross-functional teams and manage projects.

Responsibilities

• Provide independent quality approval of SDLC docs and validation deliverables.
• Support regulatory inspections and respond to findings related to IT applications.
• Ensure computerized systems remain validated and compliant across lifecycle.
• Mentor junior team members and drive continuous improvement initiatives.
• Collaborate with site operations, IT, automation and engineering stakeholders.
• Maintain system validation status through SOPs, change control and audits.
• Support regulatory inspections and respond to findings related to IT apps and equipment.
• Drive resolution of regulatory non-conformance for GxP computerized systems.
• Monitor system health and metrics and communicate to stakeholders.
• Promote GxP awareness and continuous improvement in manufacturing and labs.
• Mentor junior team members and contribute to training programs.

Skills

GxP knowledge

Quality systems

Regulatory compliance

Project management

Effective communication

Quality assurance

Audit support

Change control

Data integrity

ALCOA principles

Communication skills

Project management

Education

Bachelor's degree in Science, IT, Engineering or equivalent

Job description

Job Description

The Sr. Specialist Digital and Data Quality will be responsible for the quality aspects of GMP computerized systems and the supporting infrastructure used in site facilities, utilities, manufacturing, packaging, labeling, and laboratories to ensure compliance with company policies, procedures and regulatory expectations. This includes involvement in all quality-related activities for computerized systems which are required by the our Manufacturing Division Quality Manual or with potential for impact on product quality, patient safety or data integrity. The position will work closely with stakeholders and SME’s from site operations, quality operations, IT, automation and engineering to provide evidence of quality oversight throughout the computer system lifecycle and facilitate continuous improvement. The Sr. Specialist DDQ must conduct their function and roles independently, with integrity, fairness, and objectivity to protect products and patients.

Primary Activities

As part of the Global Digital & Data Quality team, the Senior Specialist collaborates with stakeholders (e.g., System Owners, Process Owners, Data Owners, Business Unit, Technical Units and Subject Matter Experts) to assess and remediate legacy systems and evaluate/implement new computerized systems, which enable GxP business processes.

Ensuring Technologies selected meet the high-level business needs while encouraging innovation and efficiency.

Interfacing with Corporate Global IT and other internal & external entities to align GxP shopfloor, laboratory, quality system and/or infrastructure technology capabilities/solutions with quality policies and objectives.

Ensuring the initial project tailoring is appropriate for the complexity and risk to accommodate the full scope of work.

Providing the independent quality approval of key qualification/validation documentation such as policies, procedures, acceptance criteria, plans, protocols, specifications, reports and computerized system related changes to ensure compliance to company standards and applicable regulations throughout the computerized system lifecycle (including changes /modifications /deviations /variances /compliance investigations).

Assuring at-site/above-site system owners have Operating Level Procedures/Plans in place, and are routinely followed to ensure that computerized system(s) remain in a validated status (e.g., problem and incident management, change control, periodic review, investigations, backup/restore, System Use and Administrative SOPs (including sufficiently detailed electronic data review/audit trail review instructions for users), disaster recovery plans, business continuity plans)

Reviewing processes and supporting documentary evidence to verify that compliance activities related to computerized systems are in place and effective.

Supporting regulatory inspection and audit activities as needed. This includes the review of audit or inspection reports, responding to findings related to IT applications, automated manufacturing equipment, automated lab systems and infrastructure (at local site) and taking appropriate actions to ensure GxP compliance.

Driving resolution of regulatory non-conformance for GxP computerized systems.

Assuring monitoring of system health, compliance and other metrics are communicated to key stakeholders.

Promoting GxP awareness and a culture of continuous improvement and facilitating manufacturing process improvements, laboratory operational excellence and validation activities, including latest trends in validation and best practices.

Representing Digital & Data Quality management upon request in local site or system specific meetings regarding computerized systems selection, operation and/or compliance related issues.

Contributing to the development and/or maintenance of training programs in the principles of computerized systems validation, computer software assurance, and regulatory requirements in validation, data integrity, ALCOA principles, maintenance, and use of computerized systems.

Providing Quality Unit review/approval of SDLC documentation.

Mentor and provide guidance to junior members of the team.

Required Skills

• Qualification: Bachelor's degree. Preferably in Science, Information Technology, Engineering or equivalent.
• Experience: Hands-on experience and understanding of automated systems supporting pharmaceutical manufacturing, IT infrastructure and/or laboratory operations.
• Min 5 years of experience in regulated pharmaceutical manufacturing industry.
• At least 3 years of experience in delivering validated IT solutions or an application support role in a regulated environment.
• Strong understanding of the current pharmaceutical industry and applicable regulations (FDA/EU/ICH), with emphasis in 21 CFR Part 11, 210, 211, and 820 and local regulatory expectations.
• Must demonstrate extensive knowledge of the principles, theories and concepts of computerized system validation / compliance.
• Familiarity and practical experience in the implementation of quality systems in a pharmaceutical, laboratory, or biotechnology manufacturing environment.
• Limited supervision required in day-to-day activities.

Preferred Competencies and Skills

• Professional Certifications (e.g. Six Sigma or certification in Project Management (PMP).
• Operate as part of a self-directed team in carrying out day to day functions and assigning priorities.
• Good understanding of applicable Engineering and/or Laboratory or Standards related to computerized systems development, implementation & Operations.
• Hands on experience in a Quality and/or Compliance role in a GMP environment.
• Business engagement skills, with ability to collaborate with both technical and non-technical roles.
• Multi-lingual capabilities preferred.
• Experience in leading conversation during regulatory inspections.
• Excellent oral and written communication skills including persuading others and developing cross functional relationships both at site and across sites.
• Analytical Problem solving skills applied to issue identification and resolution.
• Listening, integrating diverse perspectives, adds value to the achievement of team goals.
• Timely decision making.
• Project management skills combined with a sense of urgency and a proven history producing quality deliverables.
• Ability to respond to changing priorities.
• Inclusion behaviors Coach and develop others.

Preferred Skills

• Adaptability, cGMP Regulations, Change Management, Deviation Management, Good Automated Manufacturing Practice (GAMP), Manufacturing Quality Control, Pharmaceutical Quality Assurance, Quality Auditing, Quality Management Standards, Quality Standards, Regulatory Compliance, Risk Management, Self Motivation, Strategic Planning.

Equal Employment Opportunity

We are 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 a federal contractor, we comply with all affirmative action requirements for protected veterans and individuals with disabilities.

Inclusion and Diversity

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.

Benefits and Compensation

The salary range for this role is $106,200.00 - $167,200.00. 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.

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

Employment Terms

• Employee Status: Regular
• Relocation: No relocation
• VISA Sponsorship: No
• Travel Requirements: 10% Flexible Work Arrangements: Hybrid Shift: 1st - Day Valid Driving License: No Hazardous Material(s): N/A

Location and Residency Requirements

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.

Search Firm Representation

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

09/24/2026

Company Overview

Merck & Co. 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.