Sr. Scientist, Bioinformatics, Statistical Genetics

MSD; Cambridge (MA); Hybrid; USD 80,000 - 130,000; Full time

Job summary

Join a forward-thinking company as a Senior Scientist in Statistical Genetics, where you'll leverage your expertise to analyze large-scale genetic data and identify novel therapeutic targets. Collaborate with AI/ML scientists and biologists to develop innovative analytical strategies, ensuring impactful contributions to drug discovery. This role offers a dynamic environment where your skills in statistical genetics and data analysis can shine, driving advancements in complex disease research. If you're passionate about making a difference in the field of genetics, this opportunity is perfect for you.

Qualifications

• Ph.D. with 2+ years of post-PhD research experience in statistical genetics.
• Strong knowledge of statistical methods and population genetics principles.

Responsibilities

• Conduct statistical genetic analysis on large-scale genetic data.
• Curate electronic health records to create novel phenotypes for analysis.

Skills

Statistical Genetics

Whole Genome Sequence Analysis

Biobank Data Analysis

Post-GWAS Analysis

R Programming

Python Programming

Statistical Software (PLINK, GATK, REGENIE)

AI/ML Integration

Education

Ph.D. in Statistical Genetics or related field

Tools

PLINK

GATK

REGENIE

AWS

Job description

Sr. Scientist, Bioinformatics, Statistical Genetics

The Precision Genetics group within the Data AI and Genome Sciences Department is seeking a Senior Scientist to join our Statistical Genetics team in Cambridge, MA. We are looking for a skilled statistical geneticist with experience in whole genome sequence analysis, large scale biobank data and post-GWAS analysis to identify novel therapeutic targets and support existing targets

Key Responsibilities:

Statistical Genetic Analysis: Deploy statistical genetics analysis approaches on large-scale individual level genetic data (sequence and microarray) from biobanks to identify and support therapeutic targets and identify novel patient subpopulations.

Phenotype Curation: Curate electronic health records (EHRs) to create novel phenotypes for analysis

Data Collection: Proactively identify relevant genetic datasets from public, internal, and proprietary sources through collaborative efforts

Collaborative Research: Partner closely with AI/ML scientists and disease area biologists to develop tailored analytical strategies for complex diseases across various therapeutic areas.

Strategic Partnership: Serve as a strategic collaborator with discovery teams to influence the drug discovery portfolio.

Hands-On Analysis: Implement rigorous data analysis practices and remain informed about cutting-edge statistical genetics approaches, particularly the implementation of AI/ML or omics integration.

Post-GWAS analysis: Perform post-GWAS analysis to generate target hypothesis and support

Omics Integration: Integrate genetic analysis with transcriptomics and proteomics data, including colocalization and QTL approaches

Emerging Methods: Stay at the forefront of novel methodologies in statistical genetics.

Project Management: Manage complex projects, proactively identifying challenges and forecasting timelines for key deliverables to meet pipeline objectives.

Validation Collaboration: Work with wet-lab biologists and disease area experts to validate targets and identify patient sub-populations.

Effective Communication: Present findings to project teams, internal stakeholders, and the broader scientific community through internal documentation, presentations, and publications in leading journals.

Required Qualifications:

Ph.D. in Statistical Genetics, Human Genetics or a related field, with a minimum of 2 years of post-PhD research experience.

Proven track record of over 2 years of applying statistical genetics approaches to large-scale population genetics resources for target discovery.

Fundamental knowledge of statistical and population genetics principles.

Strong conceptual understanding of statistical genetics analytic methods, including Mendelian randomization and fine-mapping/colocalization

Strong conceptual understanding of common statistical techniques, including regression, dimensionality reduction, network analysis, and data harmonization.

Proficiency in coding using R and Python, with the ability to establish best practices for reproducible data analyses.

Expertise in using common statistical genetics software, including PLINK, GATK, and REGENIE

Hands-on experience working with biobank data, including biobank trusted research environments (TREs)

Experience working with AWS or other cloud-based computational clusters

Excellent written and verbal communication skills.

Preferred Qualifications:

Experience in fields such as Neuroscience, Cardiovascular and Metabolic diseases, Immunology, or other complex diseases.

Familiarity with integrating transcriptomics and proteomics data with genomics data

Experience analyzing longitudinal data

Conceptual understanding of AI/ML approaches, including foundation modeling

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:

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.

Our company is committed to inclusion, ensuring that candidates can engage in a hiring process that exhibits their true capabilities. Please click here if you need an accommodation during the application or hiring process.

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:

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.

Effective September 5, 2023, employees in office-based positions in the U.S. will be working a Hybrid work consisting of three total days on-site per week, Monday - Thursday, although the specific days may vary by site or organization, with Friday designated as a remote-working day, unless business critical tasks require an on-site presence.This Hybrid work model does not apply to, and daily in-person attendance is required for, field-based positions; facility-based, manufacturing-based, or research-based positions where the work to be performed is located at a Company site; positions covered by a collective-bargaining agreement (unless the agreement provides for hybrid work); or any other position for which the Company has determined the job requirements cannot be reasonably met working remotely. Please note, this Hybrid work model guidance also does not apply to roles that have been designated as “remote”.

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 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

Job Description

The Precision Genetics group within the Data AI and Genome Sciences Department is seeking a Senior Scientist to join our Statistical Genetics team in Cambridge, MA. We are looking for a skilled statistical geneticist with experience in whole genome sequence analysis, large scale biobank data and post-GWAS analysis to identify novel therapeutic targets and support existing targets

Key Responsibilities:

• Statistical Genetic Analysis: Deploy statistical genetics analysis approaches on large-scale individual level genetic data (sequence and microarray) from biobanks to identify and support therapeutic targets and identify novel patient subpopulations.

• Phenotype Curation: Curate electronic health records (EHRs) to create novel phenotypes for analysis

• Data Collection: Proactively identify relevant genetic datasets from public, internal, and proprietary sources through collaborative efforts

• Collaborative Research: Partner closely with AI/ML scientists and disease area biologists to develop tailored analytical strategies for complex diseases across various therapeutic areas.

• Strategic Partnership: Serve as a strategic collaborator with discovery teams to influence the drug discovery portfolio.

• Hands-On Analysis: Implement rigorous data analysis practices and remain informed about cutting-edge statistical genetics approaches, particularly the implementation of AI/ML or omics integration.

• Post-GWAS analysis: Perform post-GWAS analysis to generate target hypothesis and support

• Omics Integration: Integrate genetic analysis with transcriptomics and proteomics data, including colocalization and QTL approaches

• Emerging Methods: Stay at the forefront of novel methodologies in statistical genetics.

• Project Management: Manage complex projects, proactively identifying challenges and forecasting timelines for key deliverables to meet pipeline objectives.

• Validation Collaboration: Work with wet-lab biologists and disease area experts to validate targets and identify patient sub-populations.

• Effective Communication: Present findings to project teams, internal stakeholders, and the broader scientific community through internal documentation, presentations, and publications in leading journals.

Required Qualifications:

• Ph.D. in Statistical Genetics, Human Genetics or a related field, with a minimum of 2 years of post-PhD research experience.

• Proven track record of over 2 years of applying statistical genetics approaches to large-scale population genetics resources for target discovery.

• Fundamental knowledge of statistical and population genetics principles.

• Strong conceptual understanding of statistical genetics analytic methods, including Mendelian randomization and fine-mapping/colocalization

• Strong conceptual understanding of common statistical techniques, including regression, dimensionality reduction, network analysis, and data harmonization.

• Proficiency in coding using R and Python, with the ability to establish best practices for reproducible data analyses.

• Expertise in using common statistical genetics software, including PLINK, GATK, and REGENIE

• Hands-on experience working with biobank data, including biobank trusted research environments (TREs)

• Experience working with AWS or other cloud-based computational clusters

• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Experience in fields such as Neuroscience, Cardiovascular and Metabolic diseases, Immunology, or other complex diseases.

• Familiarity with integrating transcriptomics and proteomics data with genomics data

• Experience analyzing longitudinal data

• Conceptual understanding of AI/ML approaches, including foundation modeling

#EligibleforERP

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

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.

Learn more about your rights, including under California, Colorado and other US State Acts

Current Employees apply HERE

Current Contingent Workers apply HERE

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. Please click here if you need an accommodation during the application or hiring process.

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

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.

Learn more about your rights, including under California, Colorado and other US State Acts

U.S. Hybrid Work Model

Effective September 5, 2023, employees in office-based positions in the U.S. will be working a Hybrid work consisting of three total days on-site per week, Monday - Thursday, although the specific days may vary by site or organization, with Friday designated as a remote-working day, unless business critical tasks require an on-site presence.This Hybrid work model does not apply to, and daily in-person attendance is required for, field-based positions; facility-based, manufacturing-based, or research-based positions where the work to be performed is located at a Company site; positions covered by a collective-bargaining agreement (unless the agreement provides for hybrid work); or any other position for which the Company has determined the job requirements cannot be reasonably met working remotely. Please note, this Hybrid work model guidance also does not apply to roles that have been designated as “remote”.

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 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:

Domestic

VISA Sponsorship:

No

Travel Requirements:

No Travel Required

Flexible Work Arrangements:

Not Applicable

Shift:

Not Indicated

Valid Driving License:

No

Hazardous Material(s):

n/a

Job Posting End Date:

05/4/2025

*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.