Associate Principal Scientist (Assoc Diirector) - Real-world Data Analytics and Innovation

Job Description

Job Summary

You are a highly skilled and experienced health/healthcare data scientist with a strong background in Real-world Data (RWD) analytics used to implement health economic and outcomes research (HEOR). The ideal candidate will have experience in implementing Real-World Evidence (RWE) studies including the programming involved with analysis of large real-world datasets and have a proven track record of research. You will collaborate with colleagues in the Real-world Data Analytics and Innovation (RDAI) team, as well as other scientists within Outcomes Research (OR), Epidemiology, and/or Health Economics Decision Sciences (HEDS) to serve as the analytical lead and provide methodological expertise for RWE studies and exploratory insights from cross-functional stakeholders.

You will be part of a vibrant research environment with a strong culture of innovation within the RDAI group. You will have access to extensive resources and growth opportunities that a large pharmaceutical company can offer.

Key Responsibilities:

• Partner with cross-functional colleagues to lead analytic segments of RWE generation projects, utilizing administrative claims, EHR/EMR, patient registry, and public-use databases starting with study feasibility and protocol development

• Drive RWE implementation activities, including writing detailed documentation that align to study objectives and analysis plans

• Accountable for reviewing and validating RWE analyses in SAS, R, and SQL executed by programming teams

• Explore the suitability, completeness, and quality of datasets for addressing outcomes research and health economic questions.

• Propose innovation projects that support new methodologies, data sources, tools, and process improvements, leveraging your understanding of the RWD ecosystem and your machine learning and statistical learning experience.

Qualifications:

Education Requirement:

• An advanced degree (MA/MS, PhD, ScD, etc.) in a quantitative data science field such as statistics, biostatistics, econometrics, data science, biomedical informatics, health informatics, clinical informatics, epidemiology, health economics, biometrics, operations research, engineering, computer science, or similar fields with at least 3 years of relevant data science and programming experience.

Required Experience and Skills:

• A minimum of three or more years of hands-on professional data science experience in RWE analytics

• Ability to lead aspects of planning, organizing, and managing multiple analytics tasks simultaneously across multiple indications

• Experience with oncology research, including RWE studies, across the product lifecycle in pharma/biotech, consulting, healthcare organizations and/or biomedical research

• Broad knowledge and in-depth experience in the utilization and appropriateness of RWD such as administrative claims, EHR/EMR, patient registry, and public-use databases to generate RWE

• Ability to understand statistical analysis plans, translating observational research objectives into programming specifications

• Experience in writing, reviewing, running, and validating conventional and advanced programming, generating analytic files, and producing research-grade programming requirements in SAS, R, or SQL. Knowledge of Python programming is a plus

• Experience in identifying research cohorts using various classification codes such as ICD-9-CM, ICD-10-CM, SNOMED, LOINC, NDC, HCPCS, CPT, etc

• Knowledge of statistical terminology, concepts, and techniques used in descriptive and multivariate analysis

• Experience with machine learning algorithms (e.g., supervised learning, unsupervised learning, neural networks) and ‘Big Data’ technologies (such as AWS Redshift), and NLP methods

• Demonstrated ability to collaborate effectively with programmers, statisticians, economists, epidemiologists, outcomes researchers, and IT

• Exceptional interpersonal communication and organizational skills with strong attention to detail, clarity, accuracy, and conciseness

• Demonstrated motivation, proactiveness, inquisitiveness, and flexibility in delivering on results

Preferred Experience and Skills:

• Knowledge of Generative AI and applications to RWD and RWE

• Experience working in a highly matrixed and cross-functional environment

• Experience working with various tools that support project transparency and keeping timely compliance with department and enterprise-wide SOPs and guidances

Current Employees apply HERE

Current Contingent Workers apply HERE

US and Puerto Rico Residents Only:

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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:

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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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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”.

The Company is required to provide a reasonable estimate of the salary range for this job in certain states and cities within the United States. Final determinations with respect to salary will take into account a number of factors, which may include, but not be limited to the primary work location and the chosen candidate’s relevant skills, experience, and education.

Expected US salary range:

$139,600.00 - $219,700.00

Available benefits include bonus eligibility, long term incentive if applicable, health care and other insurance benefits (for employee and family), retirement benefits, paid holidays, vacation, and sick days. A summary of benefits is listed here.

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. 

Employee Status:

Regular

Relocation:

Domestic

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:

05/8/2025

*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.