Associate Director, Data Science & AI Solutions

Key Responsibilities:
- Build, deploy, and maintain advanced AI applications (custom RAG pipelines and agentic systems) and traditional analytics (forecasts, simulations, optimizations) for R&D quality challenges.
- Manage and scale operational analytics in enterprise platforms (e.g., Dataiku, Posit Workbench).
- Collaborate with GxP AI Governance Program to create compliant frameworks (regulatory requirements, validation playbooks, monitoring protocols).
- Translate complex AI concepts, models, and limitations for non-technical stakeholders.
- Partner with business leaders to identify operational challenges and propose high-value AI/data science use cases.
- Mentor QA team members; upskill on modern tech stacks, LLMs, and data literacy.
- Represent the company in cross-functional forums (e.g., IMPALA).

Required Qualifications:
- BS/BA and 5+ years in pharmaceutical, biotech, or technology.
- 5+ years using Python, R, and advanced SQL to design/deploy ML, forecasting, or optimization models.
- Hands-on RAG architecture development, LLM API experience, and MLOps (Git/version control, monitoring, model maintenance).
- Dashboards (PowerBI/Spotfire) and foundational ETL/data structure knowledge.
- Cloud deployment familiarity (AWS, Azure, or GCP).
- Regulated GxP experience with exposure to software validation or AI governance.
- Excellent communication; global cross-functional collaboration; continuous learner.

Required Skills: AI programming; data science/engineering/visualization; ETL; generative AI; LLMs; ML; Python; Git/version control; business/process modeling; stakeholder relationship management.

Preferred Skills: Not specified.

Benefits (if applicable): annual bonus and long-term incentive (if applicable); medical/dental/vision; retirement (401(k)); paid holidays/vacation; compassionate and sick days.

Application Instructions: Apply via https://jobs.merck.com/us/en (or Workday Jobs Hub if internal). Application deadline is listed on the posting.