Merck
Associate Principal Scientist/Associate Director, Real World Evidence
Merck, West Point, Nebraska, United States, 68788
We are seeking a highly skilled and motivated Associate Principal Scientist/Associate Director with expertise in conducting outcome research using real‑world data. This role requires the ability to analyze complex data sets, develop algorithms, and create innovative solutions to enhance our data‑driven decision‑making processes.
Key Responsibilities
Real World Data Analysis: Analyze and interpret large volumes of structured and unstructured real‑world patient‑level healthcare data, develop machine learning algorithms and statistical/survival analysis models to extract meaningful insights and outcome research evidence.
Collaboration And Communication: Work closely with stakeholders in outcome research, medical affairs, statistical programming, and IT functions to provide data‑driven insights and solutions. Present research findings in internal and external scientific congress meetings.
Project Management: Independently lead Real‑World Evidence outcome research or advanced AI/machine learning research projects with minimum supervision.
Continuous Learning and Innovation: Stay current with the latest research and technologies in data science and machine learning. Proactively seek opportunities to improve existing processes and methodologies.
Qualifications
Proficiency in Machine Learning and Statistical Programming
using R, SAS, or Python, with a strong foundation in model development and data analysis.
Advanced SQL skills
for efficient data querying, manipulation, and transaction management across complex datasets.
Extensive hands‑on experience with Real‑World Data (RWD) sources including administrative claims, EHR/EMR systems, patient registries, and public‑use databases, with a proven track record of generating Real‑World Evidence (RWE).
Expertise in cohort identification using clinical and therapeutic classification codes such as ICD‑9‑CM, ICD‑10‑CM, SNOMED, LOINC, NDC, HCPCS, and CPT.
Experience in developing study protocols for non‑interventional and methodological research studies, including observational and retrospective designs.
Working knowledge of research project operations, including contracting, procurement, and budget management processes.
Strong interpersonal and communication skills, with a keen attention to detail, clarity, and precision in documentation and collaboration.
Ability to manage multiple analytical projects simultaneously, often across diverse therapeutic areas, with effective planning and organizational skills.
Education & Professional Experience
Master’s degree
in a relevant field (Epidemiology, Biostatistics, Public Health, Data Science) with a minimum of 5 years of post‑graduate experience conducting research using real‑world healthcare data.
Doctoral degree (PhD, ScD, DrPH)
in a related discipline with at least 2 years of post‑graduate experience in real‑world healthcare data research.
Preferred Experience & Skills
Strong foundational knowledge of statistical and machine learning concepts
with practical application in real‑world healthcare data contexts.
Proven experience leading Real‑World Evidence (RWE) studies
within biomedical research or healthcare organizations.
Experience implementing outcome research studies in heart failure, PAH, COPD, IBD, ophthalmology.
Hands‑on experience applying large language models (LLMs) such as BioBERT, MedBERT, or similar to clinical data for research purposes.
Demonstrated ability to mentor and support junior team members, fostering growth and collaboration within research teams.
Co‑authorship of peer‑reviewed publications involving data science methodologies, and active participation in data‑focused competitions such as datathons, hackathons, or Kaggle challenges—ideally centered on real‑world healthcare data.
Equal Employment Opportunity 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
Learn more about your rights, including under California, Colorado and other US State Acts .
Compensation and Benefits The salary range for this role is $139,600.00 - $219,700.00. The successful candidate will be eligible for annual bonus and long‑term incentive, if applicable. We offer a comprehensive package of benefits including medical, dental, vision healthcare and other insurance benefits (for employee and family), retirement benefits, including 401(k), paid holidays, vacation, and compassionate and sick days. More information about benefits is available at
https://jobs.merck.com/us/en/compensation-and-benefits .
Application You can apply for this role through
https://jobs.merck.com/us/en
(or via the Workday Jobs Hub if you are a current employee). The application deadline for this position is stated on this posting. Current Employees apply
HERE . Current Contingent Workers apply
HERE .
Location US and Puerto Rico Residents Only. 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.
Job Status 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: 10/27/2025. *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.
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Key Responsibilities
Real World Data Analysis: Analyze and interpret large volumes of structured and unstructured real‑world patient‑level healthcare data, develop machine learning algorithms and statistical/survival analysis models to extract meaningful insights and outcome research evidence.
Collaboration And Communication: Work closely with stakeholders in outcome research, medical affairs, statistical programming, and IT functions to provide data‑driven insights and solutions. Present research findings in internal and external scientific congress meetings.
Project Management: Independently lead Real‑World Evidence outcome research or advanced AI/machine learning research projects with minimum supervision.
Continuous Learning and Innovation: Stay current with the latest research and technologies in data science and machine learning. Proactively seek opportunities to improve existing processes and methodologies.
Qualifications
Proficiency in Machine Learning and Statistical Programming
using R, SAS, or Python, with a strong foundation in model development and data analysis.
Advanced SQL skills
for efficient data querying, manipulation, and transaction management across complex datasets.
Extensive hands‑on experience with Real‑World Data (RWD) sources including administrative claims, EHR/EMR systems, patient registries, and public‑use databases, with a proven track record of generating Real‑World Evidence (RWE).
Expertise in cohort identification using clinical and therapeutic classification codes such as ICD‑9‑CM, ICD‑10‑CM, SNOMED, LOINC, NDC, HCPCS, and CPT.
Experience in developing study protocols for non‑interventional and methodological research studies, including observational and retrospective designs.
Working knowledge of research project operations, including contracting, procurement, and budget management processes.
Strong interpersonal and communication skills, with a keen attention to detail, clarity, and precision in documentation and collaboration.
Ability to manage multiple analytical projects simultaneously, often across diverse therapeutic areas, with effective planning and organizational skills.
Education & Professional Experience
Master’s degree
in a relevant field (Epidemiology, Biostatistics, Public Health, Data Science) with a minimum of 5 years of post‑graduate experience conducting research using real‑world healthcare data.
Doctoral degree (PhD, ScD, DrPH)
in a related discipline with at least 2 years of post‑graduate experience in real‑world healthcare data research.
Preferred Experience & Skills
Strong foundational knowledge of statistical and machine learning concepts
with practical application in real‑world healthcare data contexts.
Proven experience leading Real‑World Evidence (RWE) studies
within biomedical research or healthcare organizations.
Experience implementing outcome research studies in heart failure, PAH, COPD, IBD, ophthalmology.
Hands‑on experience applying large language models (LLMs) such as BioBERT, MedBERT, or similar to clinical data for research purposes.
Demonstrated ability to mentor and support junior team members, fostering growth and collaboration within research teams.
Co‑authorship of peer‑reviewed publications involving data science methodologies, and active participation in data‑focused competitions such as datathons, hackathons, or Kaggle challenges—ideally centered on real‑world healthcare data.
Equal Employment Opportunity 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
Learn more about your rights, including under California, Colorado and other US State Acts .
Compensation and Benefits The salary range for this role is $139,600.00 - $219,700.00. The successful candidate will be eligible for annual bonus and long‑term incentive, if applicable. We offer a comprehensive package of benefits including medical, dental, vision healthcare and other insurance benefits (for employee and family), retirement benefits, including 401(k), paid holidays, vacation, and compassionate and sick days. More information about benefits is available at
https://jobs.merck.com/us/en/compensation-and-benefits .
Application You can apply for this role through
https://jobs.merck.com/us/en
(or via the Workday Jobs Hub if you are a current employee). The application deadline for this position is stated on this posting. Current Employees apply
HERE . Current Contingent Workers apply
HERE .
Location US and Puerto Rico Residents Only. 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.
Job Status 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: 10/27/2025. *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.
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