Asso. Dir, Advanced Analytics (data Science)

Merck Merck · Pharma · Shanghai, China

Associate Director, Data Science role leading a team to deliver AI/ML solutions in a regulated healthcare environment. Focus on translating business needs into analytical approaches and driving implementation, with responsibilities spanning team leadership, stakeholder partnership, and ensuring alignment with business objectives and governance requirements.

What you'd actually do

  1. Lead and develop a team of data scientists, providing coaching, guidance, and performance management.
  2. Partner with business and functional stakeholders to identify data science opportunities and translate them into actionable solutions.
  3. Oversee the design, development, validation, and delivery of predictive models, machine learning solutions, and advanced analytics.
  4. Ensure analytical work is aligned with business objectives, scientific rigor, and governance requirements.
  5. Communicate insights, recommendations, and trade-offs clearly to technical and non-technical audiences, including senior leadership.

Skills

Required

  • Master’s degree or PhD in Data Science, Statistics, Computer Science, Applied Mathematics, Engineering, or a related quantitative field.
  • 8+ years of experience in data science, advanced analytics, machine learning, or a related discipline.
  • Demonstrated experience leading a team or mentoring data science professionals.
  • Strong background in statistical analysis, predictive modeling, and machine learning techniques.
  • Proven ability to translate complex business questions into analytical approaches and actionable insights.
  • Experience working with large datasets and modern analytics tools/platforms.
  • Strong communication, stakeholder management, and influencing skills.
  • Experience working in a matrixed environment with multiple priorities and cross-functional partners.

Nice to have

  • Experience in the pharmaceutical, life sciences, healthcare, or other regulated industries.
  • Experience supporting business decisions through data science in areas such as commercial, medical, operations, R&D, or supply chain.
  • Experience deploying models into production or working with MLOps/data engineering teams.
  • Familiarity with cloud-based analytics environments and data governance practices.
  • Gen AI experience is a plus.

What the JD emphasized

  • regulated environment
  • governance requirements
  • responsible use of data and AI

Other signals

  • delivering advanced analytics, machine learning, and AI-driven solutions
  • translate business needs into analytical approaches
  • drive execution from exploration to implementation
  • lead and develop a team of data scientists
  • promote best practices in methodology, documentation, reproducibility, and responsible use of data and AI