Associate Director – Advanced Process Analytics, Data Literacy & Modelling (dunboyne)

Merck Merck · Pharma · Meath, Ireland

Associate Director role at Merck leading the development and implementation of advanced analytics, predictive modelling, and digital solutions for biologics drug substance manufacturing. Focuses on enhancing process understanding, operational performance, and product quality through AI and data-driven decision-making in a regulated environment.

What you'd actually do

  1. Develop and lead the site strategy for advanced process analytics, predictive modelling, and data-driven manufacturing.
  2. Drive the evolution of continued process verification through real-time data analysis, automated monitoring, and anomaly detection.
  3. Design and deploy advanced analytical models to support process understanding, troubleshooting, process optimisation, and operational performance.
  4. Partner with technical, manufacturing, and development teams to embed advanced analytics into new product introductions and technology transfers.
  5. Collaborate with digital, automation, IT, and data teams to integrate manufacturing and laboratory data across multiple systems.

Skills

Required

  • Degree in Chemical Engineering, Bioengineering, Data Science, Statistics, or a related scientific discipline
  • Significant experience within biologics, biopharmaceutical, technical operations, manufacturing science, or process development environments
  • Deep understanding of biologics manufacturing processes, including upstream and downstream operations
  • Strong experience in advanced analytics, multivariate data analysis, statistical modelling, machine learning, or process modelling applications
  • Hands-on experience with data analytics and modelling tools such as Python, R, JMP, MATLAB, SEEQ, SIMCA, or similar platforms
  • Experience delivering digital transformation or data-driven improvement initiatives in a regulated manufacturing environment
  • Strong understanding of regulatory expectations relating to data integrity, validation, and process verification
  • Proven ability to lead cross-functional initiatives and influence stakeholders across technical and operational functions
  • Excellent communication skills, with the ability to explain complex analytical concepts to both technical and non-technical audiences

Nice to have

  • advanced qualification preferred
  • Passion for innovation, continuous improvement, capability building, and fostering a data-driven culture

What the JD emphasized

  • advanced analytics
  • predictive modelling
  • data-driven manufacturing
  • AI-enabled decision-making
  • regulated manufacturing environment
  • regulatory requirements
  • data integrity standards

Other signals

  • advanced analytics
  • predictive modelling
  • AI-enabled decision-making
  • machine learning