Senior Specialist, Image Data Analytics

Merck Merck · Pharma · MA

Senior Specialist role at Merck focused on applying advanced data analytics, computer vision, machine learning, and deep learning to biomedical imaging data for drug discovery, safety, and efficacy assessment. The role involves developing novel algorithms, designing analytical workflows, collaborating with domain scientists, and evaluating methods. Requires a PhD and strong Python/ML framework experience, with preferred experience in specific imaging modalities and modern deep learning paradigms.

What you'd actually do

  1. Lead the scientific design and implementation of advanced image analytics methods for discovery, translational, and clinical research.
  2. Develop novel or adapted algorithms in computer vision, machine learning, deep learning, signal processing, and statistics for multimodal biomedical data.
  3. Design reproducible, scalable analytical workflows that integrate imaging data with experimental, molecular, and clinical metadata.
  4. Collaborate deeply with domain scientists to define scientific questions, translate them into analytical strategies, and interpret results in biological and clinical context.
  5. Serve as a technical and scientific authority within cross-functional project teams, driving solutions from concept through deployment.

Skills

Required

  • Python
  • NumPy
  • SciPy
  • pandas
  • PyTorch
  • TensorFlow
  • Computer Vision
  • Machine Learning
  • Deep Learning
  • Signal Processing
  • Statistics
  • Biomedical Imaging
  • Scientific Communication

Nice to have

  • Microscopy
  • Digital Pathology
  • Radiological Imaging
  • Transformers
  • Foundation Models
  • Self-supervised Learning
  • VLMs
  • Multimodal Architectures
  • MLOps
  • Reproducible Research
  • Model Governance
  • HPC
  • GPU Acceleration
  • Cloud-native Analytics
  • Spatial Biology
  • Bioinformatics
  • Genomics
  • Multi-omics Integration
  • Peer-reviewed publications
  • Scientific software contributions
  • Open-source development
  • Mentoring

What the JD emphasized

  • PhD in Computer Science, Electrical Engineering, Biomedical Engineering, Data Science, Bioinformatics, Applied Mathematics, Statistics, or a closely related quantitative discipline.
  • Demonstrated application of computational methods to biomedical imaging or high-dimensional biological data in an academic, pharmaceutical, biotech, or healthcare setting.
  • Strong proficiency in Python and the modern scientific computing stack (NumPy, SciPy, pandas), with hands-on experience in PyTorch and/or TensorFlow or similar frameworks.
  • Proven ability to conduct independent scientific research, including problem formulation, method development, validation, and interpretation.
  • Experience leading or owning analytical workstreams with minimal supervision.
  • Strong scientific communication skills, including technical writing and oral presentation to interdisciplinary audiences.

Other signals

  • Develop novel or adapted algorithms in computer vision, machine learning, deep learning, signal processing, and statistics for multimodal biomedical data.
  • Critically evaluate internal methods and external tools/vendors through benchmarking, validation, and scientific rigor.
  • Identify opportunities for innovation, propose new analytical directions, and contribute to the long-term technical strategy of the team.