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Senior Data Specialist, Modeling & Informatics

MSD

Cambridge, MAOnsitePosted 5 days ago$159,600.00 - $251,200.00
Full TimeSenior LevelBioinformatics & Data SciencePharmaceutical
Original posting ↗

Summary

We are seeking an exceptional and highly motivated informatician to join the Cheminformatics group within Modeling and Informatics (M&I). This role involves both the development of innovative computational methods involving AI/ML and cheminformatics, as well as direct application of advanced computational approaches to the invention of novel medicines.

Job description

Key Responsibilities

  • Implement and apply effective AI/ML and cheminformatics workflows to impact early target discovery space data analysis.
  • Analyze, interpret, and summarize complex chemical biology data and utilize a variety of data visualization tools to communicate findings.
  • Deliver optimized informatics algorithms and workflows to expedite drug discovery pipelines in the early target discovery space for small molecules, peptides, and targeted protein degraders.
  • Leverage novel ML, statistics, and cheminformatics techniques to improve hit identification for different screening paradigms.
  • Analyze and integrate internal and external knowledge to facilitate biological and chemical signature identification.
  • Proactively engage with cross-functional teams of experimental and computational scientists and collaborate effectively to advance project and pipeline goals.
  • Continue research in areas of AI/ML and cheminformatics relevant to drug discovery, and evaluate new technology and software from commercial sources, open innovation, or external collaborations.
  • Effectively communicate scientific results internally and externally through presentations and publications.
  • Share AI/ML and/or data engineering knowledge to augment team skills and capabilities.

Qualifications

Education Minimum Requirement: Ph.D. in cheminformatics, bioinformatics, computational biology or chemistry, computer science, statistics or related STEM fields.

Required Experience and Skills

  • Experience applying cheminformatics or AI/ML approaches to problem-solving in drug discovery.
  • Broad understanding of modern data science methods, particularly machine learning, e.g., predictive modeling, active learning, explainable ML.
  • Strong oral and written communication skills, as well as problem-solving skills.
  • Track record of scientific publications in peer-reviewed journals.
  • Proficiency in scripting (Python and/or R), SQL, and cheminformatics toolkits (OEChem, RDKit, DeepChem).

Preferred Experience and Skills

  • Demonstrated ability to develop and apply AI/ML to problems of chemical or biological interest.
  • Experience with IT infrastructure such as database systems, cloud computing (such as Databricks, AWS), and high-performance computing in Linux environments.
  • Expertise in machine learning libraries (TensorFlow, Keras, PyTorch, Pandas, Scikit-Learn).
  • Experience with workflow applications and data analytics software (Pipeline Pilot, Knime, Spotfire).
  • Experience with high throughput screening data analysis methods.
  • Experience in chemical and biological signature identification and/or biomarker discovery.
  • Familiarity with or experience with multiple therapeutic modalities (small molecules, peptides, ADCs, etc.).
  • Experience working in multidisciplinary teams that include experimental scientists.

Requirements

  • Ph.D. in cheminformatics, bioinformatics, computational biology or chemistry, computer science, statistics or related STEM fields
  • Experience applying cheminformatics or AI/ML approaches to problem-solving in drug discovery
  • Broad understanding of modern data science methods, particularly machine learning (predictive modeling, active learning, explainable ML)
  • Strong oral and written communication skills
  • Strong problem-solving skills
  • Track record of scientific publications in peer-reviewed journals
  • Proficiency in scripting (Python and/or R)
  • Proficiency in SQL
  • Proficiency in cheminformatics toolkits (OEChem, RDKit, DeepChem)

Benefits

  • Medical, Dental & Vision
  • 401(k) Matching
  • Retirement Benefits
  • Paid Holidays
  • Vacation
  • Compassionate & Sick Days
  • Annual Bonus
  • Long-Term Incentive

Company overview

MSD, known as Merck Sharp & Dohme outside the United States and Canada, is a global research-intensive biopharmaceutical company headquartered in Rahway, New Jersey. Founded in 1891, the company has established itself as one of the world's leading pharmaceutical corporations with a rich history spanning over 130 years. MSD operates as the international division of Merck & Co., Inc., focusing on the discovery, development, manufacturing, and marketing of innovative medicines, vaccines, biologic therapies, and animal health products. The company's extensive portfolio includes groundbreaking treatments in oncology, infectious diseases, cardiology, diabetes, and vaccines, with notable products such as Keytruda (pembrolizumab) for cancer immunotherapy, Gardasil for HPV prevention, and Januvia for diabetes management. MSD maintains a strong commitment to research and development, investing significantly in scientific innovation to address unmet medical needs worldwide. With approximately 75,000 employees globally, the company operates through four main segments: pharmaceuticals, animal health, healthcare services, and strategic alliances. MSD's mission centers on using leading-edge science to save and improve lives around the world, guided by the principle that medicine is for people, not profits.

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