Job Description
The Translational Genome Analytics group within the Data and Genome Sciences Department is recruiting a Senior Director to lead a Computational Immunology team, based in Cambridge, MA. We are seeking an experienced data scientist with a proven track-record of leading innovative teams studying human immune biology to discover novel therapeutic targets in immunological diseases.
You will lead a team of computational biologists and data scientists to inform our Immunology drug development pipeline. As such, you will leverage advanced AI/ML approaches to integrate human genetics, deep multi-modal patient profiles and functional genomics data derived from a wide-array of preclinical models to decode causal disease mechanisms across immunological diseases, to inform novel target identification and mechanisms of drug action.
You will serve as a strategic partner to our discovery colleagues and will shape data science and AI/ML driven discovery strategies across our company's immunology portfolio. You will also assume a hands-on leadership role, implementing rigorous data analysis practices, aligning resources based on scientific priorities, and mentoring and developing talented members of the Translational Immunology Analytics team. You will operate in a highly collaborative environment, partnering with peers across multiple locations and in the broader scientific community.
In this exciting role, you will:
Mentor and hire outstanding computational biologists and data scientists responsible for analysis of a wide variety of patient-derived and preclinical data to advance our company's Immunology portfolio.
Drive the adoption of cutting-edge and scalable computational biology and data science approaches to integrate muti-resolution (bulk, single cell, spatial) transcriptomic and epigenomic profiling data derived from patient tissues and preclinical models to decode disease biology across immunological diseases
Identify and establish advanced AI/ML approaches to leverage single-cell multi-omics data to decode cell-type specific molecular networks with the goal of novel target and biomarker discovery in immunological diseases
Continually enhance our foundational immunology data assets by building upon existing and expanding collaborations with academia and industry partners
Collaborate with internal peers in diverse functional areas (Immunology, Information Technology, in vitro and in vivo pharmacology, chemistry, chemical biology and biologics) in a matrixed environment to develop research plans, optimize resource allocation, and maximize efficiencies to best execute on programs
Clearly communicate results to project teams, our company's scientific community, and the external scientific community through internal documents, presentations, and publications in leading journals
Required Experience and Skills:
Ph.D. plus a minimum of 7 years post-doctoral research experience
A solid track record of 4+ years building/leading high-performance computational and AI/ML teams and developing top data science talent in biopharma or related industry
Demonstrated expertise to decode immune-related disease biology by leveraging advanced machine learning and/or statistical inference frameworks to analyze multi-modal (transcriptomic, epigenomic) and multi-scale (bulk, single-cell and/or spatial) patient-derived data
Experience with in applying state-of-the-art analytic approaches to leverage preclinical functional genomics approaches (e.g., pooled/arrayed CRISPR screens, PerturbSeq, etc) to decode causal disease biology
Strong ability to code in R/Python and best practices for reproducible data analyses
Deep understanding of complex immunological disorders with knowledge of the latest research and trends in the field
Strong ability to work and influence in complex matrixed organizations
Excellent oral and written communication skills
Ability to establish and maintain productive cross-site and high caliber external collaborations
Preferred Experience and Skills:
Familiarity with high-throughput siRNA/CRISPR/chemical screens in translationally-relevant preclinical models of immunological diseases
Familiarity with animal models of immune-mediated diseases
Familiarity with drug discovery across multiple modalities (e.g., small molecule, biologic, etc.)
NOTICE FOR INTERNAL APPLICANTS
In accordance with Managers' Policy - Job Posting and Employee Placement, all employees subject to this policy are required to have a minimum of twelve (12) months of service in current position prior to applying for open positions.
If you have been offered a separation benefits package, but have not yet reached your separation date and are offered a position within the salary and geographical parameters as set forth in the Summary Plan Description (SPD) of your separation package, then you are no longer eligible for your separation benefits package. To discuss in more detail, please contact your HRBP or Talent Acquisition Advisor.
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Effective September 5, 2023, employees in office-based positions in the U.S. will be working a Hybrid work consisting of three total days on-site per week, Monday - Thursday, although the specific days may vary by site or organization, with Friday designated as a remote-working day, unless business critical tasks require an on-site presence.This Hybrid work model does not apply to, and daily in-person attendance is required for, field-based positions; facility-based, manufacturing-based, or research-based positions where the work to be performed is located at a Company site; positions covered by a collective-bargaining agreement (unless the agreement provides for hybrid work); or any other position for which the Company has determined the job requirements cannot be reasonably met working remotely. Please note, this Hybrid work model guidance also does not apply to roles that have been designated as "remote".
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Merck & Co., Inc., Rahway, NJ, USA, also known as Merck Sharp & Dohme LLC, Rahway, NJ, USA, does not accept unsolicited assistance from search firms for employment opportunities. All CVs / resumes submitted by search firms to any employee at our company without a valid written search agreement in place for this position will be deemed the sole property of our company. No fee will be paid in the event a candidate is hired by our company as a result of an agency referral where no pre-existing agreement is in place. Where agency agreements are in place, introductions are position specific. Please, no phone calls or emails.
Employee Status:
RegularRelocation:
DomesticVISA Sponsorship:
NoTravel Requirements:
10%Flexible Work Arrangements:
HybridShift:
Not IndicatedValid Driving License:
NoHazardous Material(s):
n/aRequired Skills:
Artificial Intelligence (AI), Data Science, Drug Development, Drug Target Identification, Immunology, Machine Learning, Multiscale Modeling, Omics Technologies, Single Cell Analysis, Single-Cell Genomics, Spatial Analysis, TranscriptomicsPreferred Skills:
Early Drug Development, Human GeneticsJob Posting End Date:
02/15/2025*A job posting is effective until 11:59:59PM on the day BEFOREthe listed job posting end date. Please ensure you apply to a job posting no later than the day BEFORE the job posting end date.
Requisition ID:R309767
