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United As One for Patients, our purpose in Healthcare is to help create, improve and prolong lives. We develop medicines, intelligent devices and innovative technologies in therapeutic areas such as Oncology, Neurology and Fertility. Our teams work together across 6 continents with passion and relentless curiosity in order to help patients at every stage of life. Joining our Healthcare team is becoming part of a diverse, inclusive and flexible working culture, presenting great opportunities for personal development and career advancement across the globe.

Senior Director, Real World Data Scientist

We are seeking a highly skilled and scientifically accomplished Senior Director, Real World Data (RWD) Scientist to join our Patient Focused Real World Evidence (PRWE) function at Merck KGaA, Darmstadt, Germany. This is a senior individual contributor role that combines deep scientific expertise in RWD analysis with a forward-thinking approach to data partnerships, strategic evidence planning, and the application of Artificial Intelligence (AI) and advanced analytics in real-world evidence (RWE) generation. The incumbent will play a key role in shaping the scientific and strategic use of PRWD across therapeutic areas to enhance decision-making and enable value-creating integrated evidence plans.

Key Responsibilities:

• Strategic Vision and Implementation: Develop and execute a forward-thinking strategy to leverage PRWD for faster, more precise insights and evidence generation, aligning with organizational objectives.
• RWD Partnerships: Identify, negotiate, and manage external partnerships to support RWD acquisition, integration, and operationalization, ensuring scalability and regulatory alignment.
• Analytical and AI Leadership: Pilot best analytical practices for generating actionable PRWI (Insights) and PRWE (Evidence) using state-of-the-art methodologies including advanced statistical methods, machine learning and AI. Lead the design, development, and scaling of AI-driven solutions and modeling activities that enhance PRWI/E across the organization.
• Solution Development: Pilot, drive creation and operationalization of innovative tools and platforms that streamline evidence generation while adhering to compliance and quality standards, ensuring scalability and regulatory alignment.
• Process, Training and Capability Building: Drive creation and delivery of cross-functional processes and training to enhance organizational capabilities and adoption of PRWD solutions, fostering innovation, adaptability and decision making.
• Cross-Functional Collaboration: Partner with PRWE, CMS, IT, R&D and broader Merck Healthcare teams to ensure integrated and high-quality PRWD solutions support Merck programs. Lead efforts to improve data interoperability and integration across diverse RWD sources.
• Technology Partnerships: Build partnerships with academic institutions, health data networks, and AI consortia to co-develop innovative methodologies.
• External Engagement: Represent the organization at industry conferences, regulatory workshops, and external collaborations to advance PRWI/E creation.

Qualifications:

• PhD or advanced degree in Epidemiology, Biostatistics, Data Science, Computer Science, Engineering, Life Sciences related fields.
• 10+ years of experience in RWE generation, advanced analytics, AI, technology, digital transformation, or business solutions, ideally in pharmaceutical or healthcare settings.
• Expertise in statistical programming (e.g., R, SAS, Python) and working with diverse PRWD sources, including EHRs, claims data, social media and patient-reported outcomes.
• Proven leadership in innovation and transformation across global, enterprise-level organizations.
• Demonstrated success in delivering AI solutions at scale, preferably through strategic external partnerships.
• Good understanding of regulatory, payer and HTA bodies requirements and industry standards for PRWD and PRWE.
• Excellent strategic, problem-solving, and communication skills with the ability to influence diverse stakeholders.
• Demonstrates a commitment to excellence through collaboration, adaptability, mentoring and attention to detail while meeting time-sensitive demands.

This position offers a unique opportunity to influence the future of evidence generation and contribute to the development of innovative therapies that transform patient outcomes globally.

What we offer: We are curious minds that come from a broad range of backgrounds, perspectives, and life experiences. We believe that this variety drives excellence and innovation, strengthening our ability to lead in science and technology. We are committed to creating access and opportunities for all to develop and grow at your own pace. Join us in building a culture of inclusion and belonging that impacts millions and empowers everyone to work their magic and champion human progress!

Apply now and become a part of a team that is dedicated to Sparking Discovery and Elevating Humanity!