In BARDS (Biostatistics and Research Decision Sciences), a distinguished department within our company’s renowned Research and Development division, quantitative scientists, in partnership with other subject matter experts, apply state-of-the art scientific methodologies and tools to enable the discovery, development, regulatory approval, manufacturing, and marketing of medical drugs and vaccines for the benefit of patients and global human health.
This job description outlines the responsibilities, primary activities, educational requirements, and skills needed for a biostatistical leadership role in drug development, particularly within the Chemistry, Manufacturing, and Controls (CMC) Statistics area in biologics.
Responsibilities
The role involves providing biostatistical leadership and support for drug development projects in CMC area, coordinating with various internal groups such as analytical, formulation, project management, regulatory, statistical programming, data management, and manufacturing divisions. The individual serves as a statistical lead in project teams, managing multiple projects independently and supporting scientific protocols. They represent the statistical function in cross-functional teams and contribute to department and therapeutic area goals. Participation in professional societies and technical associations is also expected.
Primary Activities
Key activities include acting as the statistical representative and lead in cross-functional teams for strategic planning and product development execution. The role requires developing data analysis plans and selecting appropriate statistical methodologies to analyze and interpret data from CMC-related studies. Preparing reports to communicate results to project teams, management, regulatory agencies, or scientists is essential. Additionally, mentoring junior staff is part of the responsibilities.
Education and Minimum Requirement
Candidates should hold a PhD or equivalent degree in statistics, biostatistics, or a related field. Alternatively, a Master’s degree in Statistics or Applied Statistics with at least three years of relevant experience is acceptable.
Required Skills and Experience
The role demands knowledge of statistical analysis methodologies and experimental design, including mixed models, variance component analysis, equivalency studies, nonlinear regression, and Bayesian analysis. Proficiency in statistical software such as JMP, SAS, and/or R is required. The individual should demonstrate the ability to learn proactively, be motivated, detail-oriented, and capable of working independently. Strong communication skills and effective collaboration across functions are also necessary.
Preferred Skills and Experience
An understanding of disease biology and drug discovery and development is preferred for this position.
Required Skills:
Biostatistics, Collaborative Communications, Data Analysis, Data Management, Data Science, Detail-Oriented, Numerical Analysis, Pharmaceutical Development, Scientific Modeling
Preferred Skills:
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The salary range for this role is
$117,000.00 - $184,200.00
This is the lowest to highest salary we in good faith believe we would pay for this role at the time of this posting. An employee’s position within the salary range will be based on several factors including, but not limited to relevant education, qualifications, certifications, experience, skills, geographic location, government requirements, and business or organizational needs.
The successful candidate will be eligible for annual bonus and long-term incentive, if applicable.
We offer a comprehensive package of benefits. Available benefits include medical, dental, vision healthcare and other insurance benefits (for employee and family), retirement benefits, including 401(k), paid holidays, vacation, and compassionate and sick days. More information about benefits is available at https://jobs.merck.com/us/en/compensation-and-benefits
You can apply for this role through https://jobs.merck.com/us/en (or via the Workday Jobs Hub if you are a current employee). The application deadline for this position is stated on this posting.
San Francisco Residents Only: We will consider qualified applicants with arrest and conviction records for employment in compliance with the San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance
Los Angeles Residents Only: We will consider for employment all qualified applicants, including those with criminal histories, in a manner consistent with the requirements of applicable state and local laws, including the City of Los Angeles’ Fair Chance Initiative for Hiring Ordinance
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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:
Regular
Relocation:
Domestic
VISA Sponsorship:
Yes
Travel Requirements:
10%
Flexible Work Arrangements:
Hybrid
Shift:
Not Indicated
Valid Driving License:
No
Hazardous Material(s):
n/a
Job Posting End Date:
07/6/2026
*A job posting is effective until 11:59:59PM on the day BEFORE the listed job posting end date. Please ensure you apply to a job posting no later than the day BEFORE the job posting end date.
At MSD, known as Merck & Co., Inc., Rahway, NJ, USA in the United States and Canada, we are unified around our purpose: We use the power of leading-edge science to save and improve lives around the world. For more than 130 years, we have brought hope to humanity through the development of important medicines and vaccines. We aspire to be the premier research-intensive biopharmaceutical company in the world – and today, we are at the forefront of research to deliver innovative health solutions that advance the prevention and treatment of diseases in people and animals. We foster a diverse and inclusive global workforce and operate responsibly every day to enable a safe, sustainable and healthy future for all people and communities. For more information, visit www.msd.com and connect with us on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, and YouTube.
