Associate Principal Scientist, Epidemiology

Job Description

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.

Under the general direction of the Executive Director of Epidemiology, the Associate Principal Scientist, Epidemiology will lead the worldwide epidemiology strategy for assigned compounds in atherosclerosis and ASCVD. This role is primarily responsible for the design, execution, analysis, and reporting of epidemiologic research on assigned products. The position also provides consultation on epidemiologic methods, real‑world evidence (RWE) generation, and the interpretation of observational study results across the organization as needed.

Primary activities include but are not limited to:

• Has primary responsibility for the design, execution, and analysis of epidemiologic research studies on assigned company products.

• May have overall responsibility for worldwide epidemiology strategy for assigned our company products in atherosclerosis and ASCVD.

• Supports the Therapeutic Area (TA) Lead Epidemiologist in shaping the worldwide epidemiology strategy for the atherosclerosis and ASCVD area.

• Leads cross-functional interaction with risk management sub-teams, value evidence sub-teams, clinical, and regulatory sub-teams, and other R&D areas on epidemiologic matters related to product safety, risk management, post-marketing safety studies, regulatory activities, and clinical development for assigned company products.

• May present epidemiologic research plans or results to internal review and governance committees; to external agencies such as FDA (including advisory committees), EMA, CDC, AHRQ, and WHO; and at scientific conferences.

• Maintains close working relationships with colleagues in Clinical Research, Regulatory, Safety, Statistics, Outcomes Research, Health Economics and Commercial. Assists them in areas where knowledge of epidemiology is relevant.

• Contributes to our company's prestige by maintaining recognition as an expert in the field; may publish independent scientific research in leading journals, participate in and present at scientific organizations and meetings, and serve as a peer reviewer for scientific journals.

Minimum required education:

• PhD in Epidemiology, or MD with additional research training in epidemiology, plus at least 3 years of relevant work experience in atherosclerosis and ASCVD.

Required experience and skills:

• Proven experience of leading epidemiologic projects in atherosclerosis and ASCVD using large databases: including national surveys, administrative claims, electronic health records (EHRs), and disease registries.

• Possess broad knowledge and experience in applying epidemiologic approaches to problems in the pharmaceutical or biotechnology industry.

• Familiarity with Good Pharmacovigilance Practices (GVP), Good Pharmacoepidemiology Practices, and guidance from FDA/EMA on RWE/RWD.

• Proven record of publications in peer-reviewed journals.

• Strong creative problem-solving skills and excellent oral and written communication skills.

• Ability to work effectively in a cross-functional team environment and collaborate with colleagues with a wide variety of backgrounds and expertise.

  

Preferred Experience And Skills

• Prior experience in the pharmaceutical or biotechnology industry, or with a CRO, is preferred.

BARDS2020

#eligibleforERP

Required Skills:

Cardiovascular Disease Epidemiology, Clinical Research, Collaborating, Communication, Cross-Functional Teamwork, Data Analysis, Data Management, Epidemiological Research, Epidemiological Studies, Epidemiologic Methods, Epidemiology, Pharmacoepidemiology, Stakeholder Relationship Management

Preferred Skills:

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Current Contingent Workers apply HERE

US and Puerto Rico Residents Only:

Our company is committed to inclusion, ensuring that candidates can engage in a hiring process that exhibits their true capabilities. Please click here if you need an accommodation during the application or hiring process.

As an Equal Employment Opportunity Employer, we provide equal opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibit discrimination on the basis of race, color, age, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, protected veteran status, disability status, or other applicable legally protected characteristics.  As a federal contractor, we comply with all affirmative action requirements for protected veterans and individuals with disabilities.  For more information about personal rights under the U.S. Equal Opportunity Employment laws, visit:

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We are proud to be a company that embraces the value of bringing together, talented, and committed people with diverse experiences, perspectives, skills and backgrounds. The fastest way to breakthrough innovation is when people with diverse ideas, broad experiences, backgrounds, and skills come together in an inclusive environment. We encourage our colleagues to respectfully challenge one another’s thinking and approach problems collectively.

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The salary range for this role is

$142,400.00 - $224,100.00

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

Search Firm Representatives Please Read Carefully 
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:

05/25/2026

*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.