Senior Director, Real World Data Scientist (all genders)

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 Healthcare teams to ensure integrated and high-quality PRWD solutions support our 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.

Job evaluation: Manager 4
Department: HC-RD-BE Patient Focused Real World Evidence