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Director Pharmacometrics AI Lead

Merck & Co. · West Point, PA

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FULL-TIME Posted Jun 30, 2026 190K–301K a year

Job Description

Job Description

The Quantitative Pharmacology and Pharmacometrics (QP2) department drives model-informed drug discovery and development (MIDD) to routinely enable efficient drug discovery/development and/or regulatory decisions. The Pharmacometrics group within QP2 brings an experienced leadership team, deep modeling expertise and state-of-the-art modeling approaches across multiple therapeutic areas and modalities to drive portfolio impact from discovery through life-cycle management. The team is externally visible and continues to be at the leading edge of building innovative state-of-the-art tools together with applying AI/ML techniques to drive pipeline impact. As we enter a new era of AI-driven drug development, our mission is to amplify MIDD through cutting-edge AI, advanced analytics, and automation. With AI/ML now integral to decision-making at our Company, this role gives the Director the opportunity to shape pipeline impact and lead a talented team of pharmacometricians.

Key Responsibilities

• Identify high-value, scalable use cases that can innovate and accelerate development timelines and execute on the strategic integration of AI/ML into QP2 pharmacometric approaches to advance MIDD across the portfolio

• Evaluate emerging AI/ML technologies, lead proof-of-concept initiatives, and translate successful pilots into enterprise-scale solutions that deliver real-world value

• The incumbent will participate in our Company's key Enterprise-wide AI/ML efforts as a departmental liaison on such workstreams in partnership with IT, our Company Enterprise Strategy Office, and other partner functions to implement robust AI solutions

• Will take a leadership role in influencing and driving a longer-term departmental strategy for utilization of AI/ML in Pharmacometrics

• Collaborate with QP2 TA Representatives and Pharmacometricians to identify opportunities for AI/ML usage in MIDD on our Company Programs

• Lead adoption initiatives through training programs and upskilling efforts, fostering a culture of innovation and empowering teams to embrace AI/ML methodologies

• Initiate and manage external collaborations which include technology providers, academia, and consortia to develop new AI/ML methodologies and lead our external outreach to the scientific pharmacometrics community

• Maintain a current understanding of emerging AI/ML technologies/vendors and lead assessments for application to Pharmacometric workflows

• Take a leading role in developing Agentic AI workflows that drive efficiencies in standard pharmacometric workflows

Required Experience

• Ph.D. with at least 8 years of experience where "experience" means having a record of increasing responsibility and independence in a similar role in pharmaceutical drug development

• Educational background in pharmacometrics, mathematics, or statistics/biostatistics or a related quantitative discipline

• Deep hands‑on expertise in pharmacometrics (e.g., population PK and PK/PD analyses, model-based meta‑analysis, dose‑response and exposure‑response analyses, disease modeling, trial simulation, optimal study designs, strategic decision analyses)

• Demonstrated leadership in applying AI/ML methods in drug development with at least 2 years of demonstrated examples (through publications or other) of utilizing AI/ML/NLP approaches for drug development

• Proven success in scaling digital solutions from pilot to enterprise deployment

• Deep knowledge of drug development, pharmacokinetics and pharmacology, MIDD principles, regulatory expectations, and the evolving role of AI/ML in clinical development

Preferred Experience

• Demonstrated external visibility in the field of pharmacometrics, through publications, presentations, and involvement in professional organizations shaping the industry dialogue on responsible and effective AI adoption in drug development

• Experience in developing quantitative strategies impacting pipeline decisions

• Strong understanding of data architecture, cloud platforms, and modern analytics ecosystems

• Hands‑on experience with specific AI tools (e.g. Python/R/Matlab for ML, TensorFlow/PyTorch, cloud-based ML platforms)

• Ability to participate in and to steer an interdisciplinary team, and to oversee the work of other scientists

• Demonstrated ability to craft compelling executive-level narratives and influence senior stakeholders

• Good interpersonal and communication skills that ensure teamwork and productive interactions among various personalities/areas of expertise

Why This Role Matters

This is more than a strategy role—it's an opportunity to redefine how data, science, and technology converge to transform drug development. You will play a pivotal leadership role in advancing AI-driven innovation that directly impacts patient outcomes worldwide.

Required Skills

• Artificial Intelligence (AI)

• Biostatistics

• Clinical Development

• Data Engineering

• Data Modeling

• Data Science

• Data Visualization

• Deep Learning

• Drug Development

• Leadership

• Machine Learning (ML)

• MATLAB

• Natural Language Processing (NLP)

• Pharmacodynamics

• Pharmacokinetics

• Pharmacometrics

• PKPD Modeling

• Population Pharmacokinetics

• Predictive Analytics

• Software Development

• Stakeholder Relationship Management

Salary

$190,800.00 – $300,300.00

Benefits

The company offers medical, dental, vision, and other insurance benefits for employees and families, as well as retirement benefits including a 401(k), paid holidays, vacation, and compassionate and sick days.

EEO Statement

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. 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 the EEOC website.

Location & Eligibility

• US and Puerto Rico Residents Only

• San Francisco Residents Only – qualified applicants with arrest and conviction records will be considered in compliance with the San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance

• Los Angeles Residents Only – qualified applicants, including those with criminal histories, will be considered in compliance with applicable state and local laws, including the City of Los Angeles' Fair Chance Initiative for Hiring Ordinance

Job Posting End Date

07/17/2026

Benefits

  • Dental insurance
  • Health insurance
  • Paid time off

Additional Details

City
West Point
State
Pennsylvania
Country
US
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