Senior Data Scientist (Machine Learning & Generative AI)

Senior Data Scientist As a Senior Data Scientist, you will leverage your expertise in machine learning model development, generative AI, and software engineering to rapidly prototype and deploy advanced analytics products for our manufacturing division. You will collaborate with cross‑functional teams—IT, engineering, and operations—to design and implement robust analytics solutions at scale within production systems, and you will also provide ad‑hoc consulting on various organization projects. Your work will span the entire project lifecycle, from ideation and business case development through data discovery, preparation, model development, prototyping, and adoption facilitation. Primary Job Responsibilities Independently design and develop innovative quantitative methodologies, leveraging machine learning, deep learning, and generative AI to drive data‑driven decision‑making and influence key initiatives. Apply machine learning and deep learning techniques to create tools for process monitoring, optimization, and predictive analytics. Develop end‑to‑end digital solutions, automating data workflows and integrating them into existing systems. Engage with customers and stakeholders to understand their needs, expectations, and opportunities, ensuring alignment with business objectives. Build and disseminate in‑depth domain knowledge of emerging trends in one or more sub‑specialty areas of data analytics, fostering collaboration with cross‑functional stakeholders. Design, lead, and document the development of analytics applications, platforms, and processes to unlock value through scientific insights. Stay updated on best practices, methodologies, and technologies in AI, machine learning, and data science, including compliance and ethical considerations. Required Skills Extensive knowledge of supervised and unsupervised machine learning algorithms, and familiarity with advanced deep learning architectures. Hands‑on experience with Python and libraries such as scikit‑learn, Keras, TensorFlow, or PyTorch. Familiarity with feature engineering and exploratory data analysis for structured and unstructured data sets. Knowledge of experiment tracking methodologies and tools to monitor model performance and maintain reproducibility. Exceptional communication skills to convey complex information to both technical and non‑technical stakeholders. A strong software engineering mindset focused on high‑quality code, documentation, and pipelines. A data‑centric mindset, focusing on leveraging data to create actionable insights and drive business value. Experience working within Agile frameworks and methodologies. Preferred Qualifications Understanding of generative AI, including large language models, vision‑language models, RAG, pre‑training, and/or fine‑tuning for specific applications. Experience with agentic AI platforms (e.g., CrewAI, LangGraph, LangChain, AutoGen, Semantic Kernel, Bedrock, Strands) and AI coding tools such as Claude Code, Cursor, Codex, or Open Claw. Familiarity with graph networks, semantic layers, and causal inference. Experience with deep learning applications or inference, computer vision, autoencoders, or related fields. Knowledge of modern MLOps tools and best practices, including CI/CD pipelines, containerization technologies such as Docker, and deployment of machine learning models in cloud environments (AWS, Databricks, or similar platforms). Education Bachelor's degree required. Preferred: Ph.D. in chemical engineering, applied mathematics, or a related technical field with expertise in data science and machine learning projects; alternatively, a master’s degree in data science, computer science, applied statistics/mathematics, chemical engineering, or a related field with 2+ years of relevant experience. Equal Employment Opportunity Statement We are an equal‑opportunity employer and welcome applications from all qualified individuals regardless of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, disability, or veteran status. This federal contractor complies with all affirmative action requirements for protected veterans and individuals with disabilities. For more information, please visit the EEOC website. Salary and Benefits Salary Range: $129,000.00 – $203,100.00 Benefits include: Medical, dental, and vision insurance for employees and families Retirement benefits, including a 401(k) plan Paid holidays, vacation, and sick days Job posting ends 07/21/2026. #J-18808-Ljbffr Merck & Co.