Assoc. Director - Programmer (AI & Automation) (Hybrid)

Job Description We aspire to be the premier research-intensive biopharmaceutical company. We're at the forefront of research to deliver innovative health solutions that advance the prevention and treatment of diseases in people and animals. Join our team and contribute to our mission of using the power of leading‑edge science to save and improve lives around the world. Responsibilities Oversee and coordinate clinical database activities across multiple clinical programs, including review of eCRFs, edit check specifications, and database development Ensure adherence to clinical database standards, SOPs, and process guidelines Plan and manage timelines for database deliverables; identify and elevate risks appropriately Interface with study teams and stakeholders to integrate requirements into deliverables Align with CDS leadership to ensure consistency of technical strategies and execution Lead and participate in improvement initiatives, including task forces, automations, and exploration of emerging digital capabilities (e.g., advanced analytics, AI-enabled tools) Contribute strategies and innovative solutions to enhance processes and increase productivity, including the appropriate use of automation and data-driven approaches Support testing and evaluation of new systems, tools, and capabilities Coordinate and contribute to CDS technical initiatives that improve efficiency and scalability Serve as subject matter expert (SME) in clinical database and EDC activities, including database development and data integration Increase functional effectiveness by supporting efforts to simplify and standardize processes, including identifying opportunities for automation and improved data workflows Provide technical guidance, best practices, and knowledge sharing across the team and broader organization Provide oversight and guidance to Clinical Database Developers Support recruitment, onboarding, mentoring, and technical development of team members Contribute to performance management input and capability development planning Lead or contribute to functional and cross-functional meetings Communicate clinical database processes, requirements, and risks effectively to stakeholders and vendors Support alignment, decision-making, and continuous improvement efforts Qualifications Required Bachelor's degree in Computer Science or related discipline (or equivalent experience) Minimum of 5 years of experience in pharmaceutical clinical research / data management Experience in clinical database development, EDC systems, and data management processes Strong understanding of clinical database design, eCRFs, edit checks, and data collection frameworks Knowledge of EDC and data management systems Familiarity with clinical data standards, regulatory requirements, and GxP/ICH guidelines Understanding of end-to-end clinical data lifecycle and data cleaning processes Strong stakeholder management and cross-functional collaboration skills Effective communication and ability to translate technical concepts clearly Strong organizational, prioritization, and multi-project management skills Ability to work independently and manage competing priorities High attention to detail and commitment to quality and compliance Preferred Experience in technology implementation and/or system evaluation Exposure to automation tools, data workflows, and process optimization approaches Demonstrated awareness of emerging digital capabilities, including automation and AI, and their potential application within clinical data management Ability to identify opportunities to improve processes using data-driven and automation approaches, while ensuring compliance within regulated environments Required Skills Adaptability Artificial Intelligence (AI) Automation Clinical Database Programming Clinical Data Management Clinical Data Standards Clinical Development Clinical Trials Operations Data Analysis Data Engineering Data Quality Assurance Data Reporting Data Validation Detail-Oriented Drug Discovery Process Escalation Management FDA Regulations Good Clinical Data Management Practice (GCDMP) Good Clinical Practice (GCP) Integration Architecture Interpersonal Relationships Mentoring Staff Project Management Tools Release Management Additional skills not listed Preferred Skills Compensation & Benefits Salary range: $142,400.00 - $224,100.00. The salary range is the lowest to highest figure we in good faith believe we would pay for this role at the time of this posting. An employee’s position within the 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. Benefits: 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. Medical, Demographic, and Regulatory Information 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 the EEOC resources. Employee Information Employee Status: Regular Relocation: No relocation VISA Sponsorship: No Travel Requirements: 10% Flexible Work Arrangements: Hybrid Shift: Not Indicated Valid Driving License: No Hazardous Material(s): n/a Job Posting End Date: 06/20/2026 Requisition ID: R399669 Special Qualifications by Location 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. To apply for this role, submit your application through the official job portal. Legal Notice Merck & Co., Inc. does not accept unsolicited assistance from search firms. All CVs / resumes submitted by search firms without a valid written agreement for this position will be deemed the sole property of our company. #J-18808-Ljbffr Merck & Co.