Associate Director, Research Data Protection & Analytics

Position Overview Information Sciences is seeking an Associate Director, Research Data Protection & Analytics to support R&D efforts related to insider risk, trade secret protection, and research data governance through advanced analysis and strategic collaboration. This role drives data‑driven decision‑making by uncovering actionable insights from complex datasets and delivering key metrics. Primary Activities Principal responsibility for managing the day‑to‑day activities for the program Contribute to asset identification Lead the maintenance and lifecycle tracking of assets Coordinate external monitoring strategies and communications Perform data analysis to derive insight and identify potential opportunities for the organization Deliver routine metrics to leadership to provide insight about activities within the organization Identify patterns and trends in large datasets to extract actionable insights Utilize complex analytical techniques to enhance data processing capabilities Conduct in‑depth data analysis to understand data relationships and inform decision‑making processes Develop and maintain dashboards, KPIs, and reporting for research data protection and insider risk activities Analyze patterns in research data movement, access, and handling to identify risk trends and improvement opportunities Partner with R&D stakeholders to understand research workflows and apply risk‑based protection controls Support asset identification and lifecycle tracking for critical research data and other crown jewel assets Translate analytical findings into recommendations for leadership and program strategy Partner closely with cross‑functional teams to communicate data‑driven recommendations and findings to stakeholders at various levels, including senior management Collaborate with team members to define key metrics and develop analytical frameworks Build stakeholder engagement through targeted outreach and communications Cultivate strategic partnerships, understand business needs, establish rapport, and nurture open communication to facilitate development of client‑focused programs and initiatives Act as agent for change in how we do our work Contribute to assessment of current and future information needs Maintain strong commitment to compliance and ethical standards in data handling and analysis Education & Experience Degree in a scientific, medical, data science, or mathematical discipline plus experience in the pharmaceutical/biotech industry. Bachelor's and 9+ years of experience Master's and 7+ years of experience PhD and 3+ years of experience Required Skills Experience with data loss prevention and information protection strategies Strong information governance skills, including identifying sensitive data, applying data classifications, mapping data handoffs/transfers across systems, and defining KPIs High degree of scientific literacy, enabling effective risk prioritization and continuous enhancement of data protection Experience creating or evolving policies, standards, and procedures for information protection, with a strong commitment to compliance and ethical standards Experience with programming languages such as Python or R, and proficiency in SQL for data extraction, manipulation, and analysis Ability to consolidate, interpret, and derive insights from complex datasets, and effectively communicate findings to both technical and non‑technical audiences Ability to maintain in‑depth knowledge of the research pipeline, disease and therapeutic areas, and relevant industry trends Work collaboratively in a matrixed, cross‑functional, and interdisciplinary environment, while developing and maintaining strong relationships with key internal departments and stakeholders Ability to influence and drive outcomes without direct authority Conduct outreach and training to promote data protection and governance practices Systematic problem‑solving, quick grasp of tasks, and superior attention to detail in developing tailored solutions, with a high degree of reliability and integrity Well‑organized and capable of balancing direction from others with taking initiative to manage multiple projects Data Analysis, Data Extraction, Data Loss Prevention (DLP), Information Protection, Machine Learning (ML), Microsoft Power Business Intelligence (BI), Prioritization, Scientific Literacy Preferred Skills Experience with natural language processing, machine learning, automation, PowerApps, PowerBI Experience with advanced functionality of Teams Knowledge of statistical concepts/modeling Benefits We offer a comprehensive package of benefits including medical, dental, vision, retirement benefits, paid holidays, vacation, and compassionate and sick days. Annual bonus and long‑term incentive may be eligible. Salary range: $142,400.00 - $224,100.00. Employment Details Employee status: Regular. Relocation: Domestic. Travel: 10%. Shift: Not indicated. Flexible Work Arrangements: Hybrid. Valid Driving License: No. 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. Location Requirements United States and Puerto Rico residents only. San Francisco Residents Only: We will consider qualified applicants with arrest and conviction records 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 applicable state and local laws. Posting End Date Job posting end date: 07/7/2026. #J-18808-Ljbffr Merck & Co.