Director, Data Science, Foundation Model Ai

Merck & Co., Inc.

Rahway, NJ, USA
Base: $194,100.00 - $305,600.00; bonus/equity: ann...
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Deep technical expertise in classical machine learning
Experience training large multi-modal foundation models
Proven leadership of ml researchers and engineers
** Merck & Co., Inc. is seeking a Director of Data Science for Foundation Model AI in Rahway, NJ, to lead a team focused on developing AI/ML solutions to improve drug discovery and understanding complex diseases. Candidates should possess significant experience in machine learning and AI, particularly with large-scale models, and have a strong interest in life sciences. The position offers a hybrid work model and a competitive salary along with comprehensive benefits. **

Job Summary

  • This role leads a team responsible for advancing the understanding of complex diseases through large foundation model development and bespoke methods for biological data.
  • The successful candidate will have access to high-performance clusters with several hundred state-of-the-art GPUs and collaborate with cross-functional experts across the company.
  • Employees are eligible for an annual bonus, long-term incentives, and a comprehensive benefits package including medical, dental, vision, and 401(k) retirement plans.

Matching Summary

Match Score: 75

** Merck & Co., Inc. is seeking a Director of Data Science for Foundation Model AI in Rahway, NJ, to lead a team focused on developing AI/ML solutions to improve drug discovery and understanding complex diseases. Candidates should possess significant experience in machine learning and AI, particularly with large-scale models, and have a strong interest in life sciences. The position offers a hybrid work model and a competitive salary along with comprehensive benefits. **

Salary

Base: $194,100.00 - $305,600.00; Bonus/Equity: Annual bonus and long-term incentive eligible; Benefits: Medical, dental, vision, 401(k), paid holidays

Skills & Requirements

Must-have

  • Deep technical expertise in classical machine learning
  • Experience training large multi-modal foundation models
  • Proven leadership of ML researchers and engineers
  • Expertise in PyTorch ecosystem and Python programming
  • Experience with parameter-efficient fine-tuning techniques

Nice-to-have

  • Interest in life sciences and disease biology
  • Experience with diffusion modeling and flow matching
  • Background in reinforcement learning for reasoning
  • Strong publication record in top-tier AI conferences
  • Willingness to collaborate with external academia

Key Requirements

  • PhD in STEM field with 7+ years experience or MS with 10+ years
  • World-class expertise demonstrated by publications in NeurIPS, ICML, ICLR
  • Experience designing novel architectures for multi-modal foundation models
  • US work authorization required (Visa sponsorship available)

Work Rights

Not specified

Sponsorship: available

Tailored Resume

Cover Letter