Senior Specialist: Data Engineer for Upstream Biologics

What Merck Offers

Join a collaborative, multidisciplinary team in Boston as a Senior Specialist, Data Engineer for Upstream Biologics. This onsite role with hybrid flexibility provides comprehensive benefits, a strong emphasis on inclusion, and opportunities to influence upstream analytics and process development. The position offers a salary range of USD 117,000 to 184,200 per year and requires a PhD with at least two years of experience. You will work within a dynamic, integrated environment that values scientific curiosity and cross-functional partnership.

Responsibilities

• Design and maintain scalable data pipelines to ingest experimental and process data from upstream biologics source systems.
• Provide analysis-ready datasets for upstream digital initiatives, including process characterization models, scale-up predictions, multivariate analytics, and high throughput workflows.
• Map instrument outputs and experimental results to ensure ontology alignment and interoperability across data sources.
• Create and maintain visualizations, dashboards, and reports that enable scientists to explore data across runs, molecules, and scales.
• Support system of record standards by promoting consistent data entry practices.
• Identify data quality issues, metadata gaps, and inconsistencies, contributing to continuous improvement of upstream data capture practices.
• Collaborate with upstream process development scientists, analytical scientists, and engineers to translate evolving data needs into pipeline requirements.
• Coordinate with adjacent domain engineers to ensure seamless data handoffs at domain boundaries.
• Maintain and version all pipeline code in GitHub, following team standards for code review, documentation, and deployment.
• Demonstrate strong interpersonal, communication, and collaboration skills within a dynamic, multidisciplinary team.
• Model and promote inclusion, fostering a supportive culture where all can thrive.

Requirements

• Proficiency in Python or R programming.
• Experience with development environments such as Jupyter, Posit/RStudio, or VS Code.
• Strong SQL skills with hands-on experience writing and optimizing queries for relational databases and data warehouses.
• Experience with ETL/ELT processes and building data pipelines in a scientific or pharmaceutical context.
• Familiarity with version control systems (Git/GitHub) and collaborative software development practices.
• Ability to work in a team environment with cross-functional interactions.
• Motivation to learn new skills, willingness to take on new challenges, and scientific curiosity.

Technologies

• Python, R, Jupyter, Posit/RStudio, VS Code, SQL, Git, GitHub
• Databricks, Delta Lake, Streamlit, Shiny, PowerBI, Spotfire, Tableau
• Allotrope Simple Model, ISA-88, OPC-UA

Benefits

• Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision coverage for you and your family
• Retirement benefits including a 401(k) plan
• Paid holidays
• Paid vacation
• Paid compassionate and sick leave

Required and Preferred Skills

• Analytical acumen
• Biopharmaceutical industry familiarity
• Data modeling and data visualization proficiency
• Engineering principles and equipment qualification awareness
• Pharmaceutical sciences and NPI exposure
• Molecular and cell culture understanding

• Current Employees apply HERE
• Current Contingent Workers apply HERE

Additional Details

• Location: Boston, MA, onsite with hybrid options
• Salary: USD 117,000 – 184,200 per year
• Education required: PhD
• Minimum experience: 2 years
• Requisition ID: R404620
• Flexible work arrangements: Hybrid
• Employee status: Regular

Accommodations and Compliance

• US and Puerto Rico residents: accommodations available during the application or hiring process.
• San Francisco residents: fair chance considerations apply where required by law.
• Los Angeles residents: hiring practices comply with applicable state and local laws.