Epidemiology Scientist

What you’ll do

As a Scientist, Epidemiology you will:

• Drive observational research and RWE generation
• Contribute to the design and development of robust observational studies and protocols across assigned products and therapeutic areas
• Lead and support studies using real‑world data from selected major U.S. databases, as well as UK and European sources (claims, EHRs, registries, biobanks, surveys and other RWD)
• Help develop analysis plans and data specifications, and interpret study findings to support internal decision‑making, regulatory submissions and publications
• Prepare high‑quality tables, figures, and summaries for internal governance, regulatory agencies, and scientific communications
• Partner across the organisation
• Collaborate closely with colleagues in Clinical Research, Regulatory Affairs, Safety, Statistics & Statistical Programming, Outcomes Research, Health Economics, Discovery Medicine, and Commercial
• Contribute epidemiologic input to product safety and risk management, post‑marketing safety studies, clinical development plans, and regulatory interactions
• Work as part of cross‑functional teams to ensure epidemiologic evidence is appropriately generated, understood, and applied
• Advance methods and science
• Maintain awareness of key external data sources, especially U.S., UK, and European assets, relevant to our therapeutic areas
• Stay current with evolving epidemiologic and analytic methods (e.g., propensity scores, causal inference; familiarity with ML/AI‑based approaches is a plus)
• Strengthen the company’s scientific reputation by authoring or contributing to manuscripts, presenting at scientific meetings, and participating in peer review where appropriate

Minimum education

• PhD in Epidemiology

Required experience and skills

• Demonstrated experience leading epidemiologic projects using large databases (e.g., national surveys, administrative claims, EHRs, disease registries), including familiarity with UK and European data assets
• Experience in infectious disease and/or vaccine epidemiology, with a clear interest in applying epidemiologic methods to infectious diseases and vaccine research
• Strong skills in observational study design and protocol development
• Experience working with large datasets in partnership with statisticians/programmers; proficiency in SAS and/or R, including the ability to independently manipulate, analyse, and interpret epidemiologic data
• Research output commensurate with career stage (e.g., peer‑reviewed manuscripts, abstracts, scientific presentations)
• Solid knowledge of core epidemiologic and pharmacoepidemiologic methods and of healthcare data structures in major markets
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills, with strong problem‑solving ability
• Proven ability to work effectively in cross‑functional teams and collaborate with colleagues from diverse scientific and professional backgrounds

Preferred experience and skills

• Broad experience applying epidemiologic methods to pharmaceutical or biotechnology research questions
• Familiarity with Good Pharmacovigilance Practices (GVP), Good Pharmacoepidemiology Practices, and FDA/EMA guidance on RWE/RWD

• Work with rich, diverse real‑world data sources from the U.S., UK, Europe, and beyond
• Influence decisions across the product lifecycle – from early development through post‑marketing
• Be part of a collaborative, scientifically rigorous Epidemiology department with strong links across R&D
• Grow your career in an environment that values innovation in methods, curiosity, and scientific excellence

If you are passionate about leveraging real‑world data and epidemiologic methods to improve patient outcomes, we would like to hear from you.

Required Skills:

Academic Research, Epidemiology, Health Economics, Medical Statistics, Methods and Tools, Observational Studies, Outcomes Research, Pharmacoepidemiology, Real World Data, Researching, Research Reporting, Scientific Presentations, Scientific Research, Scientific Writing, Technical Advice

Search Firm Representatives Please Read Carefully Merck & Co., Inc., Rahway, NJ, USA, also known as Merck Sharp & Dohme LLC, Rahway, NJ, USA, does not accept unsolicited assistance from…