Applied Statistics Specialist

Job Description

Join us in shaping data-driven decisions at the heart of global Animal Health manufacturing, we are looking for a:

Applied Statistics Specialist

Welcome to our team
Our Data Science & Biostatistics team is at the forefront of enabling data‑informed decision‑making across Global Animal Health Manufacturing. By combining advanced statistical methodologies, modern data science techniques, and deep domain expertise, we help drive operational excellence, product quality, and innovation throughout the organization.

As we continue to expand our impact, we are seeking a Data Science professional with strong statistical knowledge who is eager to contribute to challenging analytical problems, collaborate with cross-functional partners, and help shape the data strategy that supports our global manufacturing network. Joining our team means becoming part of a dynamic, supportive environment where scientific rigor, curiosity, and continuous learning are central to everything we do.

About the role
As an Applied Statistics Specialist you will have the opportunity to apply advanced statistical methods to complex and meaningful challenges in pharmaceutical manufacturing—an environment where data science looks different from typical use cases. You’ll work with limited or imperfect data, navigate complex process landscapes, and explore bioprocesses that often require thoughtful statistical design, simulation, and problem-solving.

In this position, you will contribute to important business areas such as quality control, yield optimization, maintenance, deviation management, and regulatory submissions.

As part of a globally connected and innovation-driven team, you’ll have the opportunity to grow your expertise in both advanced data science and applied statistics, while making a tangible impact on real-world processes and outcomes.

Tasks and responsibilities include but are not limited to

• Lead end‑to‑end data science and statistical projects to address manufacturing challenges, applying advanced methods (DOE, SPC, regression, GLMs, multivariate analysis, optimization, simulation, predictive modeling, machine learning, etc.).
• Perform data quality assessments, maintain metadata awareness and prepare reports for stakeholders and regulatory submissions.
• Develop reproducible, well‑documented code and data science pipelines.
• Automate repeatable tasks and integrate data science into operational workflows.
• Communicate complex statistical and modeling results clearly, to both technical and non-technical audiences, and provide actionable recommendations.
• Stay current with modern predictive modeling, statistical methods and machine learning methodologies.
• Collaborate closely with Operations, Quality, Engineering and Regulatory teams across regions.

Your profile

• An MSc (or higher) in Statistics, Mathematics, Computer Science, Physics, Economics, or a related field, with a strong focus on statistics and data science.

• At least 2 years of hands-on experience in data science, statistics or biostatistics role; experience in pharmaceutical or manufacturing environments is a plus.
• Familiarity with methods such as DOE, SPC, GLMs, multivariate analysis, simulations, predictive modeling, time series, stochastic processes, optimization and machine learning.
• Proficiency in R and/or Python.
• Experience with sound coding practices and collaborative tools (e.g., Git), or a willingness to learn.
• Ability to work with incomplete or imperfect data and translate insights into meaningful recommendations within a manufacturing or business context.
• Strong analytical thinking and problem-solving skills.
• Clear and effective communication skills, with the ability to engage a variety of stakeholders.
• Comfortable working independently, while also thriving in a collaborative, international team environment.

What we offer 

We welcome you to a truly global, dynamic and challenging environment with great opportunities for personal development. Our benefits depend on the job location but are in any case very competitive. 

Animal Health Division
Our Animal Health division is a trusted global leader in veterinary medicine, dedicated to the health and well-being of animals. We are a global team of professionals working together to make a positive difference in animal care and the world’s food supply and have a deep sense of responsibility towards our customers, consumers, animals, society and our planet. We offer one of our industry’s most innovative portfolio of products, services and technologies that serve to prevent, treat, and control diseases across all major farm and companion animal species.                    

For questions about this vacancy
Please send an email including the vacancy number and job title to the following email address: RecruitmentNL@MSD.com

Required Skills:

Business Intelligence (BI), Data Analysis, Data Engineering, Data Modeling, Data Science, Data Visualization, Design of Experiments (DOE), Machine Learning (ML), Statistical Methods, Statistics, Waterfall Model

Preferred Skills:

Python (Programming Language), R Programming

Current Employees apply HERE

Current Contingent Workers apply HERE

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 search firms for employment opportunities. All CVs / resumes submitted by search firms to any employee at our company without a valid written search agreement in place for this position will be deemed the sole property of our company.  No fee will be paid in the event a candidate is hired by our company as a result of an agency referral where no pre-existing agreement is in place. Where agency agreements are in place, introductions are position specific. Please, no phone calls or emails. 

Employee Status:

Regular

Relocation:

VISA Sponsorship:

Travel Requirements:

Flexible Work Arrangements:

Hybrid

Shift:

Valid Driving License:

Hazardous Material(s):

Job Posting End Date:

06/5/2026

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