Artificial Intelligence (AI) Ethics and Governance Specialist

Job Description

Job title: Artificial Intelligence (AI) Ethics and Governance Associate Specialist

• Opportunity to be a part of a diverse and dynamic AI Ethics and Governance team in Singapore!

• Based in Singapore, the regional hub for Asia Pacific (AP) and top-ranked biopharmaceutical company on The Straits Times and Statista’s list of Best Employers in Singapore for three consecutive years (2020, 2021, 2022).

• Join the premier biopharmaceutical company that has been in Singapore for more than 25 years and in AP for over 60 years.

Artificial intelligence is transforming the way we save and improve lives. The rising use of machine learning and advanced analytics brings great potential as well as risks of unintended consequences. Effectively scaling AI from bench to production rests on doing the right thing, with ethical policies, responsible development, and implementations that respect people, fairness, inclusion, and prevent harm.

As an AI Ethics and Governance Specialist, you will be part of our diverse and dynamic AI Ethics and Governance team based in our Singapore Technology Center working on AI risk assessment and governance processes in the organization.

You will be part of a key global project, working alongside subject matter experts and honing your skills and expertise in responsible AI. We are a highly collaborative team and our work is inherently cross-functional. You will have the chance to meet and work with stakeholders across the organization including senior leaders and have exposure to projects in human and animal health, business operations, supply chain management, clinical research, and IT.

Be a pioneer in the rapidly growing and recognized field of Responsible AI. In this role, you will have the opportunity to explore and work on our team’s multiple focus areas depending on your interest and expertise:

Primary Responsibilities:

• Find and Mitigate Risks in AI Projects. Take an analytical approach to assess AI systems for potential risks and impacts and prevent harm to people, patients and society.

• Grow as an responsible AI consultant. Work with business and technical stakeholders and the AI Ethics and Governance team to understand business needs and recommend appropriate mitigations and guardrails for responsible AI design.

• Test and evaluate cutting edge AI. Support testing and evaluation of AI models, agents and systems for performance, safety, security and explainability (XAI), including both quantitative methods and qualitative assessments.

• Support development and implementation of policy processes and further the field of AI ethics. Be involved with building a safe, responsible, and ethical AI ecosystem in the organization and external industry, with opportunities to support community engagement and training initiatives.

• Research and stay on top of AI developments, best practices, and regulatory changes. Experience opportunities to develop guidance and contribute to external initiatives.

If you would describe yourself as:

• Self-motivated and driven to learn new topics and develop your domain expertise; Finds excitement in working at the bleeding edge in an emerging field.

• Passionate about building a fairer and more inclusive AI ecosystem with respect for all; Has a keen interest in AI ethics, responsible AI, including policy, legal or regulatory landscape for emerging technologies, data privacy, or intellectual property.

• Enjoys working in a diverse and cross-functional team; Has good communication and interpersonal skills.

Education Qualification:

• Bachelor’s or Master’s Degree in any Field.

Experience and Skills:

• Knowledge of AI ethics and responsible AI concepts, Generative AI, agentic systems and the emerging technology landscape.

• Hands-on code development experience in Data Science, Machine Learning, Generative AI and agentic systems (Python, generative models / LLMs, synthetic data, etc.)

• Ability to communicate and express technical viewpoints to senior stakeholders with succinctness and clarity.

• 0 to 2 years relevant working experience. Recent graduates are welcome to apply.

• Qualifications in analytical and technology disciplines, such as Engineering, Sciences, Mathematics, Computer Science or in Law, Philosophy or Psychology are encouraged to apply. Candidates are evaluated on a case-by case basis. Candidates with relevant experience are encouraged to apply.

Desired Experience and Skills:

• Knowledge of Explainable AI (SHAP, LIME, etc.)

• Experience in trust and safety, risk management, governance or related.

• Knowledge of law, IP, policy, regulatory processes, or industry standards in AI or related fields.

• Domain knowledge in pharmaceutical business areas such as research, clinical, manufacturing, commercial and corporate functions is highly regarded

What we look for …

Imagine getting up in the morning for a job as important as helping to save and improve lives around the world. Here, you have that opportunity. You can put your empathy, creativity, digital mastery, or scientific genius to work in collaboration with a diverse group of colleagues who pursue and bring hope to countless people who are battling some of the most challenging diseases of our time. Our team is constantly evolving, so if you are among the intellectually curious, join us—and start making your impact today.

We are proud to be a company that embraces the value of bringing diverse, talented, and committed people together. The fastest way to breakthrough innovation is when diverse ideas come together in an inclusive environment. We encourage our colleagues to respectfully challenge one another’s thinking and approach problems collectively. We are an equal opportunity employer, committed to fostering an inclusive and diverse workplace.

Required Skills:

Analytical Thinking, Artificial Intelligence (AI), Artificial Intelligence Ethics, Business Administration, Business Management, Business Operations, Clinical Research, Clinical Trials, Data Science, Emerging Technologies, Explainable AI, Generative AI, Machine Learning (ML), Pharmaceutical Management, Policy Implementation, Researching, Responsible AI, Risk Management, Stakeholder Engagement

Preferred Skills:

Intellectual Property, Law, Python (Programming Language), Regulatory Compliance, Software Development

Current Employees apply HERE

Current Contingent Workers apply HERE

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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:

07/31/2026

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