Director, Cheminformatics - Modeling & Informatics

Job Description Director, Cheminformatics - Modeling & Informatics The successful candidate will bring exceptional matrix leadership and managerial skills to drive cheminformatics and data science innovation that amplifies pipeline impact across our discovery organization. They will lead a team of highly skilled cheminformatics professionals and create an environment that supports the growth of data science talent through sustained engagement with stakeholders in chemistry, biology, and IT. In this role, the candidate will guide the development and application of cheminformatics capabilities that enable and enhance decision-making across the drug discovery process. The team serves as a force multiplier—translating key scientific questions into scalable data architectures, workflows, and algorithmic innovations that are broadly deployed across programs. They will partner closely with stakeholders to ensure optimal use of resources and platforms provided by our research division's IT department, and to embed cheminformatics solutions into the DMTA cycle. Through active participation in cross-functional and cross-divisional data science communities, they will help shape and advance a data-fluent culture across the organization. As a people manager, the successful candidate will demonstrate a passion for talent development and foster a diverse, inclusive, and high-performing team culture that empowers individuals and strengthens collaboration across sites. Responsibilities Sets vision and strategy for cheminformatics capabilities and platforms that accelerate scientific learning and decision-making in drug discovery Leads a multi-site team of cheminformatics and data science specialists, spanning data engineering, analytics, and scientific software development Actively develops talent, fosters diversity of thought, and builds an inclusive culture that engages and empowers all team members Engages stakeholders across the drug discovery spectrum—from early target identification and chemical biology through lead optimization and safety—to understand needs and enable impactful solutions Translates scientific challenges into scalable data architectures, workflows, and algorithmic approaches that can be broadly leveraged across multiple projects Drives development of next-generation cheminformatics workflows through integration of modern technologies, including machine learning (e.g., generative and predictive modeling), knowledge graphs, and emerging AI approaches Ensures that developed capabilities are effectively deployed and adopted in collaboration with project teams and modeling partners Builds and maintains strong partnerships with IT to co-develop robust, sustainable platforms supporting scientific workflows Balances strategic investment in new capabilities with effective utilization of existing solutions to maximize organizational value Collaborates with leaders across Bioinformatics, Biostatistics, Quantitative Biology, and Modeling to align on data science strategy and priorities Contributes to cross-divisional alignment on the role of data science and informatics in the organization Works closely with Modeling, Structure, and Biophysics leadership to identify opportunities where cheminformatics can enhance broader modeling and discovery efforts Maintains visibility across the discovery portfolio to identify emerging needs and opportunities for scalable cheminformatics support Education Requirements BS, MS or PhD in cheminformatics, bioinformatics, chemistry, biology, biochemistry, physics, statistics, computational chemistry, computational biology, data science, AI/ML, computer science, math, pharmaceutical sciences, engineering, or a related STEM field Required Experience and Skills PhD and 7+ years of professional experience applying computational and data science approaches to interdisciplinary scientific problems in drug discovery, MS and 9+ years of experience, OR BS and 13+ years of experience. 2+ years of managerial experience with demonstrated strength in team building, talent development, and inclusive leadership Experience designing and implementing modern computational workflows, including coding best practices, cloud-based systems, and MLOps/DataOps approaches Strong understanding of cheminformatics, data analytics, and data engineering in the context of early drug discovery Experience enabling predictive modeling and advanced analytical approaches in a collaborative, matrixed environment Demonstrated ability to collaborate across functions and influence strategy across scientific and technical domains Experience engaging effectively with IT organizations to co-develop scalable platforms Strong communication and stakeholder engagement skills, with the ability to translate complex technical concepts into actionable solutions #

EligibleforERP Required Skills:

Aprendizaje automático (ML), Ciencia de datos, Computación de la nube, Desarrollo de modelo, Diseño de fármacos asistido por ordenador, Gestión del personal, Gestión de relaciones con las partes interesadas, Inteligencia artificial (IA), Modelado de datos, Participación del interesado, Proceso de descubrimiento de fármacos, Química, Química computacional, Quimioinformática, Relación cuantitativa estructura-actividad (QSAR)

Preferred Skills:

Current Employees apply HERE Current Contingent Workers apply HERE Solo para residentes en EE. UU. y

Puerto Rico:

Nuestra empresa está comprometida con la inclusión, velando para que las personas puedan participar en un proceso de contratación que muestre sus verdaderas capacidades. Haga clic aquí si necesita adaptaciones durante el proceso de solicitud o contratación. Somos un empleador que ofrece igualdad de oportunidades, comprometido con fomentar un lugar de trabajo inclusivo y diverso. Todos los solicitantes calificados recibirán consideración para el empleo sin distinción de raza, color, edad, religión, sexo, orientación sexual, identidad de género, origen nacional, estado de veterano protegido, o estado de discapacidad, u otras características protegidas legalmente aplicables. Para obtener más información sobre los derechos personales bajo las leyes de empleo de igualdad de oportunidades de los EE. UU., visite: EEOC Conozca sus derechos EEOC Suplemento GINA Transparencia de pago No discriminación Orgullosos de ser una empresa que adopta el valor de reunir a personas diversas, talentosas y comprometidas. La forma más rápida de lograr una innovación revolucionaria es cuando las ideas diversas se unen en un entorno inclusivo. Alentamos a nuestros colegas a desafiar respetuosamente el pensamiento de los demás y abordar los problemas de manera colectiva. Learn more about your rights, including under California, Colorado and other US State Acts The salary range for this role is $236,000.00 - $371,500.00 This is the lowest to highest salary we in good faith believe we would pay for this role at the time of this posting. An employee's position within the salary range will be based on several factors including, but not limited to relevant education, qualifications, certifications, experience, skills, geographic location, government requirements, and business or organizational needs. The successful candidate will be eligible for annual bonus and long-term incentive, if applicable. We offer a comprehensive package of benefits. Available benefits include medical, dental, vision healthcare and other insurance benefits (for employee and family), retirement benefits, including 401(k), paid holidays, vacation, and compassionate and sick days. More information about benefits is available at https://jobs.merck.com/us/en/compensation-and-benefits. You can apply for this role through https://jobs.merck.com/us/en (or via the Workday Jobs Hub if you are a current employee). The application deadline for this position is stated on this posting.

San Francisco Residents Only:

We will consider qualified applicants with arrest and conviction records for employment in compliance with the

San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance Los Angeles Residents Only:

We will consider for employment all qualified applicants, including those with criminal histories, in a manner consistent with the requirements of applicable state and local laws, including the City of Los Angeles' Fair Chance Initiative for Hiring Ordinance 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:

Contrato indefinido

Relocation:

Domestic VISA Sponsorship:

Yes Travel Requirements:

10%

Flexible Work Arrangements:

Not Applicable Shift:

Not Indicated Valid Driving License:

No Hazardous Material(s): n/a

Job Posting End Date:

06/24/2026 •A job posting is effective until 11:59:59PM on the day BEFORE the listed job posting end date. Please ensure you apply to a job posting no later than the day BEFORE the job posting end date. Nuestra compañía es líder mundial de atención de la salud con una cartera diversificada de medicamentos con receta, vacunas y productos de salud animal. La diferencia entre potencial y logro radica en la chispa que alimenta la innovación y la creatividad; este es el espacio donde hemos codificado nuestro legado durante más de un siglo. Nuestro éxito está respaldado por la integridad ética, el impulso hacia adelante y una misión inspiradora para lograr nuevos hitos en la atención sanitaria global.