Technical Leader, Data Foundations

About the role

MSD is looking for a Technical Leader for data foundations in its RaDS value team, based in Prague. The role ensures the smooth flow of research data between data capture systems, lab and archival systems and storage, and sets up initial master and reference data capabilities for early-stage research entities such as small molecules and biologics. It drives engineering for application and lab data movement and storage from internal labs and CROs.

Key responsibilities

• Partner with the product line leader to understand data movement and integration needs between applications, systems of record and systems of truth, and from CROs and data providers to the company network.
• Lead services that deliver application and data integrations, with reliable, secure and scalable patterns using industry-standard tools.
• Ensure high-quality ingestion, schema evolution handling, lineage capture and observability across pipelines, and champion batch, micro-batch and streaming ingestion.
• Own the architecture, design, deployment and operation of secure, auditable data transfer services for inbound transfers from CROs and external providers and transfers between internal storage locations.
• Design reference data management (RDM) and master data management (MDM) to standardize vocabularies and provide trusted master records for samples, reagents, compounds and biological entities.
• Lead architecture and engineering for application, data integration and data transfers, including hands-on work on architecture, integration patterns, code reviews and proof of concept.
• Support the setup of GxP systems where applicable, with compliance, audit readiness and data integrity (ALCOA+).
• Mentor engineering leaders and communicate complex data concepts to technical and non-technical stakeholders.

Required profile

• Bachelor's or advanced degree in a basic science or in computer science/engineering.
• 5+ years in technical design and architecture leadership, especially in biopharma or healthcare.
• 7+ years of hands-on technical and architectural work in application and data integration.
• Experience setting up and supporting GxP systems, with knowledge of data integrity, validation and compliance.
• Team player with experience mentoring others.

Required skills

• Cloud storage and compute (e.g. AWS, Azure) and automation and monitoring tools.
• Agile methodologies, SDLC and product management frameworks.
• Familiarity with lab informatics (ELN/LIMS), data lakes/repositories, metadata, ontologies and research entity master data.
• Preferred: biopharma experience, hands-on ELN/LIMS exposure, and FAIR data principles.