Building AI with purpose: Natural language processing with MSD’s Shadasha Williams

MSD is unified in one purpose: to use the power of leading-edge science to save and improve lives around the world. For more than a century, the company (known as Merck & Company, Inc. in the United States and Canada) has been at the forefront of research, bringing medicines, vaccines, and innovative health solutions for the world’s most challenging diseases. Right now, MSD is expanding its AI and software engineering teams in the Czech Republic, hiring mid- and senior-level talent. 

We caught up with Shadasha Williams, a Senior NLP Engineer at MSD, to hear about her journey from intern to senior engineer. From exciting projects and developments to supportive work-life balance and a commitment to ethical AI, Williams shares firsthand insight into what makes MSD a great place to grow.

I started as an intern in 2016, working across different teams but always focused on NLP solutions. After a few years, I decided to explore other opportunities and work at a startup, however, I soon returned because I realized I missed the life I had at MSD. I missed the atmosphere and benefits, work-life balance, and a team that I trust. I started as an intern, moved to the role of a junior engineer, and now I’m a senior engineer.

Our team works on several key projects within the Hyperautomation & AI team. One of the key projects we are working on is enhancing our internal suite of private enterprise tools powered by Generative AI, which we are expanding across the entire enterprise.

I’m really passionate about that, and I know we are working toward a much higher goal. In my role, I focus on speeding up processes with these tools. Overall, we aim to automate tasks that would otherwise slow down the bright minds in our company, helping them focus on innovation rather than routine work. While I don’t work directly in the lab, my team provides the technology that supports the work of biochemists and researchers.

One of our team’s most important traits is its dynamic nature. We work on multiple projects simultaneously, so the ability to quickly shift focus is key. Since we’re a large team, collaboration is essential, and having strong communication skills is necessary. It’s also important to have people who are curious and eager to learn about cutting-edge developments.

Our larger team is divided into three sub-teams - where one team focuses heavily on development and consists mainly of backend and software engineers who maintain the APIs essential for our tools. The other two teams focus on smaller projects, primarily involving specialists (in machine learning, natural language processing, and computer vision). 

We have backend developers in both of the smaller project teams to support them, but we’re looking for well-rounded individuals who understand backend processes while also specializing in machine learning, computer vision, and language processing.

We have a structured process for every project involving AI. We follow a detailed checklist and have an internal ethics board that reviews all AI projects. We focus on ensuring transparency with our users, especially when dealing with large language models, which can sometimes generate misleading information.

We work hard to educate users on the limitations and risks and ensure open communication with business teams to keep them informed of our processes and testing. Ensuring ethical AI development is a continuous, collaborative effort between teams and business stakeholders.

We are a large company with over 1,000 people in the Prague office, but despite its size, there's a strong push for community. I am surrounded by very bright and intelligent people and this is something I am very grateful for.

There are various meetups and interest groups, such as running or language exchange, that help us connect. For example, I've been doing a language exchange, teaching English and learning Czech from a colleague, which has been a fantastic experience. There's even been interest in starting a knitting club!

The company really supports integration, especially for the many non-Czech employees, by fostering not just inclusion into Czech culture but the broader MSD culture. Personally, I’ve made close friends here. There is a strong sense of collaboration, which is rare in big corporations but more typical in startups. MSD combines professionalism with a friendly, interactive environment, which I truly appreciate.

I love living in Prague, and I think working at MSD enhances that experience. I’ve been here for eight years, five of which have been at MSD (where I even met my partner!). There's a great sense of balance. While we aren’t required to be in the office every day, most teams choose to meet in person a couple of times a week, which fosters deeper connections. MSD offers excellent benefits, and the community at work enriches life in Prague, especially for expats like me. It helps bridge cultural divides and brings together people from different backgrounds, which I find incredibly valuable as a foreigner.

The most unique thing about MSD is the ability to explore different roles and interests within the company. We have a system called “gigs,” which allows employees to work on projects outside their core roles, fostering personal and professional growth. This dynamic environment is rare in large corporations.

MSD also supports continuous learning and development through training or time allocated for personal growth. For example, I dedicate Fridays to training and activities that help advance my career. It’s not just about doing your job; there’s a lot of flexibility and support for pursuing what excites you. 

Everyone at our company works hard in their roles, but they also live full, interesting lives outside of work. For example, my boss is a pilot in his free time, which is fascinating. Many colleagues have diverse hobbies and passions, and the company fully supports that balance between professional dedication and personal life. To be frank, the combination of a diverse and inclusive culture; interesting, stimulating work, and a strong work-life balance is what (in my opinion) makes MSD truly stand out as an employer.