Career Insights: Shervin Maleki on Data Science and Healthcare Innovation

In our most recent edition of the Career Insights blog series, we had the pleasure of speaking with Shervin Maleki, a Senior Data Scientist at MMS. He shares his curiosity in data science, his professional journey, and walks us through his everyday work. He also provides insight into the unique opportunities of his role. 

Can you walk us through your background and your professional journey? 

I earned a master’s degree in biomedical engineering from the University of Southern California. I started my career in the medical device industry at Johnson & Johnson and Becton Dickinson. I later transitioned into the pharmaceutical industry, working at Amgen on commercial data analysis. After, I worked at United Therapeutics as a Senior Data Scientist, working on EHR and claims data specific to the medical industry. These experiences have collectively led me to MMS. I’m eager to continue leveraging data to improve the healthcare sector. 

What is your role at MMS? 

I design and validate custom dashboards. I work closely with biostatisticians and utilize tools such as Python, artificial intelligence, and machine learning to meet our clients’ needs. I apply data science to solve complex problems across the pharmaceutical and medical device industries, such as streamlining clinical trial operations, uncovering insights from real-world evidence, and developing predictive models that inform better decisions. 

What drives you every day? What is your “why” when you wake up? 

My motivation has always been rooted in helping people live healthier, better lives. Whether through medical devices, pharmaceutical data, or clinical analytics, my goal has remained the same: it is to improve quality of life. I know how difficult life can be when dealing with chronic illness or pain, and being a part of the healthcare system gives me great purpose and meaning through the work I can do. 

What does a typical week look like in your role? 

Mondays typically begin with internal team meetings where we align on weekly priorities and deliverables. We also meet with clients to gather feedback on any recent submissions. Then, we divide and conquer. I spend time individually working on projects, regrouping midweek to review progress, and delivering updates. Even though we work remotely, I speak with my manager and teammates five to six times a day, so it feels like a tight-knit team community. There is a strong culture of real-time collaboration, which enriches my experience and brings me great pleasure. 

What is the best aspect of your role? 

I love the opportunity to learn new tools and techniques. For example, although I previously used Tableau, I have also become skilled in Power BI, thanks to the support of my MMS teammates. I also appreciate the fast-paced nature of the work. Each week brings new challenges, keeping our work dynamic and exciting. Most importantly, the people I work with are truly remarkable. We are always communicating with each other and are willing to help each other succeed.  

What challenges have you faced in this role? How did you overcome them? 

Initially, onboarding remotely was a challenge for me. However, I made it a point to schedule meetings and introduce myself to our team every chance I got. Over time, it was amazing to get to know everyone through our project work. Another challenge was navigating the time zone difference. I am based on the West Coast, and most of my team is based on the East Coast, which means some early mornings, but it also creates a unique advantage for me. When my East Coast teammates log off, I still have time to continue work, which gives us extended hours for project coverage. 

How will AI or other trends reshape data science in the next five years?  

The last few years have been transformative in every sense, especially with the rise of generative artificial intelligence. Tools like ChatGPT are changing the way we work and think. These technologies will dramatically improve the speed and efficiency of drug development and clinical trials. By lowering costs and shortening timelines, we can enable more companies to participate in research and innovation, thereby expanding access to opportunities and enhancing overall competitiveness. That leads to better treatments reaching more people more quickly. I am very optimistic about the long-term impact of these newer technologies in healthcare.  

What are your interests outside of work? 

Working remotely makes it even more important that I get out of the house and stay active. I play tennis every week and go to the gym three times a week. I’m not particularly big on music, but I’m an avid podcast listener. I love listening to podcasts while I’m cooking, cleaning, or relaxing. 

Do you have any final thoughts you’d like to share? 

I have grown both professionally and personally during my time here at MMS. During the recent Los Angeles fires, my team was always there for me. They checked in on me and supported me without a second thought. That kind of care is rare and special, and I cherish it very deeply. I recently discovered that I live just a few minutes away from one of my teammates in Santa Monica, which made me feel even more connected. 
Thank you, Shervin, for sharing your story with us! 

– The MMS Team 

For more insights about our data science capabilities, click the following link: https://mmsholdings.com/services/data-science/ 

To learn more about career opportunities at MMS, click here: https://mmsholdings.com/careers/ 

About Shervin Maleki 

Shervin Maleki is a Senior Data Scientist at MMS Holdings. He has a strong background in biomedical engineering, with experience in both the medical device and pharmaceutical industries. Shervin brings technical rigor with a human-centered approach that drives his work. Shervin employs machine learning and data science tools to facilitate efficient drug development and decision-making.