Associate Principal Scientist, Laboratory Automation Engineer
Merck
2 days ago
Remote friendly (Rahway, NJ)
United States
Operations
Associate Principal Scientist, Laboratory Automation Engineer (Digital Technologies Lab Automation)
Responsibilities
- Design, develop, optimize, and operate robotic liquid handlers, robotic workcells, and other automation platforms for biopharmaceutical research (including liquid handling software development and potentially device integration and/or hardware design/implementation)
- Work alongside research scientists to translate experimental needs into automated solutions deployed across programs and modalities
- Create lab automation solutions integrating mechanical, electrical, and software components
- Collaborate with teams across automation, data science, modeling, and physical/digital automation disciplines
- Manage complex automation projects from conception through completion with diverse stakeholders
- Innovate automated workflows and platforms to improve performance, accessibility, maintainability, and reliability
- Integrate robotic systems with existing laboratory equipment and data capture systems
- Provide technical support, troubleshooting, and training to laboratory personnel
- Maintain detailed documentation of system configurations, procedures, and modifications
Education Minimum Requirements
- Ph.D. (Engineering, Robotics, Mechatronics, Chemistry, Physics, Biology, Pharmaceutical Sciences or related) + 3 years relevant experience
- M.S. (same fields) + 5 years relevant experience
- B.S. (same fields) + 7 years relevant experience
Required Experience and Skills
- Lab-based experience working with lab automation and equipment integration
- Proficient in designing, validating, optimizing, and operating robotic liquid handlers/workcells and other automation platforms
- Scripting/programming in Python, C#, VBA, JavaScript, and/or R (best practices: version control, design patterns, clean code)
- Experience with commercial lab automation platforms (Tecan, Biomek, Formulatrix, Hamilton)
- Experience integrating laboratory instruments with custom or commercial software
- Understanding of (bio)pharmaceutical process R&D, drug product development, and/or analytical development
- Ability to work independently in an entrepreneurial style while being a team player
- Strong collaboration and communication skills with technicians and vendors
- Experience leading technical projects with cross-functional teams
Preferred Experience and Skills
- Experience with Benchling, Signals, or other commercial laboratory notebook software
- Experience with ThermoFisher Momentum, Biosero Green Button Go, or HighRes Cellario robotic scheduling software
- Deep knowledge of laboratory automation software, firmware, hardware, and end-to-end integration
- Ability to prototype and deploy innovative laboratory automation technologies
- Understanding of data science and AI/ML concepts applied to lab automation
- Wet lab experience in (bio)pharmaceutical drug substance, drug product, and analytical R&D
Benefits
- Annual bonus and long-term incentive (if applicable)
- Medical, dental, vision, retirement benefits (401(k)), paid holidays, vacation, and compassionate/sick days
Application Instructions
- Apply via https://jobs.merck.com/us/en (or Workday Jobs Hub for current employees). Application deadline is stated on the posting.
Requisition ID: R391978
Responsibilities
- Design, develop, optimize, and operate robotic liquid handlers, robotic workcells, and other automation platforms for biopharmaceutical research (including liquid handling software development and potentially device integration and/or hardware design/implementation)
- Work alongside research scientists to translate experimental needs into automated solutions deployed across programs and modalities
- Create lab automation solutions integrating mechanical, electrical, and software components
- Collaborate with teams across automation, data science, modeling, and physical/digital automation disciplines
- Manage complex automation projects from conception through completion with diverse stakeholders
- Innovate automated workflows and platforms to improve performance, accessibility, maintainability, and reliability
- Integrate robotic systems with existing laboratory equipment and data capture systems
- Provide technical support, troubleshooting, and training to laboratory personnel
- Maintain detailed documentation of system configurations, procedures, and modifications
Education Minimum Requirements
- Ph.D. (Engineering, Robotics, Mechatronics, Chemistry, Physics, Biology, Pharmaceutical Sciences or related) + 3 years relevant experience
- M.S. (same fields) + 5 years relevant experience
- B.S. (same fields) + 7 years relevant experience
Required Experience and Skills
- Lab-based experience working with lab automation and equipment integration
- Proficient in designing, validating, optimizing, and operating robotic liquid handlers/workcells and other automation platforms
- Scripting/programming in Python, C#, VBA, JavaScript, and/or R (best practices: version control, design patterns, clean code)
- Experience with commercial lab automation platforms (Tecan, Biomek, Formulatrix, Hamilton)
- Experience integrating laboratory instruments with custom or commercial software
- Understanding of (bio)pharmaceutical process R&D, drug product development, and/or analytical development
- Ability to work independently in an entrepreneurial style while being a team player
- Strong collaboration and communication skills with technicians and vendors
- Experience leading technical projects with cross-functional teams
Preferred Experience and Skills
- Experience with Benchling, Signals, or other commercial laboratory notebook software
- Experience with ThermoFisher Momentum, Biosero Green Button Go, or HighRes Cellario robotic scheduling software
- Deep knowledge of laboratory automation software, firmware, hardware, and end-to-end integration
- Ability to prototype and deploy innovative laboratory automation technologies
- Understanding of data science and AI/ML concepts applied to lab automation
- Wet lab experience in (bio)pharmaceutical drug substance, drug product, and analytical R&D
Benefits
- Annual bonus and long-term incentive (if applicable)
- Medical, dental, vision, retirement benefits (401(k)), paid holidays, vacation, and compassionate/sick days
Application Instructions
- Apply via https://jobs.merck.com/us/en (or Workday Jobs Hub for current employees). Application deadline is stated on the posting.
Requisition ID: R391978