Principal Scientist, DDT-Lab Automation, Digital Lab and Automation Strategy
Merck
August 12, 2026
On-site
Rahway, NJ
Operations
Principal Scientist (DSCS Digital Technologies—Laboratory Automation, Digital Lab and Automation Strategy)
Responsibilities:
- Lead high-throughput lab automation initiatives integrating robotics, analytical instrumentation, and software (e.g., Agentic AI) for rapid development.
- Partner with researchers to convert experimental needs into scalable digital workflows.
- Collaborate across automation, data science, modeling, IT, and CMC teams.
- Lead high-impact projects from concept through deployment.
- Improve digital technologies/automation platforms for performance, usability, and reliability.
- Provide hands-on support, troubleshooting, and training to scientists.
Education:
- PhD (Chem/ Biochem/ Biomed Eng, Chemistry, Biology, Pharmaceutical Sciences, or related) + 6 years relevant industrial/pharma experience.
- OR MS + 8 years.
- OR BS + 10 years.
Required Experience/Skills:
- Leadership in lab-based settings with lab automation/equipment integration.
- Leadership designing/validating/optimizing/operating robotic liquid handlers, workcells, and automation platforms.
- Scripting/programming: Python, C#, VBA, JavaScript, or R (best practices: version control, design patterns, clean code).
- Commercial lab automation front-end software: Tecan, Biomek, Formulatrix, Hamilton, or HighRes Biosolution.
- Integrate lab instruments with custom/commercial software.
- Independent, team-oriented; strong communication with technicians/vendors; lead cross-functional technical projects.
Preferred:
- (Bio)pharmaceutical process R&D (drug substance/product/analytical development).
- Benchling, Signals, or other ELN software.
- ThermoFisher Momentum, Biosero Green Button Go, or HighRes Cellario.
- Deep lab automation software/firmware/hardware integration knowledge; prototype/deploy new tech; AI/ML for lab automation.
Skills: Biomedical/Chemical Engineering, Computer Programming, Data Analysis, Laboratory Automation, Manufacturing, Pharmaceutical Sciences.
Benefits/Compensation (if applicable): annual bonus and long-term incentive; comprehensive benefits (medical/dental/vision, retirement/401(k), paid time off).
Application: Apply via https://jobs.merck.com/us/en (or Workday Jobs Hub). Application deadline is stated on the posting.
Responsibilities:
- Lead high-throughput lab automation initiatives integrating robotics, analytical instrumentation, and software (e.g., Agentic AI) for rapid development.
- Partner with researchers to convert experimental needs into scalable digital workflows.
- Collaborate across automation, data science, modeling, IT, and CMC teams.
- Lead high-impact projects from concept through deployment.
- Improve digital technologies/automation platforms for performance, usability, and reliability.
- Provide hands-on support, troubleshooting, and training to scientists.
Education:
- PhD (Chem/ Biochem/ Biomed Eng, Chemistry, Biology, Pharmaceutical Sciences, or related) + 6 years relevant industrial/pharma experience.
- OR MS + 8 years.
- OR BS + 10 years.
Required Experience/Skills:
- Leadership in lab-based settings with lab automation/equipment integration.
- Leadership designing/validating/optimizing/operating robotic liquid handlers, workcells, and automation platforms.
- Scripting/programming: Python, C#, VBA, JavaScript, or R (best practices: version control, design patterns, clean code).
- Commercial lab automation front-end software: Tecan, Biomek, Formulatrix, Hamilton, or HighRes Biosolution.
- Integrate lab instruments with custom/commercial software.
- Independent, team-oriented; strong communication with technicians/vendors; lead cross-functional technical projects.
Preferred:
- (Bio)pharmaceutical process R&D (drug substance/product/analytical development).
- Benchling, Signals, or other ELN software.
- ThermoFisher Momentum, Biosero Green Button Go, or HighRes Cellario.
- Deep lab automation software/firmware/hardware integration knowledge; prototype/deploy new tech; AI/ML for lab automation.
Skills: Biomedical/Chemical Engineering, Computer Programming, Data Analysis, Laboratory Automation, Manufacturing, Pharmaceutical Sciences.
Benefits/Compensation (if applicable): annual bonus and long-term incentive; comprehensive benefits (medical/dental/vision, retirement/401(k), paid time off).
Application: Apply via https://jobs.merck.com/us/en (or Workday Jobs Hub). Application deadline is stated on the posting.