Senior Scientist, DDT –Lab Automation, Automation Systems Engineer (Lab & Robotics)
Merck
July 01, 2026
On-site
Rahway, NJ
Operations
How You’ll Make An Impact
- Design the lab of the future by developing automation systems integrating robotics, instrumentation, and software into cohesive, high-performing solutions.
- Partner with researchers to understand experimental needs and convert them into scalable automated workflows.
- Collaborate across automation, data science, modeling, IT, and digital engineering.
- Lead high-impact projects from concept through deployment across teams and stakeholders.
- Continuously improve existing automation platforms for performance, usability, and reliability.
- Integrate robotic platforms with laboratory equipment and data systems for end-to-end digital workflows.
- Provide hands-on support, troubleshooting, and training to scientists.
Education Minimum Requirement
- Ph.D. in Engineering (Mechanical/Electrical/Chemical), Robotics, Mechatronics, Chemistry, Physics, Biology, Pharmaceutical Sciences, or related field (expected graduation in 2026) OR
- M.S. in the above fields with at least 2 years relevant experience OR
- B.S. in the above fields with at least 4 years relevant experience.
Required Experience and Skills
- Lab-based experience with lab automation and equipment integration.
- Scripting/programming using best practices (version control, design patterns, clean code).
- Understanding of (bio)pharmaceutical process R&D, drug product development, and/or analytical development.
- Independent, entrepreneurial work on cross-functional teams.
- Strong scientific collaboration and communication with technicians and vendors.
Preferred Experience and Skills
- Programming: Python, C#, VBA, JavaScript, R.
- Automation edge devices/controllers (PLC, microcontrollers).
- SCADA/orchestration software (DeltaV, Ignition, WinCC OA).
- Benchtop automated reactor systems (e.g., Sartorius Ambr250).
- Lab automation software/firmware/hardware integration; instrument integration with software.
- Data science/AI-ML concepts for laboratory automation.
- Wet lab experience in (bio)pharmaceutical drug substance/product and analytical R&D.
- Lab notebook software (Benchling, Signals).
- Maker/builder/tinkerer mindset.
Application Instructions
- Apply via https://jobs.merck.com/us/en (or Workday Jobs Hub for current employees). Apply by the application deadline stated on the posting.
- Design the lab of the future by developing automation systems integrating robotics, instrumentation, and software into cohesive, high-performing solutions.
- Partner with researchers to understand experimental needs and convert them into scalable automated workflows.
- Collaborate across automation, data science, modeling, IT, and digital engineering.
- Lead high-impact projects from concept through deployment across teams and stakeholders.
- Continuously improve existing automation platforms for performance, usability, and reliability.
- Integrate robotic platforms with laboratory equipment and data systems for end-to-end digital workflows.
- Provide hands-on support, troubleshooting, and training to scientists.
Education Minimum Requirement
- Ph.D. in Engineering (Mechanical/Electrical/Chemical), Robotics, Mechatronics, Chemistry, Physics, Biology, Pharmaceutical Sciences, or related field (expected graduation in 2026) OR
- M.S. in the above fields with at least 2 years relevant experience OR
- B.S. in the above fields with at least 4 years relevant experience.
Required Experience and Skills
- Lab-based experience with lab automation and equipment integration.
- Scripting/programming using best practices (version control, design patterns, clean code).
- Understanding of (bio)pharmaceutical process R&D, drug product development, and/or analytical development.
- Independent, entrepreneurial work on cross-functional teams.
- Strong scientific collaboration and communication with technicians and vendors.
Preferred Experience and Skills
- Programming: Python, C#, VBA, JavaScript, R.
- Automation edge devices/controllers (PLC, microcontrollers).
- SCADA/orchestration software (DeltaV, Ignition, WinCC OA).
- Benchtop automated reactor systems (e.g., Sartorius Ambr250).
- Lab automation software/firmware/hardware integration; instrument integration with software.
- Data science/AI-ML concepts for laboratory automation.
- Wet lab experience in (bio)pharmaceutical drug substance/product and analytical R&D.
- Lab notebook software (Benchling, Signals).
- Maker/builder/tinkerer mindset.
Application Instructions
- Apply via https://jobs.merck.com/us/en (or Workday Jobs Hub for current employees). Apply by the application deadline stated on the posting.