Senior Scientist, DDT-Lab Automation, Laboratory Automation Engineer
Merck
June 30, 2026
On-site
Rahway, NJ
Operations
Primary Responsibilities:
- Design the lab of the future by developing high throughput technologies that integrate robotics, analytical instrumentation, and software (e.g., Agentic AI).
- Partner with researchers to understand experimental needs and convert them into scalable digital workflows.
- Collaborate across automation, data science, modeling, IT, and CMC communities.
- Lead high-impact projects from concept through deployment.
- Continuously improve digital technologies and automation platforms for performance, usability, and reliability.
- Provide hands-on partnership, support, troubleshooting, and training to scientists using these technologies.
Education (minimum):
- Ph.D. in Chemical/Biochemical/Biomedical Engineering, Chemistry, Biology, Pharmaceutical Sciences, or closely-related field (expected by Sep 2026).
- OR M.S. in related field with at least 2 years industrial/pharmaceutical or relevant experience.
- OR B.S. in related field with at least 4 years industrial/pharmaceutical or relevant experience.
Required Experience/Skills:
- Lab-based experience working with lab automation and equipment integration.
- Experience designing, validating, optimizing, and operating robotic liquid handlers, robotic workcells, and other automation platforms.
- Programming/scripting in Python, C#, VBA, JavaScript, or R (version control, design patterns, clean code).
- Experience with commercial lab automation platform front-end software (Tecan, Biomek, Formulatrix, Hamilton, Thermo, HighRes Biosolutions).
- Ability to work independently and collaboratively; communicate effectively with technicians and vendors.
Preferred:
- Integrating lab instruments with custom/commercial software; (bio)pharmaceutical process R&D knowledge.
- Experience with Benchling, Signals, and/or lab notebook tools; ThermoFisher Momentum, Biosero Green Button Go, or Cellario.
- Deep knowledge of automation software/firmware/hardware integration; prototype and deploy innovative technologies.
- AI/ML and data science application; lead cross-functional technical projects.
Application:
- Apply at https://jobs.merck.com/us/en (current employees via Workday Jobs Hub).
- Design the lab of the future by developing high throughput technologies that integrate robotics, analytical instrumentation, and software (e.g., Agentic AI).
- Partner with researchers to understand experimental needs and convert them into scalable digital workflows.
- Collaborate across automation, data science, modeling, IT, and CMC communities.
- Lead high-impact projects from concept through deployment.
- Continuously improve digital technologies and automation platforms for performance, usability, and reliability.
- Provide hands-on partnership, support, troubleshooting, and training to scientists using these technologies.
Education (minimum):
- Ph.D. in Chemical/Biochemical/Biomedical Engineering, Chemistry, Biology, Pharmaceutical Sciences, or closely-related field (expected by Sep 2026).
- OR M.S. in related field with at least 2 years industrial/pharmaceutical or relevant experience.
- OR B.S. in related field with at least 4 years industrial/pharmaceutical or relevant experience.
Required Experience/Skills:
- Lab-based experience working with lab automation and equipment integration.
- Experience designing, validating, optimizing, and operating robotic liquid handlers, robotic workcells, and other automation platforms.
- Programming/scripting in Python, C#, VBA, JavaScript, or R (version control, design patterns, clean code).
- Experience with commercial lab automation platform front-end software (Tecan, Biomek, Formulatrix, Hamilton, Thermo, HighRes Biosolutions).
- Ability to work independently and collaboratively; communicate effectively with technicians and vendors.
Preferred:
- Integrating lab instruments with custom/commercial software; (bio)pharmaceutical process R&D knowledge.
- Experience with Benchling, Signals, and/or lab notebook tools; ThermoFisher Momentum, Biosero Green Button Go, or Cellario.
- Deep knowledge of automation software/firmware/hardware integration; prototype and deploy innovative technologies.
- AI/ML and data science application; lead cross-functional technical projects.
Application:
- Apply at https://jobs.merck.com/us/en (current employees via Workday Jobs Hub).