Business Architect

Merck•Burlington, MA

6d•Hybrid

About The Position

The Business Architect - Digital Laboratory Solutions within the Life Science DDIT Manufacturing and QC Laboratory Operations team, defines and advances the strategic digital laboratory architecture and roadmap across laboratory informatics, instrumentation, scientific data management, integration, and analytics. The role partners with Business Owners, Laboratory Operations, Quality, Manufacturing, OT, IT, and enterprise architecture teams to translate business priorities and regulatory needs into scalable, secure, and connected laboratory capabilities. Acting as the bridge between laboratory processes and enterprise digital capabilities, this position provides architecture leadership across LIMS, ELN, SDMS, CDS, instrument connectivity, master data, data lifecycle management, and AI-enabled analytics. The role promotes standardized, governed, interoperable data and reusable technology patterns that enable compliant, efficient, intelligent, and increasingly paperless laboratory operations. Define and maintain the digital laboratory target architecture, technology roadmap, architecture standards, and governance approach in alignment with business strategy, regulatory requirements, and corporate technology standards. Translate laboratory business processes and capabilities into integrated solution and data architecture spanning LIMS, ELN, SDMS, CDS, laboratory execution, instrument connectivity, ERP, MES, and analytics platforms. Provide architectural oversight from demand assessment and solution selection through design, validation, deployment, adoption, and operational support. Partner across Business, Quality, Manufacturing, OT, IT, cybersecurity, infrastructure, data governance, vendors, and delivery teams to resolve dependencies and deliver scalable solutions.

Requirements

Bachelor's degree in Computer Science, Engineering, Life Sciences, Information Systems, or a related discipline.
10+ years of experience in laboratory informatics, digital laboratory transformation, enterprise or solution architecture, or a related field.

Nice To Haves

Advanced degree in Engineering, Information Technology, Data Science, or Life Sciences is preferred.
Enterprise Architecture, Cloud, AI, Analytics, or related professional certification is an advantage.
Deep knowledge of laboratory platforms and workflows, including LIMS, ELN, SDMS, CDS, laboratory instruments, and integration solutions.
Experience with scientific data architecture, master data management, metadata, data governance, and data lifecycle management.
Knowledge of regulated laboratory environments and expectations such as GxP, ALCOA+, data integrity, and relevant health authority requirements.
Experience defining enterprise integration architectures, API-based integrations, cloud and data platforms, and IT/OT connectivity strategies.
Working knowledge of AI, machine learning, advanced analytics, and responsible adoption within laboratory or scientific environments.
Ability to lead cross-functional architecture discussions, evaluate options, manage technical risks, and translate complex concepts into clear business value.
Excellent communication, collaboration, stakeholder management, and executive presentation skills.
Experience with laboratory platforms such as LabVantage, LabWare, Agilent OpenLab CDS, Waters Empower, TetraScience, ValGenesis, or comparable solutions is preferred.
Experience leading global laboratory transformation initiatives or implementing enterprise scientific data platforms is preferred.

Responsibilities

Define and maintain the digital laboratory target architecture, technology roadmap, architecture standards, and governance approach in alignment with business strategy, regulatory requirements, and corporate technology standards.
Translate laboratory business processes and capabilities into integrated solution and data architecture spanning LIMS, ELN, SDMS, CDS, laboratory execution, instrument connectivity, ERP, MES, and analytics platforms.
Provide architectural oversight from demand assessment and solution selection through design, validation, deployment, adoption, and operational support.
Partner across Business, Quality, Manufacturing, OT, IT, cybersecurity, infrastructure, data governance, vendors, and delivery teams to resolve dependencies and deliver scalable solutions.