Engineer II, Assay Automation

MSD Careers • Gaithersburg, MD

2d

About The Position

The Assay Automation Engineer II develops, integrates, and tests automated assay protocols using custom and standard microplate handling, processing, and pipetting equipment. The role also performs formal verification and validation testing under the guidance of senior team members. The engineer develops and troubleshoots automation scripts, analyzes data, draws conclusions, makes recommendations, and presents findings.

The position works within cross-functional teams to develop automated assay methods for MSD and other instrumentation; characterizes hardware performance; designs and optimizes automation software sequences; contributes to failure-mode analyses and system requirements; executes verification, validation, and reliability testing; and implements change orders to support product and process improvements. Duties may vary with departmental requirements.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in Biology, Biochemistry, Engineering, or a related field.
• At least five years of experience with scientific or medical instrumentation.
• At least five years of experience developing and troubleshooting automated assay methods.
• Knowledge of data analysis tools such as MATLAB, Minitab, or similar.
• Proficiency in the MS Office suite and engineering computing software.
• Working knowledge of analytical techniques, experimental design, and statistical analysis.
• Excellent analytical and problem-solving skills.
• Ability to organize and advance project tasks in an orderly, structured manner.
• Ability to meet deadlines, manage processes through completion, and coordinate a high level of activity under varied conditions and constraints.
• Excellent oral, written, and interpersonal communication skills.
• Ability to communicate issues, problems, and results that affect project timelines, accuracy, reliability, and status.
• Excellent documentation, technical writing, and presentation skills.
• Creativity and latitude, including the ability to multitask in an environment with changing priorities.

Nice To Haves

• Experience in an ISO cGMP environment.

Responsibilities

• Work within cross-functional teams to support the design and development of automated assay methods for MSD and other instrumentation.
• Experimentally and analytically characterize hardware system and subsystem performance and capabilities.
• Design, implement, and optimize software sequences for automation of assay protocols on MSD instrumentation.
• Participate in developing and documenting failure modes, effects, and criticality analyses.
• Participate in developing system design requirements and specifications, including gathering and refining requirements with other teams.
• Develop and execute system design verification and validation test plans.
• Develop and implement hardware system and subsystem reliability test plans.
• Generate and implement change orders to promote product design and process improvements.
• Develop and troubleshoot automation scripts, analyze data, draw conclusions, make recommendations, and present findings.

Benefits

• Medical, dental, vision, and prescription coverage.
• 401(k) plan with company matching.
• Flexible spending accounts.
• Company-paid short- and long-term disability insurance.
• Group life insurance and accidental death and dismemberment insurance.
• Paid vacation, paid sick leave, and paid holidays.
• Paid parental leave.
• Employee assistance program.
• Fitness club membership contribution.
• Pet insurance.
• Identity theft protection.
• Home and auto insurance discounts.
• Optional supplemental life insurance.
• Employees may qualify for a discretionary or non-discretionary annual bonus.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level