Lead Scientist In Vitro ADME Assay Automation

Merck•Billerica, MA

8d•Onsite

About The Position

AI & Automation in Drug Discovery (AIDD) at EMD is building and scaling AI-driven and automated discovery capabilities. We connect machine learning, computational science, and lab automation to enable closed-loop chemistry and biology experimentation and faster, higher-quality scientific decisions. In our Boston-area autonomous make-and-test lab, automated synthesis, analytical characterization, and biological readout come together to accelerate discovery. This is a hands-on scientific leadership role, not a people-management position. You will define, establish, and scale automated in vitro ADME and bioassay capabilities, translate benchtop assays into automation-ready workflows, and partner across biology, chemistry, automation, software, and AI/ML to deliver robust biological readouts for closed-loop discovery.

Requirements

PhD in Biology, Biochemistry, Pharmacology, Pharmaceutical Sciences, Molecular Biology, or a related field; or equivalent depth of experience with an MS or BS degree.
3+ years of relevant industry experience with a PhD, or 5+ years with an MS or BS, in pharma, biotech, or CRO.
Hands-on experience designing and interpreting in vitro ADME or related assays in higher-throughput settings.
Experience transferring assays into automated workflows or working closely with automation teams to do so.
Strong understanding of assay controls, qualification, variability reduction, and data quality.
Strong communication skills and ability to influence technical direction across functions.
Strong customer centric mindset

Nice To Haves

Experience with liquid handlers, workcells, orchestration platforms, or assay data pipelines.
Experience with organoids, primary cells, co-cultures, or patient-derived models is an advantage.
Experience in autonomous experimentation, AI-enabled discovery, or integrated LC-MS / high-content readouts.

Responsibilities

Lead scientific design and deployment of automation for in vitro ADME assays.
Translate bench assays into robust, high-throughput, automation-ready protocols with strong throughput, reproducibility, and data quality.
Partner with automation and software teams on liquid handling, controls, QC, metadata capture, and integrated readouts.
Analyze assay data, troubleshoot performance, and drive continuous improvement.
Evaluate new assay formats, detection technologies, and advanced cell models where they add clear value.
Contribute to SOPs, documentation, training, and safe lab operations.
Bring a strong cultural fit for a collaborative, high-performing, high-trust science and technology team.