Principal Scientist, Automation of Physical Lab Processes

MSD•Rahway, NJ

3d•Hybrid

About The Position

Development Science and Clinical Supply (DSCS) is an organization responsible for developing aspirational manufacturing processes, ensuring their robust control, and suppling clinical materials to trials around the world. Digital is the multiplier that will allow DSCS to deliver better molecules faster, ensure efficient filing and launch, and establish more robust supply chains and higher-confidence decisions across our portfolio. The DSCS Digital initiative was chartered with the mission to pioneer and deploy innovative digital technologies that drive the acquisition, automation and utilization of data to enhance insights, efficiency, and quality of DSCS processes and methods. DSCS Digital is seeking an accomplished and visionary Principal Scientist to lead the Automation of Physical Lab Processes sub-team within our Physical Lab Automation workstream. This role is critical to our mission of transforming laboratory operations through innovative automation solutions, driving digital transformation, and enabling scientific excellence.

Requirements

PhD in Chemistry, Engineering, Life Sciences, Computer Science, or a related field and 5 years of experience; or B.S. in Chemistry, Engineering, Life Sciences, Computer Science, or a related field and 8 years of experience.
Minimum of 5 years of relevant experience in laboratory automation, process engineering, or related disciplines, in a CMC setting.
Demonstrated expertise in designing and implementing automated laboratory systems, including hardware and software integration.
Strong understanding of physical lab workflows and challenges in a scientific R&D or QC environment.
Proven ability to lead multidisciplinary teams and manage complex projects from ideation through deployment.
Experience with digital transformation initiatives and familiarity with data management best practices in laboratory settings.
Excellent communication, interpersonal, and organizational skills.
Adaptability
Analytical Instrumentation
Capital Planning
Cell Culture Process Development
Cell Line Development
Combination Products
Communication
Computer Science
Data Analysis
Data Integrity
Digital Transformation
Finite Element Analysis (FEA)
Innovative Thinking
Laboratory Automation
Laboratory Informatics
Laboratory Information Management System (LIMS)
Leadership Mentoring
Machine Learning (ML)
Multidisciplinary Collaboration
Pharmaceutical Process Development
Process Engineering
Process Technologies
Professional Collaboration
Professional Networking

Nice To Haves

Hands-on experience with robotics platforms, laboratory information management systems (LIMS), and data analytics tools.
Knowledge of regulatory requirements (e.g., GxP, ISO standards) as they apply to automated lab systems.
Track record of successful technology adoption and change management in scientific environments.

Responsibilities

Provide strategic and technical leadership for the Automation of Physical Lab Processes sub-team, guiding the development and implementation of advanced automation solutions in physical laboratory environments.
Design and implement a capital plan to purchase critical new automation equipment that helps to transform our digital footprint and data acquisition capabilities.
Collaborate closely with cross-functional teams including scientists, engineers, IT, and digital transformation leads to identify and prioritize opportunities for automation that enhance efficiency, data integrity, and safety.
Design, prototype, and deploy automated systems for sample handling, analytical instrumentation, and workflow orchestration within the physical lab setting.
Oversee the evaluation and integration of emerging technologies (robotics, IoT, machine learning) to optimize laboratory operations.
Establish and maintain best practices for system validation, documentation, and compliance with regulatory standards.
Mentor and develop team members, fostering a culture of innovation, collaboration, and continuous improvement.
Serve as a subject matter expert and advocate for laboratory automation across DSCS Digital, representing the team in internal and external forums.

Benefits

The successful candidate will be eligible for annual bonus and long-term incentive, if applicable.
We offer a comprehensive package of benefits.
Available benefits include medical, dental, vision healthcare and other insurance benefits (for employee and family), retirement benefits, including 401(k), paid holidays, vacation, and compassionate and sick days.
More information about benefits is available at https://jobs.merck.com/us/en/compensation-and-benefits

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