Scientist, Biology - Discovery

MSD • Rahway, NJ

1d • Hybrid

About The Position

Job Description: The Screening & Compound Profiling group at our Research Laboratories site in Rahway, NJ, is seeking a highly motivated Automation Scientist to join our Automation & Informatics team in the Screening and Compound Profiling group. The successful candidate will be responsible for operating automated systems to execute various biochemical and cell-based assays accurately and efficiently, ensuring the integrity and traceability of the data generated. They will also participate in maintaining and optimizing automated systems and processes to enhance capabilities for target and lead discovery across diverse therapeutic areas, including oncology, immunology, neuroscience, cardiometabolic, and infectious disease. The individual will work with data visualization tools to effectively present and analyze experimental results, enabling clear insights and decision-making from complex datasets. The individual will work within our team of scientists and engineers as part of a high-performance culture that values collaboration, inclusion, engagement, and accountability.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in a relevant field required (Biology, Biochemistry, Biotechnology, Biomedical Engineering, or similar) with approximately 5 years of relevant experience in a laboratory automation environment (industry or equivalent academic/biotech experience). Or an advanced degree (M.S.) with approximately 3 years of relevant experience in a laboratory automation environment (industry or equivalent academic/biotech experience). Equivalent combination of education and relevant hands-on laboratory/automation experience will be considered.
• Practical experience working with laboratory automation platforms used for HTS or similar high-throughput workflows (e.g., integrated robotic systems, liquid handlers, plate handlers, incubators).
• Expertise with laboratory instrumentation such as low-volume bulk dispensers, acoustic sample transfer devices and detectors in both standalone and integrated modes.
• Experience enabling biochemical and cell-based assays and/or arrayed CRISPR screens within a screening context.
• Demonstrated ability to coordinate and track preventive maintenance for complex instrumentation, including interaction with vendors or service providers.
• Strong troubleshooting skills for automation hardware, basic software issues, and workflow-level problems in a laboratory environment.
• High attention to detail and commitment to data quality, documentation, and adherence to SOPs and standardized workflows.
• Ability to manage multiple concurrent requests and prioritize work to meet agreed timelines.
• Effective communication and collaboration skills to work closely with scientists, automation colleagues, and other stakeholders involved in screening campaigns.
• Automation Systems
• Automation Technology
• Researching
• Teamwork
• Troubleshooting

Nice To Haves

• Experience with HighRes integrated automation platforms running Cellario Scheduler.
• Experience with Beckman Access systems running Tempo scheduling software.
• Experience with Mosaic Sample Management platform including Tempo Fulfillment Module (TFM)
• Accountability
• Adaptability
• Assay Development
• Biochemistry
• Biological Sciences
• Biomedical Engineering
• Biotechnology
• Cell-Based Assays
• Cell Biology
• Collaborating
• Communication
• Deep Learning
• Detail-Oriented
• Documentations
• In Vitro Assays
• Machine Learning
• Microbiology
• Molecular Biotechnology
• Oncology

Responsibilities

• Operating automated systems to execute various biochemical and cell-based assays accurately and efficiently, ensuring the integrity and traceability of the data generated.
• Participating in maintaining and optimizing automated systems and processes to enhance capabilities for target and lead discovery across diverse therapeutic areas, including oncology, immunology, neuroscience, cardiometabolic, and infectious disease.
• Work with data visualization tools to effectively present and analyze experimental results, enabling clear insights and decision-making from complex datasets.

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.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level
• Number of Employees: 5,001-10,000 employees