Scientist, DSCS Digital Technologies–Laboratory Automation, Automation Systems Engineer (Hybrid)

Merck•Rahway, NJ

1d•$87,300 - $137,400•Hybrid

About The Position

The Scientist will help develop next-generation data-rich, connected laboratory environments within Development Sciences and Clinical Supply (DSCS) Digital Technologies. The role designs and deploys laboratory automation solutions that augment existing laboratory systems, integrate robotics, instrumentation, and software, and convert complex scientific workflows into connected, intelligent processes. The Scientist partners with researchers and cross-functional experts to translate experimental needs into scalable automated workflows, lead projects from concept through deployment, and enable digital transfer of data from physical laboratories.

Requirements

Master’s degree in Engineering (such as Mechanical, Electrical, or Chemical), Robotics, Mechatronics, Chemistry, Physics, Biology, Pharmaceutical Sciences, or a closely related field; alternatively, a bachelor’s degree in one of these fields with at least 2 years of relevant experience.
Experience in a laboratory-based setting working with laboratory automation and equipment integration.
Experience with scripting or programming using accepted best practices, including version control, design patterns, and clean code.
Understanding of (bio)pharmaceutical process research and development, drug product development, and/or analytical development.
Ability to work independently and entrepreneurially on cross-functional teams.
Effective scientific collaboration and communication skills, including the ability to work with technicians and vendors.

Nice To Haves

Scripting or programming experience in one or more of Python, C#, VBA, JavaScript, or R.
Experience with automation edge devices and controllers, such as PLCs or microcontrollers.
Experience with industrial SCADA or orchestration software, such as DeltaV, Ignition, or WinCC OA.
Experience with benchtop automated reactor systems, such as Sartorius Ambr250.
Experience with laboratory automation software, firmware, and hardware, and their integration into end-to-end solutions.
Experience integrating laboratory instruments with custom or commercial software solutions.
Ability to recognize, design, prototype, and deploy innovative laboratory automation technologies.
Understanding of data science and AI/ML concepts and their application to laboratory automation.
Wet-lab experience in (bio)pharmaceutical drug substance, drug product, and analytical research and development.
Experience with commercial laboratory notebook software, such as Benchling or Signals.
Motivation to learn new skills, take on new challenges, and pursue scientific curiosity.
Deep interest in understanding how systems work; a maker, builder, or tinkerer mindset.

Responsibilities

Develop automation systems that integrate robotics, instrumentation, and software into cohesive, high-performing solutions.
Partner with researchers to understand experimental needs and translate them into scalable automated workflows.
Collaborate with experts in automation, data science, modeling, IT, and digital engineering.
Lead projects from concept through deployment, working across teams and stakeholders.
Improve existing automation platforms to enhance performance, usability, and reliability.
Integrate robotic platforms with laboratory equipment and data systems to enable end-to-end digital workflows.
Provide hands-on support, troubleshooting, and training to scientists using automation systems.