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

MSD•Rahway, NJ

16h•Hybrid

About The Position

The Senior Scientist will help the Development Sciences and Clinical Supply (DSCS) Digital Technologies team build connected, data-rich laboratory environments for pharmaceutical development. The role designs and deploys automation solutions that integrate robotics, instrumentation, and software, augment existing laboratory systems, and enable scientists to work faster and generate higher-quality data. Working closely with researchers, engineers, and digital technology specialists, the Senior Scientist translates experimental needs into scalable automated workflows and connects laboratory equipment, robotic platforms, and data systems into end-to-end digital processes. The position leads projects from concept through deployment, improves existing automation platforms, and provides hands-on support, troubleshooting, and training to scientists.

Requirements

Ph.D. in Engineering (such as Mechanical, Electrical, or Chemical), Robotics, Mechatronics, Chemistry, Physics, Biology, Pharmaceutical Sciences, or a closely related field; expected graduation no later than December 2026; or
M.S. in one of the listed or closely related fields and at least 2 years of relevant experience; or
B.S. in one of the listed or closely related fields and at least 4 years of relevant experience.
Experience in a laboratory 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.
Demonstrated ability to work independently and entrepreneurially on cross-functional teams.
Effective scientific collaboration and communication skills, including the ability to communicate 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 integrating them 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 challenges, and demonstrate scientific curiosity.
Deep interest in understanding how systems work; a maker, builder, or tinkerer mindset.

Responsibilities

Design automation systems integrating 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 specialists in automation, data science, modeling, IT, and digital engineering.
Lead projects from concept through deployment, coordinating across teams and stakeholders.
Continuously 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.