Automation Scientist: High-Throughput Genomics & Lab Robotics

msd; Cambridge (MA); On-site; USD 98,000 - 154,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical, dental, vision

401(k)

Paid holidays

Vacation

Sick days

Job summary

Merck & Co., Inc. in Cambridge, MA seeks an Automation Scientist to operate, maintain, and optimize automation platforms supporting drug discovery. You will develop scalable workflows, troubleshoot systems, and ensure compliant, high‑quality data generation across projects.

The role requires hands‑on experience with automated liquid handlers and robotics, proficiency in experimental design, and strong collaboration with biologists, IT, and analytical teams.

Qualifications

• Extensive hands‑on experience in laboratory automation for molecular biology applications.
• Strong focus on high‑throughput genomic technologies such as single‑cell RNA‑seq, Olink HT, CRISPR‑based screens, and 3D cell culture models.
• Proven ability to develop, optimize, validate, and execute automation workflows at scale (e.g., across multiple 96‑ or 384‑well plates).
• Proficiency with a wide range of liquid handlers and robotic systems (Biomek, Hamilton, Echo, etc.).
• Strong experimental design, with excellent documentation skills (SOWs, SOPs).
• Demonstrated problem‑solving, critical thinking, and analytical abilities.

Responsibilities

• Collaborate with biologists, data analysts, and SMEs to implement scalable automation workflows for reproducible data generation.
• Design and execute large‑scale automation protocols for single‑cell and molecular assays using diverse robotic instruments.
• Engage cross‑functionally to drive early drug discovery efforts under tight timelines.
• Communicate objectives and results through presentations and reports to stakeholders and leadership.

Skills

Laboratory automation

High‑throughput genomics

Single-cell RNA‑seq

CRISPR screens

Robotic systems

Experimental design

Documentation

Education

Master's degree in engineering or life sciences

Bachelor's degree with 3+ years hands-on automation experience

Tools

Biomek

Combi

BlueWasher

Cytomat

Precise

Staubli

WDII

Pherastar

Echo

Hamilton

FAST

Job description

Merck & Co., Inc. in Cambridge, MA seeks an Automation Scientist to operate, maintain, and optimize automation platforms supporting drug discovery. You will develop scalable workflows, troubleshoot systems, and ensure compliant, high‑quality data generation across projects.

The role requires hands‑on experience with automated liquid handlers and robotics, proficiency in experimental design, and strong collaboration with biologists, IT, and analytical teams.