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

Merck; New Jersey; On-site; USD 120,000 - 160,000; Full time

Job summary

Merck is seeking a Scientist to develop and deploy advanced automation solutions that accelerate pharmaceutical development. You will work with scientists, engineers, and digital technology specialists to connect instruments, robotics, and data, turning complex workflows into seamless, intelligent processes.

You will design and deploy automated systems, translating experimental needs into scalable workflows while collaborating across disciplines to deliver high-impact outcomes and reliable data.

Qualifications

• Experience in a lab-based setting with lab automation and equipment integration.
• Scripting/programming with best practices (version control, clean code).
• Understanding of (bio)pharmaceutical process R&D and analytical development.

Responsibilities

• Design automation systems that integrate robotics, instrumentation, and software.
• Translate experiments into scalable automated workflows.
• Collaborate across automation, data science, IT and digital engineering teams.
• Lead projects from concept through deployment with cross-functional teams.
• Improve existing automation platforms for performance and reliability.

Skills

Lab automation

Scripting/programming

Cross-functional teamwork

Scientific communication

Independent work

Education

MS in Engineering or related field

BS in Engineering with 2+ years experience

Tools

DeltaV

Ignition

WinCC OA

Sartorius Ambr250

Job description

Job Description

We are a global biopharmaceutical leader with a portfolio of prescription medicines, oncology, vaccines and animal health products. We are driven by our purpose to develop and deliver innovative products that save and improve lives. With 69,000 employees operating in more than 140 countries, we offer state-of-the-art laboratories, plants and offices that are designed to inspire our employees as we learn, develop and grow in our careers. We are proud of our over 125 years of service to humanity and continue to be one of the world's biggest investors in Research & Development.

In the Development Sciences and Clinical Supply (DSCS) organization, we believe digital is the force multiplier that enables faster experiments, smarter decisions, more robust supply chains, and is ultimately redefining how we bring medicines to patients.

Within DSCS, the DSCS Digital Technologies (DDT) team is building the next generation of data-rich, connected lab environments-where hardware, software, and AI-driven tools work together to accelerate pharmaceutical development. Our goal is simple but ambitious: embed advanced digital capabilities into the DNA of how we work. We believe this future starts with an effective foundation of laboratory tools: innovative robotics, process analytical technology (PAT), high-throughput technologies, reliable instrumentation, and integrated systems that seamlessly transition data from the physical labs to the digital world. We believe innovation is fueled by collaborative teams that come together to build technologies that truly impact how our scientists conduct research. We're looking for a Scientist to help make this vision real.

In this role, you won't just support experiments-you'll transform how they happen. You'll design and deploy cutting-edge automation solutions that enable scientists to move faster, generate higher-quality data, and focus on what matters most: discovery and innovation. You'll work to augment the capabilities of our current laboratory systems, creating custom solutions that unlock new potential for our scientists. working closely with scientists, engineers, and digital technology specialists to build integrated systems that connect instruments, robotics, and data-turning complex workflows into seamless, intelligent processes. If you're excited by the idea of combining science, engineering, and digital innovation- If you are a maker, a builder, a tinkerer -this is your opportunity to make a lasting impact and transform pharmaceutical research!

How You'll Make an Impact

• Design the lab of the future by developing automation systems that integrate robotics, instrumentation, and software into cohesive, high-performing solutions
• Translate science into systems by partnering with researchers to understand experimental needs and convert them into scalable automated workflows
• Work at the intersection of disciplines , collaborating with experts in automation, data science, modeling, IT, and digital engineering
• Lead high-impact projects from concept through deployment, working across teams and stakeholders to deliver meaningful outcomes
• Continuously improve existing automation platforms to enhance performance, usability, and reliability
• Connect the ecosystem by integrating robotic platforms with laboratory equipment and data systems to enable end-to-end digital workflows
• Empower others by providing hands-on support, troubleshooting, and training to scientists using these systems

Education Minimum Requirement:

• A M.S. in Engineering (i.e. Mechanical, Electrical, Chemical), Robotics, Mechatronics, Chemistry, Physics, Biology, Pharmaceutical Sciences or a closely related field
• A B.S. in in Engineering (i.e. Mechanical, Electrical, Chemical), Robotics, Mechatronics, Chemistry, Physics, Biology, Pharmaceutical Sciences or a closely related field with at least 2 years of relevant experience

Required Experience and Skills:

• Experience in a lab-based setting, working with lab automation and equipment integration
• Experience with scripting/programming following accepted best practices (version control, design patterns, clean code)
• Understanding of (bio)pharmaceutical process research and development, drug product development, and/ or analytical development
• Demonstrated ability to work in an entrepreneurial and independent manner on cross-functional teams
• Efficient scientific collaboration and communication skills with the ability to navigate conversations with technicians and vendors

Preferred Experience and Skills:

• Experience with scripting/programming in one or more of the following: Python, C#, VBA, JavaScript, R
• Experience with automation edge devices and controllers (PLC, microcontrollers, etc)
• Experience with industrial SCADA or orchestration software (DeltaV, Ignition, WinCC OA, etc)
• Experience with benchtop automated reactor systems such as Sartorius Ambr250
• Experience with laboratory automation software, firmware, hardware, and their integration into end-to