Senior Lab Automation Scientist & Robotics Engineer

MSD Malaysia; Rahway (NJ); On-site; USD 117,000 - 184,000; Full time

Job summary

Merck & Co., Inc. in Rahway, NJ, USA is seeking a Senior Scientist to design and deploy cutting-edge automation solutions that accelerate pharmaceutical development. You will connect instruments, robotics, and data to create intelligent lab workflows, partnering with scientists and engineers to translate needs into scalable automation.

The role emphasizes independent work on cross-functional teams, data-driven decision making, and a strong foundation in lab automation and software integration.

Qualifications

• Experience in a lab-based setting with lab automation and equipment integration.
• Experience with scripting/programming following best practices (version control, design patterns, clean code).
• Understanding of (bio)pharmaceutical process R&D, drug product development, or analytical development.
• Ability to work independently on cross-functional teams.
• Strong collaboration and communication with technicians and vendors.

Responsibilities

• 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 automation, data science, modeling, IT, and digital engineering experts.
• Lead high‑impact projects from concept through deployment, across teams to deliver meaningful outcomes.
• Continuously improve existing automation platforms to enhance performance, usability, and reliability.
• Connect the ecosystem by integrating robotic platforms with lab equipment and data systems for end-to-end digital workflows.
• Provide hands-on support, troubleshooting, and training to scientists using these systems.

Skills

Lab automation experience

Scripting with version control

Pharmaceutical development knowledge

Cross-functional collaboration

Scientific communication

Education

Ph.D. in Engineering or closely related field

M.S. in Engineering with 2+ years relevant experience

B.S. in Engineering with 4+ years relevant experience

Tools

Python

C#

VBA

JavaScript

R

DeltaV

Ignition

WinCC OA

Benchling

Signals

Sartorius Ambr250

Job description

Merck & Co., Inc. in Rahway, NJ, USA is seeking a Senior Scientist to design and deploy cutting-edge automation solutions that accelerate pharmaceutical development. You will connect instruments, robotics, and data to create intelligent lab workflows, partnering with scientists and engineers to translate needs into scalable automation.

The role emphasizes independent work on cross-functional teams, data-driven decision making, and a strong foundation in lab automation and software integration.