Senior Scientist, DDT –Lab Automation, Automation Systems Engineer (Lab & Robotics)

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

Job Description

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 diverse teams that come together to build technologies that truly impact how our scientists conduct research. We're looking for a Senior 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. You'll collaborate with a diverse network of scientists, engineers, and digital experts 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 Ph.D. in Engineering (i.e. Mechanical, Electrical, Chemical), Robotics, Mechatronics, Chemistry, Physics, Biology, Pharmaceutical Sciences or a closely related field (Expected graduation in 2026)
• A M.S. 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
• A B.S. in Engineering (i.e. Mechanical, Electrical, Chemical), Robotics, Mechatronics, Chemistry, Physics, Biology, Pharmaceutical Sciences or a closely related field with at least 4 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‑end solutions
• Experience in integrating laboratory instruments with custom or commercial software solutions
• Ability to recognize, design, prototype, and deploy innovative technologies in laboratory automation
• 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 like Benchling or Signals
• Motivated to learn new skills, willingness to take on new challenges, and scientific curiosity
• Deep interest and desire to understand how systems work.
• Self-proclaimed maker, builder, tinkerer

Equal Employment Opportunity

As an Equal Employment Opportunity Employer, we provide equal opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibit discrimination on the basis of race, color, age, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, protected veteran status, disability status, or other applicable legally protected characteristics.

As a federal contractor, we comply with all affirmative action requirements for protected veterans and individuals with disabilities.

For more information about personal rights under the U.S. Equal Opportunity Employment laws, visit: EEOC Know Your Rights EEOC GINA Supplement

We are proud to be a company that embraces the value of bringing together, talented, and committed people with diverse experiences, perspectives, skills and backgrounds. The fastest way to breakthrough innovation is when people with diverse ideas, broad experiences, backgrounds, and skills come together in an inclusive environment. We encourage our colleagues to respectfully challenge one another’s thinking and approach problems collectively.

Salary and Benefits

The salary range for this role is $117,000.00 - $184,200.00 This is the lowest to highest salary we in good faith believe we would pay for this role at the time of this posting. An employee’s position within the salary range will be based on several factors including, but not limited to relevant education, qualifications, certifications, experience, skills, geographic location, government requirements, and business or organizational needs.

The successful candidate will be eligible for annual bonus and long‑term incentive, if applicable.

We offer a comprehensive package of benefits. Available benefits include medical, dental, vision healthcare and other insurance benefits (for employee and family), retirement benefits, including 401(k), paid holidays, vacation, and compassionate and sick days.

Eligibility and Residency Requirements

US and Puerto Rico Residents Only: Our company is committed to inclusion, ensuring that candidates can engage in a hiring process that exhibits their true capabilities. Please click here if you need an accommodation during the application or hiring process.

San Francisco Residents Only: We will consider qualified applicants with arrest and conviction records for employment in compliance with the San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance.

Los Angeles Residents Only: We will consider for employment all qualified applicants, including those with criminal histories, in a manner consistent with the requirements of applicable state and local laws, including the City of Los Angeles’ Fair Chance Initiative for Hiring Ordinance.

Recruitment Policy

Merck & Co., Inc., Rahway, NJ, USA, also known as Merck Sharp & Dohme LLC, Rahway, NJ, USA, does not accept unsolicited assistance from search firms for employment opportunities. All CVs / resumes submitted by search firms to any employee at our company without a valid written search agreement in place for this position will be deemed the sole property of our company. No fee will be paid in the event a candidate is hired by our company as a result of an agency referral where no pre‑existing agreement is in place. Where agency agreements are in place, introductions are position specific. Please, no phone calls or emails.

Employment Information

Employee Status: Regular Relocation: Domestic/International VISA Sponsorship: Yes Travel Requirements: 10% Flexible Work Arrangements: Not Applicable Shift: 1st - Day Valid Driving License: No Hazardous Material(s): n/a

Job Posting End Date

Job Posting End Date: 10/5/2026

A job posting is effective until 11:59:59PM on the day BEFORE the listed job posting end date. Please ensure you apply to a job posting no later than the day BEFORE the job posting end date.

About Us

Our company is a global health care leader with a diversified portfolio of prescription medicines, vaccines and animal health products. The difference between potential and achievement lies in the spark that fuels innovation and inventiveness; this is the space where we have codified our legacy for over a century. Our success is backed by ethical integrity, forward momentum, and an inspiring mission to achieve new milestones in global healthcare.