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

Merck; New Jersey; On-site; USD 120,000 - 165,000; Full time

Job summary

Merck in New Jersey is seeking a Senior Scientist to design and deploy automation that connects robotics, instrumentation, and software to accelerate pharmaceutical development. You will collaborate with scientists, engineers, and digital specialists to build integrated systems that turn complex workflows into streamlined, intelligent processes.

The role requires leading high-impact projects from concept through deployment, translating experimental needs into scalable automated workflows, and

Qualifications

• Ph.D. in Engineering or closely related field by December 2026
• MS in Engineering with at least 2 years of relevant experience
• BS in Engineering with at least 4 years of relevant experience

Responsibilities

• Design automation systems integrating robotics, instrumentation, and software
• Translate experiments into scalable automated workflows
• Lead high-impact automation projects across teams
• Improve automation platforms for performance and reliability
• Connect robotic platforms with lab equipment and data systems
• Provide hands-on support and training to scientists

Skills

Lab automation

Scripting

Cross-functional collaboration

Analytical development

Education

PhD in Engineering or related field

MS with 2+ years experience

BS with 4+ years experience

Tools

PLC

Microcontrollers

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 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. 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 Ph.D. in Engineering (i.e. Mechanical, Electrical, Chemical), Robotics, Mechatronics, Chemistry, Physics, Biology, Pharmaceutical Sciences or a closely related field (with expected graduation no later than December 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 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, e