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

MSD; Rahway (NJ); Hybrid; USD 110,000 - 170,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Hybrid work arrangements

Chance to work at a global biopharma R

Job summary

Merck & Co., Inc. in Rahway, NJ, USA, seeks a Senior Scientist to design and deploy advanced automation in our DSCS Digital Technologies lab.

You’ll integrate robotics, instrumentation and software to accelerate discovery and data quality, collaborating with scientists, engineers and IT specialists across a hybrid work model. You will lead high‑impact projects, translate experiments into scalable workflows, and continuously improve platforms while providing hands‑on support and training to

Qualifications

• PhD in Engineering or a closely related field by Dec 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 that integrate robotics, instrumentation and software.
• Translate science into scalable automated workflows with researchers.
• Lead cross‑functional projects from concept to deployment.
• Continuously improve automation platforms for performance and reliability.
• Connect robotic platforms with lab data systems for end‑to‑end workflows.
• Provide hands‑on support, troubleshooting and training to scientists.

Skills

Lab automation

Scripting

Cross-functional teamwork

Communication skills

Biopharma R&D understanding

Education

PhD in Engineering/related

MS in Engineering

BS in Engineering

Tools

DeltaV

Ignition

Benchling

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 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

EligibleforERP

Required Skills

Automation, Bioprocess Engineering, Bioprocessing, Chemistry, Data Analysis, Drug Delivery Technology, Drug Development, High‑Throughput Screening, Laboratory Automation, Laboratory Instrumentation, Pharmaceutical Sciences, Python (Programming Language), Scripting

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.

Additional location(s)

Please note the salary range above applies to the Primary Location of the position. Where a role has other listed locations, different compensation guidelines may apply. You may find the salary ranges for additional locations below. If the salary range is not listed for the location you are applying to, our Talent Acquisition team will provide further information to you relevant to your location.

Additional location(s) Compensation Information

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

Search Firm Representatives Please Read Carefully

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.

Employee Status

Regular

Relocation

Domestic

VISA Sponsorship

No

Travel Requirements

10%

Flexible Work Arrangements

Hybrid

Shift

1st - Day

Valid Driving License

No

Hazardous Material(s)

n/a

Job Posting End Date

11/18/2026

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