Principal Scientist, DDT-Lab Automation, Digital Lab and Automation Strategy Full-time

Principal Scientist, DSCS Digital Technologies-Laboratory Automation, Digital Lab and Automation Strategy

We are seeking a Principal Scientist to join our DSCS Digital Technologies (DDT) organization, within Development Sciences and Clinical Supply (DSCS), located in Rahway, NJ.

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 a strong 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 teams that come together to build technologies that truly impact how our scientists conduct research. We're looking for a Principal Scientist to help make this vision real.

In this role, the chosen candidate will work with a team of scientists tasked with identifying, developing, and deploying digital and data-rich technologies aimed at improving the manner in which process, product, and analytical understanding is gathered. The tools that we develop are as the team developing them, and in this Principal Scientist role, the chosen candidate will leverage digital technologies to enable chemistry, manufacturing, and controls (CMC) activities across our company's small molecule, biologics, and vaccines portfolio. This includes, but is not limited to, leading lab automation and high throughput technology initiatives via the design, build, and maintenance of lab automation platforms and developing next-generation digitally integrated lab automation solutions to support current and future DSCS development.

How You'll Make an Impact

• Design the lab of the future by leading high throughput lab automation initiatives that integrate robotics, analytical instrumentation, and software into cohesive, high-performing solutions – leveraging digital tools (e.g. Agentic AI) where possible to enable rapid development cycles
• Deliver world-renowned science by partnering with researchers to understand experimental needs and convert them into scalable digital workflows
• Work at the intersection of multiple disciplines, collaborating with experts in automation, data science, modeling, IT, and the CMC community at large
• Lead high-impact projects from concept through deployment, working across teams and stakeholders to deliver meaningful outcomes
• Continuously improve existing digital technologies and automation platforms to enhance performance, usability, and reliability
• Empower others by providing hands-on partnership, support, troubleshooting, and training to scientists using these technologies

Education Minimum Requirement:

• Ph.D. in Chemical/Biochemical/Biomedical Engineering, Chemistry, Biology, Pharmaceutical Sciences, or a closely-related field with at least 6 years of industrial/pharmaceutical or relevant experience
• M.S. in Chemical/Biochemical/Biomedical Engineering, Chemistry, Biology, Pharmaceutical Sciences, or a closely-related field with at least 8 years of industrial/pharmaceutical or relevant experience
• B.S. in Chemical/Biochemical/Biomedical Engineering, Chemistry, Biology, Pharmaceutical Sciences, or a closely-related field with at least 10 years of industrial/pharmaceutical or relevant experience

Required Experience and Skills:

• Demonstrated leadership experience in a lab-based setting, working with lab automation and equipment integration
• Demonstrated leadership in designing, validating, optimizing, and operating robotic liquid handlers, robotic workcells, and other automation platforms
• Experience with scripting/programming in one or more of the following: Python, C#, VBA, JavaScript, R, following accepted best practices (version control, design patterns, clean code)
• Significant experience with one or more commercial lab automation platforms, specifically front-end software, such as: Tecan, Biomek, Formulatrix, Hamilton, or HighRes Biosolution liquid handlers
• Experience integrating laboratory instruments with custom or commercial software solutions
• Demonstrated ability to work in an entrepreneurial and independent manner while being a team player
• Collaboration and communication skills with the ability to navigate conversations with technicians and vendors
• Experience leading technical projects with cross-functional teams

Preferred Experience and Skills:

• Experience with (bio)pharmaceutical process research and development (e.g. drug substance development, drug product development, and/ or analytical development)
• Experience with Benchling, Signals, or other commercial laboratory notebook software
• Experience with ThermoFisher Momentum, Biosero Green Button Go, or HighRes Biosolutions Cellario robotic scheduling software
• Deep knowledge about laboratory automation software, firmware, hardware, and their integration into end-to-end solutions
• Ability to recognize, prototype, and deploy innovative technologies in laboratory automation
• Understanding of data science and AI/ML concepts and their application to laboratory automation

Required Skills:

Biomedical Engineering, Chemical Engineering, Computer Programming, Data Analysis, Innovative Thinking, Laboratory Automation, Manufacturing, Pharmaceutical Sciences, Professional Collaboration, Programming Languages, Robotic Liquid Handlers, Robotics Design

Preferred Skills:

C Sharp (Programming Language), Project Leadership, Python (Programming Language), R Programming

The salary range for this role is $173,200.00 – $272,600.00

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. More information about benefits is available at https://jobs.merck.com/us/en/compensation-and-benefits.