Associate Principal Scientist, Laboratory Robotics and Mechatronics Engineer in Data-Rich Experimentation (DRE)

Job Description

We are seeking an Associate Principal Scientist to join our Data-Rich Experimentation (DRE) organization within Process Research & Developing Enabling Technologies (PR&D ET) located in Rahway NJ.

Our DRE organization is responsible for the invention and application of new data-rich tools to support the scientists across process research and development at our Company. We aspire to embed data-intense technologies into the fabric of our Companys process development culture. The tools that we develop are as diverse as the team developing them and in this Associate Principal Scientist role the chosen candidate will leverage their laboratory robotics and mechatronics skills to enable our process research and development efforts across our Companys small molecule biologics and vaccines portfolio.

In this role we are seeking a highly motivated Laboratory Robotics and Mechatronics Engineer with strong technical programming skills to enhance our automation and robotics capabilities. The successful candidate will focus on designing implementing and optimizing automated laboratory systems to accelerate pharmaceutical process development while ensuring operational excellence and regulatory compliance.

This role will work collaboratively with process research and development scientists automation scientists and cross-functional teams to build innovative capabilities in laboratory automation. The candidate will contribute toward operational excellence of existing automation platforms while also developing next-generation automated solutions to support current and future pharmaceutical development programs.

Responsibilities:

• Design develop optimize and operate robotic liquid handlers robotic workcells and other automation platforms for pharmaceutical research applications.

• Work alongside research scientists to understand their experimental needs and translate them into automated solutions deployed across programs and modalities.

• Create mechatronic solutions integrating mechanical electrical and software components for specialized research applications.

• Design custom end-effectors fixtures and tooling for automated laboratory processes.

• Collaborate with teams of scientists in automation data science modeling and other physical and digital automation disciplines.

• Effectively manage complex automation projects from conception through completion with diverse stakeholders.

• Innovate existing automated workflows and platforms to achieve improved performance accessibility maintainability and reliability.

• Integrate robotic systems with existing laboratory equipment and data capture systems.

• Provide technical support troubleshooting and training to laboratory personnel.

• Maintain detailed documentation of system configurations procedures and modifications.

Education Minimum Requirement:

• A Ph.D. in Mechatronics Robotics Engineering Chemistry Physics Biology Pharmaceutical Sciences or a closely related field with at least 3 years of relevant experience.

• A M.S. in Mechatronics Robotics Engineering Chemistry Physics Biology Pharmaceutical Sciences or a closely related field with at least 5 years of relevant experience.

• A B.S. in in Mechatronics Robotics Engineering Chemistry Physics Biology Pharmaceutical Sciences or a closely related field with at least 7 years of relevant experience.

Required Experience and Skills:

• Experience in a lab-based setting working with lab automation and equipment integration.

• Proficient 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).

• Experience in integrating laboratory instruments with custom or commercial software solutions.

• Understanding of (bio)pharmaceutical process research and development.

• Demonstrated ability to work in an entrepreneurial and independent manner while being a strong team player.

• Strong 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 Tecan Biomek Formulatrix or Hamilton liquid handlers Thermo Momentum workcells and other commercial automation platforms.

• Experience with Benchling Signals or other commercial laboratory software.

• Experience with ThermoFisher Momentum Biosero Green Button Go or HighRes 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.

• Wet lab experience in (bio)pharmaceutical process research and development.

PRD

Required Skills:

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U.S. Hybrid Work Model

Effective September 5 2023 employees in office-based positions in the U.S. will be working a Hybrid work consisting of three total days on-site per week Monday - Thursday although the specific days may vary by site or organization with Friday designated as a remote-working day unless business critical tasks require an on-site Hybrid work model does not apply to and daily in-person attendance is required for field-based positions; facility-based manufacturing-based or research-based positions where the work to be performed is located at a Company site; positions covered by a collective-bargaining agreement (unless the agreement provides for hybrid work); or any other position for which the Company has determined the job requirements cannot be reasonably met working remotely. Please note this Hybrid work model guidance also does not apply to roles that have been designated as remote.

The salary range for this role is

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 employees 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 can apply for this role through (or via the Workday Jobs Hub if you are a current employee). The application deadline for this position is stated on this posting.

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

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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.

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