Sr. Specialist, Research Automation Systems Integrator
Rahway, NJ - USA
Job Summary
Job Description
Join our company a leading research-driven biopharmaceutical organization committed to advancing the prevention and treatment of diseases in people and animals. Through cutting-edge science we develop innovative health solutions that improve and save lives around the world.
RaDS IT Research Infrastructure Product Line (RIPL) engineering team is seeking a Senior Specialist - Research Automation Systems Integrator. This position will be a member of the Research Automation Operations product (Laboratory and Plant) within RIPL. As systems integrator you will lead the definition and implementation of high-level requirements principles and models that guide solution decisions and provide the blueprint for engineering / project teams to implement these solutions. You will focus on analyzing designing and developing solutions and implementation plans based on a current versus future state solution and reference architectures that aligns to business needs. Your software experience in screening data automation plant automation and system integration will contribute to building new platforms enhancing existing ones for expansion efficiency and productivity across drug discovery modalities and clinical phases. You will collaborate with multidisciplinary organizations in our Research Labs Division and IT including scientists engineers IT architects infrastructure quality vendors in building optimizing and troubleshooting the automation systems.
The primary location is West Point PA Rahway NJ and will provide support services to other sites.
Responsibilities
Defines the software modules needed for an integration build and produces a build definition for each generation of the software. Accepts completed software modules ensuring that they meet defined criteria. Produces software builds from software source code for loading onto target hardware. Configures the hardware and software environment as required by the system being integrated. Produces integration test specifications conducts tests and records and reports on outcomes. Diagnoses faults and records and reports on the results of tests. Produces system integration reports.
Follows standard approaches and established design patterns to create new designs for simple systems or system components. Identifies and resolves minor design issues. Identifies alternative design options and seeks guidance when deviating from established design patterns.
Undertakes complete design of moderately complex software applications or components. Applies agreed standards guidelines patterns and tools. Assists as part of a team in the design of components of larger software systems. Specifies user and/or system interfaces. Creates multiple design views to address the different stakeholders concerns and to handle functional and non-functional requirements. Assists in the evaluation of options and trade-offs. Collaborates in reviews of work with others as appropriate.
Contributes to the development of solution architectures in specific business infrastructure or functional areas. Identifies and evaluates alternative architectures and the trade-offs in cost performance and scalability. Determines and documents architecturally significant decisions. Produces specifications of cloud-based or on-premises components tiers and interfaces for translation into detailed designs using selected services and products. Supports projects or change initiatives through the preparation of technical plans and application of design principles. Aligns solutions with enterprise and solution architecture standards (including security).
Define and implement integrations to systems and solutions that meet business requirements
Design and develop automated laboratory workflows including sample preparation assay execution on high throughput robotic screening platforms
Collaborate with our Research & Development Division scientists and engineers to identify automation needs and define project requirements.
Collaborate with instrument vendors and suppliers to evaluate and implement new laboratory automation and robotics technologies.
Program integrate and maintain laboratory automation equipment such as liquid handling robots robotic arms and high-throughput screening systems
Effectively troubleshoot the systems including not only the software but other aspects such as the hosting servers and computers instrument drivers such detectors liquid handlers centrifuge etc. ensuring minimal disruption to research activities
Ensure timely IT support in the joint investigation diagnostics and resolutions with the our Research & Development Division scientists and engineers and interface with site and global functions such as infrastructure engineering system security risk management etc.
Manage implementation and upgrade of software in support of maintenance and upkeep of the laboratory automation systems improving operational efficiencies reliability operability and maintainability.
Communicate with all stakeholders including internal and external developers end-users product line/product owners and architects. Update stakeholders on the status of product development processes.
Evaluate project constraints to find alternatives alleviate risks and perform process re-engineering if required. Find resolution to technical issues as they arise.
Leverage industry standard frameworks and current knowledge of the industry trends to advise on leading architecture practices
Good understanding of all phases of SDLC (to enable rapid adoption of company SDLC processes).
Qualifications
Required
Bachelors degree in automation engineering computer science or computer engineering related degree
Over five (5) years hands-on software development and operations in the pharmaceutical High Throughput Screening (HTS) automation interfacing with research scientists robotic engineers safety and quality personnel.
Over four (4) years experience with sample management systems and operations such as Titian Mosaic Screenwork BioInventory FreezerPro etc. Have experience developing integration APIs with other laboratory systems.
Over four (4) years experience with commercial laboratory robotics scheduler software such as Momentum GreenButtonGo Cellario etc.
Over four (4) years hands-on experience programming robotic arms laboratory instrument using LabView C# Java Oracle and/or SQL server database in direct support of high throughput screening.
Familiar with networking switches vlans subnets firewalls Windows active directory in virtual and physical environments.
Experienced problem solver/troubleshooter skilled in root cause analysis.
Multi-tasker with ability to lead multiple IT and automation projects.
Able to work independently and as part of a cross-functional team.
Excellent collaboration and communication skills.
Strong technical writing skills.
Preferred
A Masters degree preferred.
Four (4) years experience with sample management systems and operations such as Titian Mosaic Screenwork BioInventory FreezerPro etc.
Have experience developing integration APIs with other laboratory systems.
Required Skills:
Automation Systems Computer Engineering Computer Science Data Modeling Design Applications Information Technology (IT) Services Java (Programming Language) Laboratory Automation Laboratory Safety Managing Engineering Teams Market Trends Oracle Database Product Development Release Management Requirements Management Robot Framework Robotics Programming Sample Management Software Applications Solution Architecture SQL Databases System Designs System IntegrationPreferred Skills:
Automation TechnologyCurrent Employees apply HERE
Current Contingent Workers apply HERE
US and Puerto Rico Residents Only:
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The salary range for this role is
$117000.00 - $184200.00This 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
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:
RegularRelocation:
No relocationVISA Sponsorship:
NoTravel Requirements:
10%Flexible Work Arrangements:
HybridShift:
1st - DayValid Driving License:
NoHazardous Material(s):
n/aJob Posting End Date:
06/26/2026*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.
Required Experience:
Senior IC
About Company
Merck & Co., Inc., Kenilworth, New Jersey, USA is known as “Merck” in the United States, Canada & Puerto Rico. We are known as “MSD” in Europe, Middle East, Africa, Latin America & Asia Pacific. We are a global biopharmaceutical leader with a diverse portfolio of prescription medicine ... View more