Job Description
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. You’ll collaborate with a diverse network of scientists, engineers, and digital experts 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 (Expected graduation in 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, 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
Required Skills:
Automation, Computer Programming, Data Analysis, Hardware Integration, Innovative Thinking, Interpersonal Relationships, Laboratory Automation, Laboratory Documentation, Laboratory Robotics, Laboratory Techniques, Lab Testing Equipment, Mechatronics, Pharmaceutical Research, Scripting Languages
Preferred Skills:
Emerson DeltaV, PLC Programming, SCADA Control Systems
Current Employees apply
Current Contingent Workers apply
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. Please if you need an accommodation during the application or hiring process.
The salary range for this role is
$117,000.00 - $184,200.00
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 .
You 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:
Regular
Relocation:
Domestic/International
VISA Sponsorship:
Yes
Travel Requirements:
10%
Flexible Work Arrangements:
Not Applicable
Shift:
1st - Day
Valid Driving License:
No
Hazardous Material(s):
n/a
Job Posting End Date:
07/16/2026
*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.
