Merck
Principal Scientist, Robotics - Laboratory Automation
Merck, West Point, Pennsylvania, us, 19486
Principal Scientist (Robotics/Automation)
We are currently seeking a motivated Principal Scientist (Robotics/Automation) to join the Translational Sciences and Outsourcing group at our West Point/Springhouse, PA location within the department of Pharmacokinetics, Dynamics, Metabolism and Bioanalytics (PDMB). This role will focus on translating scientific research into practical applications by delivering and implementing laboratory automation solutions on robotic platforms. Responsibilities include engaging in cross-functional, end-to-end process development involving close collaboration between scientific and IT teams. The candidate will possess direct experience in designing, developing, and transferring automated ADME (absorption, distribution, metabolism, and excretion) and bioanalytical assays. They must demonstrate the ability to execute these assays independently while providing strong mentorship and development support to junior employees, fostering their technical growth and professional development. A critical aspect of this role is maintaining rigorous data management practices, ensuring data integrity, and facilitating seamless integration of data across platforms and teams. The successful candidate will have a proven track record of developing, optimizing, and executing scientific processes on robotic platforms, with a commitment to staying current with state-of-the-art technologies and advocating for the evaluation and optimization of innovative processes. Leadership responsibilities include mentoring junior staff, building strong relationships with stakeholders, and providing expert technical representation on multidisciplinary teams. The ideal candidate will be a proactive leader who champions best practices in data management and team development to drive scientific and operational excellence. Qualifications: Education: A Bachelor's (with 10 years), Master's (with 8 years) or Ph.D. (with 5 years) in Engineering, Automated Sciences, Computer Science, Biology, Chemistry or related discipline and relevant scientific expertise with laboratory automation. Required Experience and Skills: Proficient in designing, validating, optimizing, and operating robotic systems for the execution of therapeutic assays on automation platforms, with hands-on experience in laboratory automation schedulers such as Cellario, Green Button Go (Biosero), or Thermo Momentum. Proven collaborative leader within a matrix organization, capable of mentoring, developing, and inspiring scientists at various levels. Encourages curiosity and challenges the status quo to foster innovation, with strong decision-making skills that consider broader development programs and organizational goals. Demonstrated experience in mentoring junior employees, providing technical guidance, and fostering professional growth to build a high-performing, cohesive team. Collaborative leader with a track record of consulting multiple business partners to develop and align new and existing business strategies. Skilled in forecasting resource needs and constraints to support strategic decision-making. Preferred Experience and Skills: Experience automating laboratory assays on robotic platforms, including mechanization of diverse assay types such as ADME screening, quantitative pharmacokinetics, and vaccine clinical protocols (e.g., stability, inhibition, binding, VRNT, serology), with expertise in sample preparation for liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry (LC-MS) assays in both in vivo and in vitro settings. Proficient in bioanalytical methods including ligand binding, cell-based neutralization, and molecular biology techniques. Deep understanding and practical application of data management best practices, ensuring data integrity, quality control, and seamless integration across scientific and IT platforms. Expertise in method development, qualification/validation, troubleshooting, and supporting pre-clinical sample analysis as needed. Solid understanding of liquid handling systems, particularly Beckman and Hamilton platforms. Proven ability to independently analyze and interpret experimental data, with strong skills in presenting and discussing findings within a collaborative, multidisciplinary team environment. Commitment to staying current with state-of-the-art technologies and advocating for continuous evaluation and optimization of innovative scientific and automation processes. Demonstrated responsibility for ensuring equipment availability, proper calibration, routine maintenance, and servicing to meet operational standards and regulatory compliance. The salary range for this role is $169,700.00 - $267,200.00. 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.
We are currently seeking a motivated Principal Scientist (Robotics/Automation) to join the Translational Sciences and Outsourcing group at our West Point/Springhouse, PA location within the department of Pharmacokinetics, Dynamics, Metabolism and Bioanalytics (PDMB). This role will focus on translating scientific research into practical applications by delivering and implementing laboratory automation solutions on robotic platforms. Responsibilities include engaging in cross-functional, end-to-end process development involving close collaboration between scientific and IT teams. The candidate will possess direct experience in designing, developing, and transferring automated ADME (absorption, distribution, metabolism, and excretion) and bioanalytical assays. They must demonstrate the ability to execute these assays independently while providing strong mentorship and development support to junior employees, fostering their technical growth and professional development. A critical aspect of this role is maintaining rigorous data management practices, ensuring data integrity, and facilitating seamless integration of data across platforms and teams. The successful candidate will have a proven track record of developing, optimizing, and executing scientific processes on robotic platforms, with a commitment to staying current with state-of-the-art technologies and advocating for the evaluation and optimization of innovative processes. Leadership responsibilities include mentoring junior staff, building strong relationships with stakeholders, and providing expert technical representation on multidisciplinary teams. The ideal candidate will be a proactive leader who champions best practices in data management and team development to drive scientific and operational excellence. Qualifications: Education: A Bachelor's (with 10 years), Master's (with 8 years) or Ph.D. (with 5 years) in Engineering, Automated Sciences, Computer Science, Biology, Chemistry or related discipline and relevant scientific expertise with laboratory automation. Required Experience and Skills: Proficient in designing, validating, optimizing, and operating robotic systems for the execution of therapeutic assays on automation platforms, with hands-on experience in laboratory automation schedulers such as Cellario, Green Button Go (Biosero), or Thermo Momentum. Proven collaborative leader within a matrix organization, capable of mentoring, developing, and inspiring scientists at various levels. Encourages curiosity and challenges the status quo to foster innovation, with strong decision-making skills that consider broader development programs and organizational goals. Demonstrated experience in mentoring junior employees, providing technical guidance, and fostering professional growth to build a high-performing, cohesive team. Collaborative leader with a track record of consulting multiple business partners to develop and align new and existing business strategies. Skilled in forecasting resource needs and constraints to support strategic decision-making. Preferred Experience and Skills: Experience automating laboratory assays on robotic platforms, including mechanization of diverse assay types such as ADME screening, quantitative pharmacokinetics, and vaccine clinical protocols (e.g., stability, inhibition, binding, VRNT, serology), with expertise in sample preparation for liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry (LC-MS) assays in both in vivo and in vitro settings. Proficient in bioanalytical methods including ligand binding, cell-based neutralization, and molecular biology techniques. Deep understanding and practical application of data management best practices, ensuring data integrity, quality control, and seamless integration across scientific and IT platforms. Expertise in method development, qualification/validation, troubleshooting, and supporting pre-clinical sample analysis as needed. Solid understanding of liquid handling systems, particularly Beckman and Hamilton platforms. Proven ability to independently analyze and interpret experimental data, with strong skills in presenting and discussing findings within a collaborative, multidisciplinary team environment. Commitment to staying current with state-of-the-art technologies and advocating for continuous evaluation and optimization of innovative scientific and automation processes. Demonstrated responsibility for ensuring equipment availability, proper calibration, routine maintenance, and servicing to meet operational standards and regulatory compliance. The salary range for this role is $169,700.00 - $267,200.00. 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.