Principal Scientist, Robotics - Laboratory Automation

Job Description

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 15 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 equipment in the development and execution of biological and chemical assays.

Required Experience and Skills:

• Working knowledge of ADME screening assays, quantitative pharmacokinetic assays, and vaccine clinical assay protocols (e.g., stability, inhibition, binding, VRNT, Serology), including sample preparation procedures for liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry assays (both in vivo and in vitro).

• Proficient in bioanalytical methods including ligand binding, cell-based neutralization, and molecular biology techniques, with demonstrated ability to translate assay development to automated systems including LIMS integration.

• 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 with Thermo Momentum automation scheduler

• 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.

#EligibleforERP

Current Employees apply HERE

Current Contingent Workers apply HERE

US and Puerto Rico Residents Only:

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As an Equal Employment Opportunity Employer, we provide equal opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibit discrimination on the basis of race, color, age, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, protected veteran status, disability status, or other applicable legally protected characteristics. As a federal contractor, we comply with all affirmative action requirements for protected veterans and individuals with disabilities. For more information about personal rights under the U.S. Equal Opportunity Employment laws, visit:

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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 presence.This 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

$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 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 .

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:

25%

Flexible Work Arrangements:

Not Applicable

Shift:

1st - Day

Valid Driving License:

No

Hazardous Material(s):

N/A

Required Skills:

ADME, Assay Development, Automation Systems, Bioanalytical Methods, Data Management, Laboratory Automation, Laboratory Information Management System (LIMS), Leadership, Molecular Biology, Pharmacokinetics, Robotics, Robotic Systems, Vaccine Research

Preferred Skills:

Job Posting End Date:

09/30/2025

*A job posting is effective until 11:59:59PM on the day BEFORE the listed job posting end date. Please ensure you apply to a job posting no later than the day BEFORE the job posting end date.