Principal Scientist, DDT-Lab Automation, Digital Lab and Automation Strategy

Principal Scientist, DSCS Digital Technologies – Laboratory Automation, Digital Lab and Automation Strategy Location: Rahway, NJ (on‑site, 10% travel required) Job Overview We are seeking a Principal Scientist to lead the development, deployment, and optimization of digital and data‑rich technologies that enhance laboratory automation and high‑throughput capabilities across our small molecule, biologics, and vaccine portfolio. Key Responsibilities Design the lab of the future by leading high‑throughput lab automation initiatives that integrate robotics, analytical instrumentation, and software into cohesive, high‑performing solutions, leveraging digital tools such as "Agentic AI". Translate experimental needs into scalable digital workflows through partnership with researchers. Collaborate across automation, data science, modeling, IT, and CMC communities to deliver meaningful outcomes. Lead projects from concept through deployment, ensuring performance, usability, and reliability. Continuously improve existing digital technologies and automation platforms. Provide hands‑on partnership, support, troubleshooting, and training to scientists using these technologies. Education Ph.D. in Chemical/Biochemical/Biomedical Engineering, Chemistry, Biology, Pharmaceutical Sciences, or a closely‑related field with at least 6 years of industrial/pharmaceutical experience. Required: M.S. in a related field with at least 8 years of experience, or B.S. with at least 10 years of experience. Required Experience and Skills Demonstrated leadership in a lab‑based setting with lab automation and equipment integration. Experience designing, validating, optimizing, and operating robotic liquid handlers, workcells, and other automation platforms. Proficiency in scripting/programming (Python, C#, VBA, JavaScript, R) with best practices such as version control and clean code. Hands‑on experience with commercial liquid handler front‑end software (Tecan, Biomek, Formulatrix, Hamilton, or HighRes Biosolution). Background integrating laboratory instruments with custom or commercial software solutions. Self‑motivated, entrepreneurial, yet a team player with strong collaboration and communication skills. Leadership of technical projects with cross‑functional teams. Preferred Experience and Skills Experience in (bio)pharmaceutical process R&D (drug substance, drug product, analytical development). Experience with Benchling, Signals, or other commercial laboratory notebook software. Knowledge of ThermoFisher Momentum, Biosero Green Button Go, or HighRes Biosolutions Cellario scheduling software. Deep knowledge of automation software, firmware, hardware, and end‑to‑end integration. Understanding of AI/ML concepts and their application to laboratory automation. Equal Employment Opportunity Statement We provide equal opportunities to all employees and applicants and prohibit discrimination on the basis of race, color, age, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, protected veteran status, disability status, and other legally protected characteristics. As a federal contractor, we comply with affirmative action requirements for protected veterans and individuals with disabilities. Compensation and Benefits Salary range: $173,200.00 – $272,600.00. Eligible for annual bonus and long‑term incentive (if applicable). Benefits include medical, dental, vision, retirement (401(k)), paid holidays, vacation, compassionate and sick days, and comprehensive employee benefits. Benefits information available at #J-18808-Ljbffr MSD Malaysia