Senior Scientist, Pharmacokinetics

About the role

The PDMB Regulated Bioanalytics Department is seeking a Senior Robotics Engineer to join the Regulated Robotics group. This role supports work across groups within the Regulated Bioanalytics Department, including at our new state-of-the-art AdVAnce GxP research facility in West Point, PA. The facility combines innovative robotics, IT platforms, and science to accelerate multiple modalities and enable late-stage clinical trials through the generation of timely, high-quality regulated bioanalytical data.

Responsibilities

• Liquid Handling / Automation Integration
  • Program and integrate laboratory instrumentation from vendors such as Beckman Coulter, Hamilton, Tecan, etc.
  • Develop and optimize liquid handling protocols on Biomek, Hamilton, and Tecan platforms, including liquid class validation.
  • Coordinate with vendors to support and service equipment to minimize downtime.
  • Responsible for operations, troubleshooting, and optimization of novel robotic platforms.
• Team Interface
  • Act collaboratively to solve problems and resolve unique situations with professionalism and service orientation.
  • Provide timely scientific support to assay staff while maintaining project timelines.
  • Empower, coach, and grow scientific partners as they transfer experiments to robotic platforms.
• Project Support
  • Procure materials required for assay execution, system builds, and general laboratory support.
  • Develop and execute installation, testing, and validation procedures on novel automation platforms.
  • Coordinate installation requirements with Safety and Facilities.
• Process Optimization
  • Continuously improve processes, systems, and client satisfaction.
  • Provide direction and information to vendors, suppliers, facilities staff, and service providers to ensure excellent coordination and minimal disruption.

Requirements

• BA/BS in Engineering, Biotechnology, Computer Science, or equivalent with at least 7 years of experience; MS with at least 3 years; or PhD with hands-on experience in a related field.
• 100% on-site role based in West Point, PA.
• High level of automation and engineering competency in integration, robotics, liquid handling, software, and electro-mechanical solutions.
• Ability to build and maintain strong relationships with site leaders, corporate management, and stakeholders.
• Experience prioritizing projects and resources to deliver required output and support to customers.
• Ability to work independently.
• Experience with commercial laboratory software and equipment (e.g., Momentum, Green Button Go, Cellario, Beckman, Tecan, Hamilton, Brooks).

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience working in pharmaceutical or biotech companies and/or laboratory experience.
• Cursory understanding of bench science.
• Experience with Microsoft programming languages (e.g., VB, Python, C#, SQL).
• Regulated or Clinical operation and documentation experience (e.g., GxP).
• Laboratory Field Service experience.

Skills

• Required: Biochemical Assays, Cell-Based Assays, Detail-Oriented, Flow Cytometry, Ligand Binding Assay, Liquid Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry (LC-MS), Mass Spectrometry Analysis, Partnership Strategy, Teamwork.

Pay

The salary range for this role is $117,000.00 – $184,200.00. An employee’s position within the salary range will be based on factors including, but not limited to, relevant education, qualifications, certifications, experience, skills, geographic location, government requirements, and business needs. The successful candidate will be eligible for annual bonus and long-term incentive, if applicable.

Benefits

We offer a comprehensive package of benefits, including:

• Medical, dental, vision, and other insurance benefits for employee and family.
• Retirement benefits, including 401(k).
• Paid holidays, vacation, compassionate, and sick days.

More information about benefits is available at https://jobs.merck.com/us/en/compensation-and-benefits.