Automation Scientist at Merck

Job Description

We are seeking a motivated Automation Scientist to join our Quantitative Biosciences team in Boston with a primary focus on sample management. The successful candidate will manage sample workflows and ensure the integrity, traceability, and timely processing of samples used in analytical and bioanalytical assays. This role requires hands-on experience with automated liquid handling platforms and sample management workstations.

Key Responsibilities

• Operate, maintain, and troubleshoot automated sample handling equipment, including Hamilton liquid handlers, Echo acoustic dispensers, Access Workstations or like devices.

• Execute daily sample processing workflows (plate preparation, aliquoting, reformatting, inventory tracking) to support assay and study timelines.

• Coordinate sample accessioning, labeling, storage, retrieval, and shipping while maintaining chain-of-custody and sample tracking accuracy.

• Follow and contribute to development of SOPs, work instructions, and quality documentation; ensure compliance with site safety standards.

• Perform routine QC checks and document maintenance/calibration activities for instruments.

• Collaborate closely with project scientists, chemists, and global sample management to prioritize sample processing and resolve issues.

• Participate in continuous improvement initiatives to increase throughput, reduce errors, and optimize workflow efficiency.

• Train and mentor staff on sample management procedures and instrument operation.

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in relevant STEM/life sciences discipline (e.g., Biology, Chemistry, Biochemistry, Pharmaceutical Sciences, Bioengineering, Biotechnology) or equivalent experience and 1–5 years of hands-on experience in sample management or laboratory operations supporting biochemical/cell-based workflows OR MS and 0+ years of experience.

• Strong organizational skills with meticulous attention to detail and accuracy in sample tracking and documentation.

• Proficient with laboratory information management systems (LIMS), inventory systems, and electronic documentation.

• Effective communicator with the ability to collaborate across cross-functional teams and adapt to changing priorities.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience with Mosaic (sample management/workflow software) or equivalent sample tracking/workflow tools.

• Experience operating Hamilton liquid handling systems, Echo acoustic dispensers, and Access Workstations.

• Familiarity with plate sealing, barcoding, sample handling, and automated storage systems.

• Demonstrated experience with process improvement or implementation of instrument SOPs.

What We Offer

• A collaborative, fast-paced environment where your work directly supports critical assays.

• Opportunities for professional growth, training, and cross-functional exposure.

• Competitive compensation and benefits package.

#EligibleforERP

Required Skills:

Automated Liquid Handling Systems, Automation, Automation Technology, In Vitro Assays, Laboratory Information Management System (LIMS), Liquid Handling, Molecular Biology Techniques, Robotic Liquid Handlers, Sample Management

Preferred Skills:

Current Employees apply HERE

Current Contingent Workers apply HERE

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 click here if you need an accommodation during the application or hiring process.

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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We are proud to be a company that embraces the value of bringing together, talented, and committed people with diverse experiences, perspectives, skills and backgrounds. The fastest way to breakthrough innovation is when people with diverse ideas, broad experiences, backgrounds, and skills come together in an inclusive environment. We encourage our colleagues to respectfully challenge one another’s thinking and approach problems collectively.

Learn more about your rights, including under California, Colorado and other US State Acts

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

$98,000.00 - $154,300.00

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 https://jobs.merck.com/us/en/compensation-and-benefits.

You can apply for this role through https://jobs.merck.com/us/en (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:

No relocation

VISA Sponsorship:

Yes

Travel Requirements:

No Travel Required:

Flexible Work Arrangements:

Not Applicable

Shift:

Not Indicated

Valid Driving License:

No

Hazardous Material(s):

OEB4, OEB5, BSL2

Job Posting End Date:

05/13/2026

**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.