Associate Principal Scientist, Laboratory Robotics and Mechatronics Engineer in Data-Rich Experimentation (DRE)

Job Description

We are seeking an Associate Principal Scientist to join our Data-Rich Experimentation (DRE) organization, within Process Research & Developing Enabling Technologies (PR&D ET), located in Rahway, NJ.

Our DRE organization is responsible for the invention and application of new data-rich tools to support the scientists across process research and development at our Company. We aspire to embed data-intense technologies into the fabric of our Company's process development culture. The tools that we develop are as diverse as the team developing them, and in this Associate Principal Scientist role, the chosen candidate will leverage their laboratory robotics and mechatronics skills to enable our process research and development efforts across our Company's small molecule, biologics, and vaccines portfolio.

In this role we are seeking a highly motivated Laboratory Robotics and Mechatronics Engineer with strong technical programming skills to enhance our automation and robotics capabilities. The successful candidate will focus on designing, implementing, and optimizing automated laboratory systems to accelerate pharmaceutical process development while ensuring operational excellence and regulatory compliance.

This role will work collaboratively with process research and development scientists, automation scientists, and cross-functional teams to build innovative capabilities in laboratory automation. The candidate will contribute toward operational excellence of existing automation platforms while also developing next-generation automated solutions to support current and future pharmaceutical development programs.

Responsibilities:

• Design, develop, optimize, and operate robotic liquid handlers, robotic workcells, and other automation platforms for pharmaceutical research applications.

• Work alongside research scientists to understand their experimental needs and translate them into automated solutions deployed across programs and modalities.

• Create mechatronic solutions integrating mechanical, electrical, and software components for specialized research applications.

• Design custom end-effectors, fixtures, and tooling for automated laboratory processes.

• Collaborate with teams of scientists in automation, data science, modeling, and other physical and digital automation disciplines.

• Effectively manage complex automation projects from conception through completion with diverse stakeholders.

• Innovate existing automated workflows and platforms to achieve improved performance, accessibility, maintainability, and reliability.

• Integrate robotic systems with existing laboratory equipment and data capture systems.

• Provide technical support, troubleshooting, and training to laboratory personnel.

• Maintain detailed documentation of system configurations, procedures, and modifications.

Education Minimum Requirement:

• A Ph.D. in Mechatronics, Robotics, Engineering, Chemistry, Physics, Biology, Pharmaceutical Sciences or a closely related field with at least 3 years of relevant experience.

• A M.S. in Mechatronics, Robotics, Engineering, Chemistry, Physics, Biology, Pharmaceutical Sciences or a closely related field with at least 5 years of relevant experience.

• A B.S. in in Mechatronics, Robotics, Engineering, Chemistry, Physics, Biology, Pharmaceutical Sciences or a closely related field with at least 7 years of relevant experience.

Required Experience and Skills:

• Experience in a lab-based setting, working with lab automation and equipment integration.

• Proficient in designing, validating, optimizing, and operating robotic liquid handlers, robotic workcells, and other automation platforms.

• Experience with scripting/programming in one or more of the following: Python, C#, VBA, JavaScript, R, following accepted best practices (version control, design patterns, clean code).

• Experience in integrating laboratory instruments with custom or commercial software solutions.

• Understanding of (bio)pharmaceutical process research and development.

• Demonstrated ability to work in an entrepreneurial and independent manner while being a strong team player.

• Strong collaboration and communication skills with the ability to navigate conversations with technicians and vendors.

• Experience leading technical projects with cross-functional teams.

Preferred Experience and Skills:

• Experience with Tecan, Biomek, Formulatrix or Hamilton liquid handlers, Thermo Momentum workcells, and other commercial automation platforms.