Senior Scientist, Automation & Informatics

Job DescriptionJob Description:The Screening & Compound Profiling group at our Research Laboratories site in Rahway, NJ, is seeking a highly motivated Automation Scientist to join our Automation & Informatics team in the Screening and Compound Profiling group. The successful candidate will be responsible for independently operating automated systems to execute a variety of biochemical and cell-based assays accurately and efficiently, while ensuring the integrity, traceability, and quality of the data generated. The individual will play a key role in maintaining, troubleshooting, and optimizing automated systems and workflows to expand and enhance capabilities for target and lead discovery across therapeutic areas, including oncology, immunology, neuroscience, cardiometabolic, and infectious disease.The successful candidate is expected to apply strong technical judgment to identify workflow issues, troubleshoot complex hardware and process problems, and implement improvements that increase reliability, efficiency, and scalability of screening operations. The individual will also work with data visualization tools to effectively analyze and present experimental results, enabling clear insights and decision-making from complex datasets.In addition, this individual will collaborate closely with scientists and engineers to support the implementation of new assays and workflows on automation platforms and may provide training or technical guidance to colleagues as needed. The individual will work within our team of scientists and engineers as part of a high-performance culture that values collaboration, inclusion, engagement, and accountability.Education:Bachelor’s degree in a relevant field required (Biology, Biochemistry, Biotechnology, Biomedical Engineering, or similar) with approximately 10 years of relevant experience in a laboratory automation environment (industry or equivalent academic/biotech experifence).Or an advanced degree (M.S.) with approximately 7 years of relevant experience in a laboratory automation environment (industry or equivalent academic/biotech experience). Equivalent combination of education and relevant hands-on laboratory/automation experience will be considered.Required Skills & Experience:Practical experience working with laboratory automation platforms used for HTS or similar high-throughput workflows (e.g., integrated robotic systems, liquid handlers, plate handlers, incubators).Expertise with laboratory instrumentation such as low-volume bulk dispensers, acoustic sample transfer devices, and detectors in both standalone and integrated modes.Experience supporting biochemical and/or cell-based assays and/or arrayed CRISPR screens within an HTS or screening context.Demonstrated ability to independently coordinate and track preventive maintenance for complex instrumentation, including interaction with vendors or service providers.Strong troubleshooting skills for automation hardware, basic software issues, and workflow-level problems in a laboratory environment, with the ability to identify root causes and implement effective solutions.Demonstrated ability to optimize automated workflows and improve operational efficiency, reliability, and robustness in a screening environment.High attention to detail and commitment to data quality, documentation, and adherence to SOPs and standardized workflows.Ability to manage multiple concurrent requests, prioritize work effectively, and operate with a high degree of independence to meet agreed timelines.Effective communication and collaboration skills to work closely with scientists, automation colleagues, and other stakeholders involved in screening campaigns.Ability to provide technical guidance and training to colleagues as needed.Preferred Skills:Experience with HighRes integrated automation platforms running Cellario Scheduler.Experience with Beckman Access systems running Tempo scheduling software.Experience with Mosaic Sample Management platform including Tempo Fulfillment Module (TFM).Ability to assess and apply emerging technologies, including agentic AI, to streamline laboratory workflows, identify process improvement opportunities, and enhance the efficiency, robustness, and scalability of screening operations.Required Skills: Accountability, Adaptability, Assay Development, Automation Systems, Automation Technology, Biochemistry, Biomedical Engineering, Biomedical Technologies, Bioscience, Biotechnology, Cell-Based Assays, Cell Biology, Collaboration, Communication, Deep Learning, Detail-Oriented, Documentations, In Vitro Assays, Machine Learning, Microbiology, Molecular Biotechnology, Oncology, Researching, Teamwork, TroubleshootingPreferred Skills: Current Employees apply HERECurrent Contingent Workers apply HEREUS 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:EEOC Know Your RightsEEOC GINA Supplement​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. W