Job Description
Sr. Specialist, Research Automation Systems Integrator in RaDS IT
RaDS IT Research Infrastructure Product Line (RIPL) engineering team is seeking a Senior Specialist – Research Automation Systems Integrator. This position will be a member of the Research Automation Operations product (Laboratory and Plant) within RIPL. As systems integrator, you will lead the definition and implementation of high-level requirements, principles and models that guide solution decisions and provide the “blueprint” for engineering / project teams to implement these solutions. You will focus on analyzing, designing, and developing solutions and implementation plans based on a current versus future state solution and reference architectures that aligns to business needs. Your software experience in screening data automation, plant automation and system integration will contribute to building new platforms, enhancing existing ones for expansion, efficiency and productivity across drug discovery modalities and clinical phases. You will collaborate with multidisciplinary organizations in our Research & Development Division and IT, including scientists, engineers, IT architects, infrastructure, quality, vendors in building, optimizing, and troubleshooting the automation systems.
The primary location is West Point, PA or Rahway, NJ and the role will provide support services to other sites.
Job Description
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Defines the software modules needed for an integration build and produces a build definition for each generation of the software. Accepts completed software modules, ensuring that they meet defined criteria. Produces software builds from software source code for loading onto target hardware. Configures the hardware and software environment as required by the system being integrated. Produces integration test specifications, conducts tests and records and reports on outcomes. Diagnoses faults and records and reports on the results of tests. Produces system integration reports.
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Follows standard approaches and established design patterns to create new designs for simple systems or system components. Identifies and resolves minor design issues. Identifies alternative design options and seeks guidance when deviating from established design patterns.
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Undertakes complete design of moderately complex software applications or components. Applies agreed standards, guidelines, patterns and tools. Assists as part of a team in the design of components of larger software systems. Specifies user and/or system interfaces. Creates multiple design views to address the different stakeholders’ concerns and to handle functional and non-functional requirements. Assists in the evaluation of options and trade-offs. Collaborates in reviews of work with others as appropriate.
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Contributes to the development of solution architectures in specific business, infrastructure or functional areas. Identifies and evaluates alternative architectures and the trade-offs in cost, performance and scalability. Determines and documents architecturally significant decisions. Produces specifications of cloud-based or on-premises components, tiers and interfaces, for translation into detailed designs using selected services and products. Supports projects or change initiatives through the preparation of technical plans and application of design principles. Aligns solutions with enterprise and solution architecture standards (including security).
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Conduct architecture evaluations and collaborate with delivery squads to develop solution architectures that fit the business needs
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Define and implement integrations to systems and solutions that meet business requirements
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Design and develop automated laboratory workflows, including sample preparation, assay execution on high throughput robotic screening platforms
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Collaborate with our Research & Development Division scientists and engineers to identify automation needs and define project requirements.
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Collaborate with instrument vendors and suppliers to evaluate and implement new laboratory automation and robotics technologies.
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Program, integrate, and maintain laboratory automation equipment, such as liquid handling robots, robotic arms, and high-throughput screening systems
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Previous experience in integrating robotic automation platforms such as Momentum, GreenButtonGo, Cellario, etc with Enterprise LIMs and Sample Management platforms.
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Proficient in modern object-oriented programming languages such as LabView, C#, Java, Oracle/SQL Server, Python, including real-time data automation, and GUI design.
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Effectively troubleshoot the systems, including not only the software but other aspects such as the hosting servers and computers, instrument drivers such detectors, liquid handlers, centrifuge, etc. ensuring minimal disruption to research activities
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Test software prototypes and/or production systems according to safety, environment, electrical, software and essential performance specifications.
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Document protocols, procedures, and system configurations for future reference and regulatory compliance.
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Adhere to laboratory safety guidelines and promote a culture of safety among team members.
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Ensure timely IT support in the joint investigation, diagnostics, and resolutions with the our Research & Development Division scientists and engineers and interface with site and global functions such as infrastructure, engineering, system security, risk management, etc.
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Manage implementation and upgrade of software in support of maintenance and upkeep of the laboratory automation systems, improving operational efficiencies, reliability, operability, and maintainability.
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Communicate with all stakeholders, including internal and external developers, end-users, product line/product owners and architects. Update stakeholders on the status of product development processes.
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Evaluate project constraints to find alternatives, alleviate risks, and perform process re-engineering if required. Find resolution to technical issues as they arise.
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Leverage industry standard frameworks and current knowledge of the industry trends to advise on leading architecture practices
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Analyze industry, technology, and market trends to determine their potential impact on delivery roadmaps
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Analyze the current solution architecture to detect critical deficiencies and recommend actions/steps for improvement
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Advise and deliver value-added IT services and infrastructure solutions while ensuring strategies to adapt to technological advancements.
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Lead/assist creating robust testing strategies and execution in compliance with the required quality regulations for IT-related scope.
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Good understanding of all phases of SDLC (to enable rapid adoption of company SDLC processes).
Education Requirement:
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Bachelor’s degree in automation, engineering, computer science, or computer engineering related degree.
Required Experience and Skills:
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5 years’ hands-on software development and operations in the pharmaceutical High Throughput Screening (HTS) automation, interfacing with research scientists, robotic engineers, safety, and quality personnel.
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4 years’ experience with commercial laboratory robotics scheduler software such as Momentum, GreenButtonGo, Cellario, etc
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4 year’s hands-on experience programming robotic arms, laboratory instrument using LabView, C#, Java, Oracle and/or SQL server database in direct support of high throughput screening.
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In-depth knowledge of Windows Hyper-V, VMware workstation, Delta-V, Pi, Pi Historian, SCADA computer system backup and archival, data retention
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Familiar with networking, switches, vlans, subnets, firewalls, Windows active directory in virtual and physical environments.
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Experienced problem solver/troubleshooter, skilled in root cause analysis.
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Multi-tasker with ability to lead multiple IT and automation projects.
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Able to work independently and as part of a cross-functional team.
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Excellent collaboration and communication skills.
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Strong technical writing skills.
Preferred Experience and Skills:
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A Master’s degree is preferred.
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4 years’ experience with sample management systems and operations, such as Titian Mosaic, Screenwork, BioInventory, FreezerPro, etc. Have experience developing integration APIs with other laboratory systems.
NOTICE FOR INTERNAL APPLICANTS
In accordance with Managers’ Policy – Job Posting and Employee Placement, all employees subject to this policy are required to have a minimum of twelve (12) months of service in current position prior to applying for open positions.
If you have been offered a separation benefits package, but have not yet reached your separation date and are offered a position within the salary and geographical parameters as set forth in the Summary Plan Description (SPD) of your separationpackage, then you are no longer eligible for your separation benefits package. To discuss in more detail, please contact your HRBP or Talent Acquisition Advisor.
Employees working in roles that the Company determines require routine collaboration with external stakeholders, such as customer-facing commercial, or research-based roles, will be expected to comply not only with Company policy but also with policies established by such external stakeholders (for example, a requirement to be vaccinated against COVID-19 in order to access a facility or meet with stakeholders). Please understand that, as permitted by applicable law, if you have not been vaccinated against COVID-19 and an essential function of your job is to call on external stakeholders who require vaccination to enter their premises or engage in face-to-face meetings, then your employment may pose an undue burden to business operations, in which case you may not be offered employment, or your employment could be terminated. Please also note that, where permitted by applicable law, the Company reserves the right to require COVID-19 vaccinations for positions, such as in Global Employee Health, where the Company determines in its discretion that the nature of the role presents an increased risk of disease transmission.
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Under New York State, Colorado State, Washington State, and California State law, the Company is required to provide a reasonable estimate of the salary range for this job. Final determinations with respect to salary will take into account a number of factors, which may include, but not be limited to the primary work location and the chosen candidate’s relevant skills, experience, and education.
Expected salary range:
$111,400.00 – $175,300.00
Available benefits include bonus eligibility, long term incentive if applicable, health care and other insurance benefits (for employee and family), retirement benefits, paid holidays, vacation, and sick days. A summary of benefits is listed here.
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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:
Domestic
VISA Sponsorship:
No
Travel Requirements:
10%
Flexible Work Arrangements:
Hybrid
Shift:
1st – Day
Valid Driving License:
No
Hazardous Material(s):
N/A
Required Skills:
Data Modeling, Design Applications, Release Management, Requirements Management, Solution Architecture, System Designs, Systems Integration
Preferred Skills:
Automation Technology
Job Posting End Date:
07/4/2024
*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.
