Sr. Spclst , Software Engineering

Merck•Upper Gwynedd Township, PA

2d•Hybrid

About The Position

Role Overview The value team in Research and Development IT team brings together product management, engineering, and data science expertise to enable data and technology products and services that accelerate our scientists' ability to discover and develop innovative medicines that change the course of human health. Our IT team operates as a business partner proposing ideas and innovative solutions that enable new organizational capabilities. We collaborate internationally to deliver the services and solutions that help everyone to be more productive and enable innovation and advance the drug discovery and development pipeline. We are seeking a highly skilled Software Engineer to join our team, focusing on enhancing sample management capabilities within the pharmaceutical domain. The ideal candidate will possess a skill set that encompasses technical expertise, domain-specific knowledge, team leadership and strong people skills to effectively collaborate with cross-functional teams and drive impactful solutions. Our technology teams operate as business partners, proposing ideas and innovative solutions that enable new organizational capabilities. We collaborate internationally to deliver services and solutions that help everyone be more productive and enable innovation.

Requirements

Bachelor's degree in information technology, Computer Science or any Technology stream.
5+ years of experience in software development, preferably in the pharmaceutical or biotech industry.
Proven experience with supporting Sample and Reagent Inventory platforms is highly desirable.
Programming Languages: Proficiency in Python; familiarity with JavaScript, Java, or C# is a plus.
Experience working with code management and automated testing tools like GitHub, Robot Framework or XRay.
API and Integration Development: Strong grasp of RESTful APIs, data transformation, and integration patterns.
Database Management: Proficiency in SQL and understanding of relational databases and data modelling.
Applied Agile frameworks (Scrum, Kanban) to manage work using Jira for backlog, sprint, and issue tracking.
Experience working with Gen AI, Agentic AI tools and how to leverage LLM's.
Software Development Practices: Knowledge of clean code principles, modular design, version control (Git), and CI/CD practices.
Cloud Platforms: Familiarity with AWS, Azure, or GCP.
Experience deploying Infrastructure as Code (IaC) using CloudFormation and/or terraform.
Problem-Solving & Analytical Thinking: Ability to diagnose complex issues and devise effective solutions.
Communication: Strong verbal and written skills to convey technical concepts to non-technical stakeholders.
Collaboration & Teamwork: Ability to work effectively within cross-functional teams.
Attention to Detail: Critical for ensuring data accuracy and compliance.
Adaptability & Continuous Learning: Eagerness to learn new technologies and stay updated on industry trends.
Customer Focus: Commitment to understanding user needs and enhancing productivity.
Proactive & Self-Driven: Initiative to identify improvement opportunities and develop solutions.
Sample Management Lifecycle: Comprehensive understanding of sample registration, tracking, and handling in pharmaceutical R&D.
LIMS & ELN: Knowledge of Laboratory Information Management Systems and Electronic Lab Notebooks like Benchling and Signals.
Application Management: Ability to develop, customize, and deploy applications using the Python SDK and REST APIs.
Pharmaceutical R&D Workflows: Familiarity with drug discovery processes and the ability to translate lab processes into software solutions.
Regulatory Compliance: Understanding of GLP, GMP, and data integrity principles, including Computer System Validation (CSV).
Laboratory Automation: Familiarity with laboratory instruments and their integration with LIMS/Inventory systems.

Responsibilities

Work side by side with the Product Owner to assess the requirements, feasible solutions and implement configurations and enhancements to benefit scientific users of on prem and SaaS solutions
Design and implement integrations between Sample, Reagent and Inventory managed systems and other systems using RESTful APIs and integration frameworks.
Write clean, maintainable code and conduct thorough testing (unit, integration, end-to-end) to ensure software quality.
Participate in code reviews, providing constructive feedback and documentation for technical processes and solutions.
Collaborate with Product Analysts and stakeholders to translate business requirements into technical specifications.
Ensure compliance with regulatory standards (GxP, FDA, HIPAA) and maintain data integrity throughout the software lifecycle.
Continuously learn and adapt to new technologies, scientific concepts, and regulatory changes to enhance software solutions.
Work within a matrix organizational structure, reporting to both the functional manager and the Product manager.
Participate in Product planning, execution, and delivery, ensuring alignment with both functional and Product goals.