2026 Future Talent Program - Chemical Biotechnologies - Intern at Merck Rahway, NJ

Merck; Rahway (NJ); On-site; USD 27,552 - 34,440; Full time

Job summary

Merck is offering internships for the 2026 Future Talent Program in Chemical Biotechnologies, located in Rahway, NJ. Interns will engage in critical projects in the Research Division, allowing them to develop skills and contribute to the pipeline of drug discovery.

Ideal candidates are pursuing degrees in relevant disciplines and possess a strong interest in biochemistry, engineering, and analytical techniques. This opportunity spans 11-12 weeks from May to August 2026, providing invaluable experiences in a state-of-the-art laboratory setting.

Qualifications

• Currently enrolled as a sophomore, junior, or senior in a relevant degree program.
• Completed at least two years of study by June 2026.
• Available to work full-time for 11–12 weeks between May 2026 – August 2026.

Responsibilities

• Conduct research focused on solving challenges in biocatalysis and protein engineering.
• Leverage chemistry and biology expertise to address technical problems.
• Gain knowledge of R&D processes in drug discovery.
• Participate in project team meetings and acquire practical skill sets.
• Record electronic notes and maintain safe laboratory practices.
• Present research results effectively.

Skills

Organic chemistry

Enzymology

Protein design

Chemical engineering

Bioengineering

Molecular biology

Synthetic biology

Analytical techniques

Education

Bachelor’s degree in relevant fields

Pursuing a Master’s or Ph.D.

Tools

HPLC

NMR spectroscopy

Mass spectrometry

Python

MATLAB

Job description

2026 Process Research Chemical Biotechnologies Internships (Rahway, NJ)

2026 Future Talent Program – Chemical Biotechnologies – Intern at Merck in Rahway, NJ. The program offers up to 12‑week internships that include one or more projects. These opportunities in our Research Division allow students to develop their skills and determine whether Merck is the right fit for their long‑term goals. Our state‑of‑the‑art science laboratories give interns the chance to solve fundamental synthetic or biological problems relevant to drug discovery and development while working as fully integrated members of project teams.

The Chemical Biotechnologies (CBT) group within the Process Research & Development (PRD) Enabling Technologies (ET) Department seeks motivated candidates to contribute to the invention, development, and innovative implementation of biocatalysts and other biomolecules that advance Merck’s pipeline and scientific impact. Interns will work alongside company scientists in a laboratory environment, impacting drug discovery, development, and manufacture in the three key CBT areas: Biocatalysis, Protein Engineering, and Microfluidics.

Responsibilities

• Conduct day‑to‑day research focused on solving key challenges in biocatalysis, protein engineering, and microfluidics, including novel enzymatic transformations, protein design, and platform development involving laboratory automation, data science, modeling, and informatics.
• Leverage chemistry, biology, engineering, and analytical expertise to address complex technical problems in both chemistry and biology laboratory spaces.
• Gain firsthand knowledge of how the Research & Development division develops and uses technologies to progress medicines and vaccines.
• Participate in departmental and project team meetings to gain a broad perspective on the drug discovery or development process.
• Acquire skill sets through exposure to practical aspects and day‑to‑day problems of pharmaceutical research.
• Use accurate electronic notebook recording and observe safe laboratory practices.
• Present research results in oral and written formats.

Required Education & Experience

• Currently enrolled as a sophomore, junior, or senior pursuing a Bachelor’s degree in Chemistry, Biochemistry, Biological Sciences, Chemical Engineering, Bioengineering, or Material Science, or a graduate student pursuing a Master’s or Ph.D. in any of these fields.
• Completed at least two years of study toward a bachelor’s degree by June 2026.
• Available to work full‑time for 11–12 weeks between May 2026 – August 2026.

Preferred Experience & Skills

• Strong interest in organic chemistry, enzymology, protein design, directed evolution, chemical engineering, bioengineering, high‑throughput screening, molecular biology, synthetic biology, and materials science and engineering.
• Basic laboratory skills and research experience, including lab notebook use and safe lab practices.
• Experience with chemistry laboratory set‑up techniques such as reactions, workups (including liquid‑liquid extraction), vacuum evaporation, and purification methods (thin‑layer chromatography, flash chromatography, crystallization, and precipitation).
• Experience using analytical techniques and data interpretation, such as HPLC, NMR spectroscopy, mass spectrometry, and spectrophotometric methods.
• Experience with PCR techniques, biochemical assays, and data analysis.
• Experience with programming languages including Python or MATLAB and structural data visualization tools.
• GPA of 3.0 or higher.

Please note that if selected for an interview, you will need to submit letters of recommendation, a brief research statement, and a copy of transcripts.

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