2026 Future Talent Program – Modeling & Informatics - Co-op

MSD Malaysia; Boston, Northern (MA, KY); Hybrid; USD 40,000 - 111,000; Full time

Job summary

Merck & Co., Inc. invites students to join the Future Talent Program for a 4–6 month Co-op in its Research and Development division. The role focuses on molecular modeling and cheminformatics, with opportunities to contribute to drug discovery projects in Rahway, Boston, and other locations.

You will work under supervision, build skills in data analysis, modeling, and possibly machine learning, while learning how hypotheses translate into experimental plans.

Qualifications

• Pursuing BS/BA or advanced degree with interests in drug discovery.
• Strong background in chemistry/biochemistry/biophysics/informatics/computer science/mathematics.
• Currently enrolled and continuing education for at least 1 semester after internship.
• Available for full-time employment for 4 to 6 months during 2027.

Responsibilities

• Participate in molecular modeling and/or cheminformatics research.
• Work independently or as part of a drug discovery team.
• Learn to use data and models to drive hypothesis-driven drug discovery.

Skills

Programming skills

Chemistry

Biochemistry

Education

BS/BA or Master's/Ph.D. in related field

Tools

Chemoinformatics tools

Job description

Job Description

The Future Talent Program features Cooperative (Co-op) education that lasts up to 6 months and will include one or more projects. These opportunities in our Research and Development division can provide you with great development and a chance to see if we are the right company for your long-term goals.

The candidate will participate in molecular modeling and/or cheminformatics research, either in an independent project or as part of a drug discovery team. Prior experience with cheminformatics approaches, such as chemogenomic data analysis, chemical reaction modeling, or chemical databases or data management, or molecular modeling approaches such as docking, molecular dynamics, protein design, small molecule design, peptide design, quantum chemical calculations, and machine learning will be beneficial. The candidate will learn how to employ data, models, and methods to drive hypothesis-driven drug discovery and will be exposed to many areas of research relevant to the drug discovery and development process.

Locations: Rahway, NJ; Boston, MA; West Point, PA; South San Francisco, CA.

Required Education, Experience and Skills

• Candidates must be pursuing BS/BA or Master's/Ph.D. degree in related field with demonstrated interest/experience in research areas relevant to the drug discovery process.
• Candidates must have strong academic background in chemistry, biochemistry, biophysics, informatics, computer science, or applied mathematics.
• Candidates must have completed at least two years of studies toward BS/BA degree or at least 1 year towards Master's/Ph.D. at the time of the position start date.
• Candidates must be currently enrolled in an academic program at the time of the application and be continuing education for at least 1 semester once the position ends.
• Candidates must be available for full-time employment for 4 to 6 months during 2027.

Preferred Experience and Skills

• Candidates should have significant interest in applying modeling and/or informatics methods towards drug discovery research.
• Candidates should have programming skills.
• Candidates should have GPA of 3.0 or higher.

Salary range: The salary range for this role is $39,908 - $111,111.

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.

Employee Status: Intern/Co-op (Fixed Term)

Relocation: No relocation

VISA Sponsorship: No

Travel Requirements: No Travel Required

Flexible Work Arrangements: Not Applicable

Shift: 1st - Day

Valid Driving License: No

Hazardous Material(s): N/A

Job Posting EndDate: 10/9/2026

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.

Our company is a global health care leader with a diversified portfolio of prescription medicines, vaccines and animal health products. The difference between potential and achievement lies in the spark that fuels innovation and inventiveness; this is the space where we have codified our legacy for over a century. Our success is backed by ethical integrity, forward momentum, and an inspiring mission to achieve new milestones in global healthcare.