2027 Future Talent Program - AI/ML Biomedical Imaging and Computational Pathology - Intern

Merck; Cambridge (MA); On-site; USD 40,000 - 111,000; Full time

Job summary

Merck, in its Future Talent Program within the DAGS department, offers an AI/ML internship focusing on biomedical imaging and computational pathology. You will work with an interdisciplinary team to develop foundation model‑based AI for histopathology and spatial omics, integrating features with clinical data.

The program seeks PhD students in AI/CS or related fields who can code in Python (PyTorch) and communicate effectively.

Qualifications

• Must be currently enrolled in a PhD program in a related field.
• Available to work full-time for 9–12 weeks starting May/June 2027.
• Proficiency with Python and PyTorch.

Responsibilities

• Develop and apply foundation model‑based AI methods for histopathology images and spatial omics.
• Design interpretable approaches to characterize model representations with biology‑grounded features.
• Integrate image‑derived features with patient outcome and molecular data for hypotheses.
• Collaborate with data science, computational pathology, biology, and translational research teams.

Skills

Python programming

PyTorch

Communication skills

Education

PhD student in AI/CS

Job description

The Future Talent Program within our Research & Development Division Data, AI, and Genome Sciences (DAGS) Department is offering internships that last 10-12 weeks. We have an open position in the AI/ML imaging group. Candidates can apply for the opportunity to be involved in the project described below. The project is designed to enable students to further develop their skills and to evaluate if we are the right company for their long-term goals. We are seeking highly motivated and talented students with computational skillsets.

AI/ML - Biomedical Imaging and Computational Pathology

Within DAGS, our AI/ML team develops cutting‑edge AI methods to accelerate drug target and biomarker discovery. The intern will contribute to our efforts in developing next‑generation computational approaches for biomedical imaging and computational pathology.

Specific responsibilities include:

• Develop and apply foundation model‑based AI methods to extract biologically meaningful and generalizable representations from histopathology images and spatial omics.
• Design interpretable computational approaches to characterize model representations using biologically grounded features, such as morphological patterns and tumor microenvironment architecture.
• Integrate image‑derived features with patient outcome and molecular data to support biological hypothesis generation and biomarker discovery.
• Collaborate with a multidisciplinary team spanning data science, computational pathology, biology, and translational research.

Required Education and Skills:

• Must be currently enrolled in a PhD program in Computer science, AI/ML, Computational biology, Biomedical Engineering, Bioinformatics, Statistics or a related field of study.
• Must be available to work full‑time for 9‑12 weeks beginning in May or June of 2027.
• Proficiency with Python programming and modern deep learning frameworks (e.g., PyTorch).
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills and must be able to work well in a collaborative team environment.

Preferred Skills and Experience:

• Familiarity with one or more of the following: computer vision, natural language processing, representation learning, foundation models, interpretable/explainable AI, and generative AI.
• Experience with biomedical or scientific data types (e.g., medical imaging, genomics, spatial omics, clinical datasets).
• Track record of scientific communication (publications, conference presentations).

Please note that this position may be closed before the posted end date or may remain open longer, at the discretion of the company.

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

FTP2027

RL2027

US 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.

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 Rights

EEOC 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. We encourage our colleagues to respectfully challenge one another's thinking and approach problems collectively.

Learn more about your rights, including under California, Colorado and other US State Acts

San Francisco Residents Only:

We will consider qualified applicants with arrest and conviction records for employment in compliance with the San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance.

Los Angeles Residents Only:

We will consider for employment all qualified applicants, including those with criminal histories, in a manner consistent with the requirements of applicable state and local laws, including the City of Los Angeles' Fair Chance Initiative for Hiring Ordinance.