2027 Future Talent Program - Analytical Chemistry Research - Intern

MSD; South San Francisco (CA); On-site; USD 39,000 - 111,000; Full time

Job summary

Merck & Co., Inc. in South San Francisco invites summer interns to join the High-Throughput Purification laboratory, developing analytical methods and data science workflows for the early pipeline.

The 10–12 week internship emphasizes teamwork, hands-on purification work, and exploring AI/ML applications in our workflow. Interns will work on purifying small molecules and peptides, gain experience with HPLC, data analysis, and presenting findings in oral and written formats.

Qualifications

• Currently enrolled in a BS/MS/PhD program in Chemistry, Analytical Chemistry, Computational Chemistry, Chemical/Biomedical Engineering, Data Science, Pharmaceutical Science, or related field.
• Available to work full-time for 10–12 weeks starting May/June 2027.
• Completed at least 2 years of study by June 2027.
• Strong communication, teamwork, and organizational skills.
• Self-starter and able to work independently in a fast-paced, cross-functional environment.
• Interest in analytical sciences and laboratory automation; experience with AI/ML is a plus.

Responsibilities

• Purify and analyze small molecules, peptides, and bioconjugates with HPLC methods.
• Utilize machine learning tools to develop procedures and gain insights from historical data to accelerate workflows.

Skills

Interpersonal skills

Detail-oriented

Teamwork

Self-motivation

Education

Enrolled student pursuing B.S./M.S./Ph.D. in chemistry/data science or related

Tools

HPLC

Mass Spectrometry

AI/ML basics

Data analysis

Job description

Job Description

The Future Talent Program features internships that last up to 12 weeks 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.

Our Company’s Research Laboratories in South San Francisco, CA is seeking a summer intern who will work collaboratively in a team environment at our state-of-the-art High-Throughput Purification (HTP) laboratory to develop novel analytical, purification, and data science methodologies that impact our early pipeline. Day-to-day research for the intern will focus on solving key challenges in compound purification, developing data insights, and explore new AI/ML applications in the workflow.

Summer interns will be exposed to:

• Core instrumentation and software critical for modern purification and analysis of small molecules and biologics.

• Fundamentals of analytical chemistry method development necessary to solve problems as a member of an integrated team in support of the small and large molecule pipeline at our company.

• Various expert groups in the areas of screening and high-throughput experimentation, medicinal chemistry, high end mass spectrometry techniques, separation-based techniques, and advanced data analytics / machine learning processes.

• The intern in HTP will also participate in departmental and team meetings to provide a broad perspective on the drug development process in the pharmaceutical industry. The intern will be responsible for accurate recording of experimental details and for analysis and interpretation of data that may be used for internal or external scientific publications which may follow from the internship. In addition, the intern student will have an opportunity to present their research results in both oral and written formats.

We are seeking intern candidates at all academic levels (undergraduate and graduate) with strong academic performance, communication skills, teamwork, and the ability to work in a multi-functional environment.

Essential Functions:

• Purify and analyze small molecules, peptides, and bioconjugates with HPLC methods.

• Utilize machine learning tools and actively contribute to developing procedures and gaining insights from historical data to accelerate workflows.

Education:

• Required: Candidates must be a currently enrolled student pursuing a B.S., M.S., or Ph.D. degree in Chemistry, Analytical Chemistry, Computational Chemistry, Chemical / Biomedical Engineering, Data Science, Pharmaceutical Science, or a related discipline

Required Experience and Skills:

• Candidates must be available to work full-time for 10-12 consecutive weeks beginning in May or June of 2027.

• Candidates must have completed at least (2) years of study toward a bachelor’s degree by June 2027.

• Strong interpersonal skills: ability to communicate effectively both verbally and in written formats.

• Attention to detail and excellent organizational skills.

• Self-starter: ability to work independently in a fast-paced, cross-functional environment and collaborate effectively with other team members.

• Enthusiasm to learn new skills and techniques necessary to tackle problems outside of the current area of expertise.

Preferred Experience and Skills:

• Significant interest in analytical sciences for small molecules, biologics, and laboratory automation.

• Data science and/or computer programming experience with knowledge of artificial intelligence, machine learning, computational linguistics, natural language processing, or equivalent.

• Basic laboratory skills and experience, such as chemical handling, sample preparation, precision pipetting, use of analytical instrumentation, analysis and interpretation of data, and adherence to environmental and safety standards.

• Experience in developing analytical methods, including operation of HPLC instrumentation, is a plus.

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 $39,108 through $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. Please click here if you need an accommodation during the application or hiring process.

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.

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

Search Firm Representatives Please Read Carefully

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:

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):

Yes

Job Posting End Date:

10/9/2026

*A job posting is effective until 11:59:59PM on the day BEFOREthe listed job posting end date. Please ensure you apply to a job posting no later than the day BEFORE the job posting end date.