2027 Future Talent Program –Bioanalytical Sciences - Intern

Merck; West Point (PA); On-site; USD 39,000 - 111,000; Part time

Job summary

Merck is offering a Future Talent Program internship in the Regulated Bioanalytical Sciences group to design and optimize an automated 384-well LBA platform. The role involves hands-on assay miniaturization from 96-well to 384-well format, data analysis, and cross-functional collaboration across automation and bioanalytical teams.

The internship provides exposure to regulated clinical development environments, hands-on lab automation experience, and opportunities to present findings at a summer

Qualifications

• Pursuing Bachelor's, Master's, or Ph.D. in Chemistry, Biochemistry, Biomedical Engineering, Biotechnology, or related field.
• Experience in a laboratory with pipetting and solution prep.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving abilities.
• Excellent verbal and written communication.
• Ability to work independently and in a team.

Responsibilities

• Design and execute experiments to miniaturize assays from 96-well to 384-well format.
• Analyze data and provide recommendations to optimize assay performance.
• Collaborate with automation, bioanalytical, and assay development teams.
• Prepare technical summaries and project presentations.
• Present outcomes at the end-of-summer intern symposium.

Skills

Lab experience

Analytical skills

Communication

Teamwork

MS Office

Education

Bachelor/Master/PhD in Chemistry/Biochemistry/ Biomedical Eng/ Biotechnology

Job description

Job Description

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.

Position Description

Our Company's Regulated Bioanalytical Sciences group supports the development, validation, and implementation of assays used to evaluate vaccine and biologic candidates in clinical studies. The successful candidate will contribute to innovative projects that advance bioanalytical capabilities through laboratory experimentation, data analytics, and automation.

This internship provides an opportunity to work alongside scientists supporting global clinical development programs while gaining experience in regulated environments and modern bioanalytical technologies.

Project Overview

The intern will support efforts to design and optimize an automated 384-well ligand binding assay (LBA) platform utilizing laboratory automation. The intern will design and execute experiments to miniaturize an existing assay from a 96-well to a 384-well format. The project will provide hands‑on experience in LBA assay development and laboratory automation. This work is intended to improve laboratory efficiency, increase throughput, reduce reagent consumption, and enhance automation capabilities. The intern will also have opportunities to collaborate and network with colleagues in multiple functional areas throughout PDMB Regulated Bioanalytical Sciences and to participate in special events and programs for summer interns.

Primary Responsibilities

• Design and execute laboratory experiments to support the miniaturization of existing ligand‑binding assays (LBAs) from a 96‑well to a 384‑well format.
• Analyze experimental data and provide recommendations to optimize assay performance.
• Collaborate with scientists across automation, bioanalytical, and assay development teams to advance project objectives.
• Prepare technical summaries and presentations of project findings.
• Present project outcomes at the end‑of‑summer intern symposium.

Required Education

Currently pursuing a Bachelor's, Master's, or Ph.D. degree in:

• Chemistry
• Biochemistry
• Biomedical Engineering
• Biotechnology
• Related scientific discipline

Required Skills

• Experience working in a laboratory environment, including proficiency in basic laboratory techniques such as pipetting and solution preparation.
• Strong analytical and problem‑solving skills.
• Effective verbal and written communication skills.
• Ability to work independently and within a team environment.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint).

Preferred Skills

• Prior laboratory research experience in chemistry, biochemistry, biomedical engineering, biotechnology or a related discipline is preferred.
• Foundational knowledge of monoclonal antibodies, protein therapeutics, or immunology‑related concepts is preferred.
• Interest in laboratory automation technologies and automated liquid handling systems is preferred.

Learning Opportunities

• Regulated bioanalytical testing that supports clinical drug development programs.
• Laboratory automation technologies, including automated liquid handling systems, plate washing platforms, and detection instrumentation.
• Key assay performance characteristics such as sensitivity, precision, accuracy, and robustness, and how they are evaluated in a regulated laboratory environment.
• Scientific troubleshooting and problem‑solving by identifying, investigating, and resolving assay and workflow challenges.
• Data analysis and interpretation.
• Cross‑functional collaboration within a pharmaceutical research organization.
• Scientific communication and presentation skills.

Expected Deliverables

• Completed workflow using laboratory automation to prepare a 384‑Well Ligand Binding Assay (LBA) plate.
• Documentation of experiments and conditions used.
• Final presentation summarizing project objectives, methods, results, and impact.

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

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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

• 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.

Requisition ID: R413049