2027 Future Talent Program – Biophysics Intern – Intern

Merck; Rahway (NJ); On-site; USD 40,000 - 111,000; Full time

Job summary

Merck in Rahway, NJ is offering a Future Talent Program internship in Protein Sciences, Biochemistry and Biophysics (PSBB). The role emphasizes protein biochemistry, enzymology, biophysics and related techniques, with hands-on learning and potential publication opportunities.

Interns will work from June 2027 for 10–12 weeks, perform data analysis and present to scientists, and must be enrolled in a relevant degree program.

Qualifications

• 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.
• Strong academic background in biophysics, biochemistry, and biology.
• Basic laboratory skills and research experience such as protein biochemistry, enzymology, biophysics, molecular biology, protein expression and purification, protein characterization using biophysical and biochemical techniques, biochemical assay development, and safe lab practices.
• Must have completed at least two years of studies toward BS/BA degree or at least 1 year towards Master’s/PhD at time of internship (Summer 2027).
• Must be currently enrolled in an academic program at the time of the application and be continuing education for at least 1 semester once internship completes (Fall 2027).
• Must be available for full-time employment for 10-12 weeks during the months of June - August 2027.

Responsibilities

• Accurate electronic notebook recording and safe laboratory practices.
• Presentation of data and their interpretation to a team of scientists.
• Attend departmental and team meetings to gain a wider perspective of the drug development process.

Skills

Biophysics

Biochemistry

Molecular biology

Protein expression and purification

Biochemical assay development

Safe lab practices

Communication skills

Teamwork

Protein biochemistry

Education

Pursuing BS/BA or Master’s/Ph.D. degree

Two years of BS/BA or one year towards Master’s/PhD

Currently enrolled and continuing education for at least 1 semester after internship

GPA 3.0 or higher

Tools

PyMOL

NMR

ITC

SPR

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.

We are seeking candidates with a passion for scientific research, excellent academic performance, communication skills, teamwork, and the ability to work in a multi-functional environment. A strong science background in applied laboratory settings is essential. Applicants with previous research experience in the listed areas are highly preferred. You will be provided with laptops/lab equipment etc. as necessary to perform the role. This is a paid internship targeted to start in June 2027 and run for 10-12 weeks. Potential involvement in a scientific publication may occur because of the research undertaken during the internship.

Protein Sciences, Biochemistry and Biophysics (PSBB) (Rahway, NJ)

The PSBB group studies the interaction of ligands with therapeutic targets to explore the associated effects on structure and function. We employ a range of skills and techniques in this pursuit, including protein biochemistry (cloning, expression, purification), enzymology, biophysics (surface plasmon resonance, thermal shift, isothermal titration calorimetry, spectroscopy), mass spectrometry and bio molecular NMR.

The successful candidate will ideally have background knowledge or prior experience with one or more of these techniques, preferably in Biophysics, and will have the opportunity to learn how to apply their expertise, along with a suite of complementary capabilities, to solve problems in support of our company's small and large molecule pipeline.

Interns will be responsible for accurate electronic notebook recording, safe laboratory practices, and presentation of data and their interpretation to a team of scientists. The intern will also attend departmental and team meetings to gain a wider perspective of the drug development process in the pharmaceutical industry.

Location

Rahway, NJ

Our intent is to provide an in-person experience where it is possible to afford the opportunity for our future talent to truly experience working in a pharmaceutical company. However, these details will be finalized closer to the time and will depend on the status of global events and their effect on travel options.

Please note when applying for this position, if the applicant is selected for an interview, he/she must be prepared to submit letters of recommendation, a brief research statement, and a copy of his/her transcript. Applicants must select location when applying for this position in those cases where multiple locations are listed.

Required

• 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.
• Strong academic background in biophysics, biochemistry, and biology.
• Basic laboratory skills and research experience such as protein biochemistry, enzymology, biophysics, molecular biology, protein expression and purification, protein characterization using biophysical and biochemical techniques, biochemical assay development, and safe lab practices.
• Must have completed at least two years of studies toward BS/BA degree or at least 1 year towards Master’s/PhD at time of internship (Summer 2027).
• Must be currently enrolled in an academic program at the time of the application and be continuing education for at least 1 semester once internship completes (Fall 2027).
• Must be available for full-time employment for 10-12 weeks during the months of June - August 2027.

Preferred

• Hands-on experience with biophysical characterization techniques is highly preferred, particularly isothermal titration calorimetry (ITC), SPR, and thermal shift assays; familiarity with additional methods such as MST, DLS, and CD is encouraged.
• Strong background in protein biochemistry including characterization, analysis, and visualization with PyMOL is also encouraged.
• Experience with NMR is beneficial.
• Familiarity with multi-modal spectroscopic techniques (fluorescence, luminescence, etc.) is a plus.
• GPA of 3.0 or higher.

Salary Range

The salary range for this role is to $39,908 to $111,111

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.

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

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.

10/30/2026

Requisition ID

R412895