2027 Future Talent Program – Cellular Pharmacology – Intern

MSD Malaysia; Boston (MA); On-site; USD 39,000 - 111,000; Full time

Job summary

The Cellular Pharmacology group at the department of Quantitative Biosciences is seeking an innovative and experienced intern with a strong background in Cell Biology and Biochemistry to join our Quantitative Biosciences Department at our Research Laboratories in Boston. The successful candidate will play an essential role in developing assays in cellular context for screening and translational relevance.

This internship is part of Merck's Future Talent Program, lasting up to 12 weeks, offering

Qualifications

• Candidates must be currently enrolled as an undergraduate or graduate student in biological sciences or a related field.
• Candidates should have basic knowledge of cell biology, biochemistry and molecular biology.
• Candidates should have prior experience with mammalian cell culture and molecular biology.

Responsibilities

• Collaborate with department members to investigate cellular aspects of in vitro pharmacology across diverse targets.
• Conduct cell-based assays to understand potency and signaling mechanisms.
• Work with liquid handling stations and plate readers (Echo, Bravo, Lynx, Envision, PHERAstar, SPARK, Mesoscale).

Skills

Biochemical Assays

Biology

Biotherapeutics

Cell-Based Assays

Cell Biology

Cell Culture Techniques

Cellular Therapeutics

Clinical Research

Data Analysis

Database Management

Data Science

Data Security

Design of Experiments

ELISA

In Vitro Research

In Vivo Models

Life Science

Mammalian Cell Culture

Molecular Biology

Molecular Pharmacology

Pharmacology

Python

Software Proficiency

Education

Undergraduate/Graduate student in biological sciences

Tools

Echo

Bravo

Lynx

Envision

PHERAstar

SPARK

Mesoscale

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 Research Scientists are our Inventors. We identify and target steps in disease mechanisms or pathways that could be inhibited or enhanced. Our goal is to isolate a compound that is effective against a disease target. Using innovative thinking, state-of-the-art facilities and robust scientific methodology we collaborate to discover the next medical breakthrough.

The Cellular Pharmacology group at the department of Quantitative Biosciences is seeking an innovative and experienced intern with a strong background in Cell Biology and Biochemistry to join our Quantitative Biosciences Department at our Research Laboratories in Boston. The successful candidate will play an essential role in developing assays in cellular context for screening and translational relevance. The alignment of these screening and translational assays with biochemical, ex-vivo and in-vivo approaches will greatly enhance our capabilities in the discovery of innovative therapeutics.

Responsibilities:

• Working collaboratively with members of department to investigate cellular aspects of in vitro pharmacology efforts against a variety of targets across diverse therapeutic areas.
• This individual will be expected to conduct cell-based assays to understand potency, characterize cellular signaling and mechanisms of action.
• Work with liquid handling stations and plate readers [ Echo, Bravo, Lynx, Envision, PHERAstar, SPARK and Mesoscale]
• Independently analyze and interpret data, and trouble shoot experiments. Function and communicate effectively in a highly productive and multi-disciplinary environment.

Experience:

• Candidates should have basic knowledge of cell biology, biochemistry, and molecular biology
• Candidates should have prior experience with mammalian cell culture and molecular biology
• Candidates should be highly motivated and driven and willing to take initiative to learn new science
• Candidates should be a strong team player
• Candidates should have excellent oral and written communication skills
• Candidates should be comfortable using a PC computer and proficient in Windows-based operating systems and basic applications, such as spreadsheets and databases
• Candidates should have a GPA of 3.2 or higher

Education:

Candidates must be currently enrolled as an undergraduate or graduate student, majoring in biological sciences or a related field

Other requirements:

Intern position commitment: Must be available for full-time for 10-12 weeks during the months of June - August 2027 We are a research-driven biopharmaceutical company. Our mission is built on the simple premise that if we “follow the science” that great medicines can make a significant impact to our world.

We believe that a research-driven enterprise dedicated to world-class science can succeed by inventing medicine and vaccine innovations that make a difference for patients across the globe.

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

Required Skills:

• Biochemical Assays
• Biology
• Biotherapeutics
• Cell-Based Assays
• Cell Biology
• Cell Culture Techniques
• Cellular Therapies
• Clinical Research
• Data Analysis
• Database Management
• Data Science
• Data Security
• Design of Experiments (DOE)
• Enzyme Linked Immunosorbent Assay (ELISA)
• Experimental Methods
• In Vitro Research
• In Vivo Models
• In Vivo Studies
• Life Science
• Mammalian Cell Culture
• Molecular Biology
• Molecular Pharmacology
• Pharmacology
• Python (Programming Language)
• Software Proficiency

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.

Inclusion Statement:

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

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 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.