2027 Future Talent Program - Chemical Biology - Intern

Merck; Cambridge (MA); On-site; USD 39,000 - 111,000; Full time

Job summary

Merck is seeking an Intern in its Future Talent Program within the Chemical Biology group of the Quantitative Biosciences department. The role focuses on advancing cellular biology through proximal labeling and protein interaction studies, with hands-on experience in modern drug discovery techniques.

The successful candidate will contribute to experimental design, data analysis, and collaboration with scientists in a fast-paced research environment during a 10–12 week period.

Qualifications

• Pursuing a degree in a biology/chemistry related field and interest in drug discovery research.
• Two years of undergraduate study completed by mid-2027 required.

Responsibilities

• Learn proximity labeling techniques to study protein interactions in human cell-based systems.
• Collaborate on proof-of-concept studies to evaluate platforms for identifying proteins captured via affinity-based enrichment.
• Analyze data and present findings to stakeholders; contribute to experimental strategy and troubleshooting.

Skills

Biology research experience

Education

BS/BA, MS or PhD in biology/chemistry/biochemistry/molecular biology/chemical biology or related field

2 years of bachelor’s studies completed by June 2027

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 Chemical Biology in the Quantitative Biosciences department, where we leverage robust scientific methodology and state-of-the-art instrumentation to collaborate on driving the next medical breakthrough. Our mission is to advance the best drug candidates into the clinic by utilizing advanced capabilities that enable higher-resolution interrogations of novel biology and elucidation of mechanisms of action. We are seeking a highly motivated Intern to contribute to research focused on advancing our understanding of cellular biology through the application of modern experimental techniques. The successful candidate will evaluate targeted protein detection methods for characterizing protein microenvironments, gaining hands-on experience with emerging tools used in modern drug discovery.

Key Responsibilities

• Learn and apply proximity labeling techniques to investigate protein interactions in human cell-based systems
• Collaborate with team members to design and execute proof-of-concept studies to evaluate platforms for identifying and quantifying proteins captured via affinity-based enrichment
• Analyze and interpret experimental data, presenting findings to stakeholders
• Participate in team meetings and contribute to project discussions to develop experimental strategies and troubleshoot technical challenges

Learning Opportunities

• Gain hands-on experience in cutting-edge instrumentation and technologies
• Develop skills in experimental design, assay development, and data analysis
• Collaborate with experienced scientists in a fast-paced research environment

Required Education & Experience

• Candidates must be currently pursuing a degree (BS/BA, MS, or PhD) in biology, chemistry, biochemistry, molecular biology, chemical biology, or related field
• Candidates must have completed at least two years of studies toward a bachelor’s degree by June 2027
• Candidatesmust be available to work full-time for approximately 10-12 weeks fromlate May - August 2027
• Candidates must have demonstrated interest and experience in research areas relevant to biology or drug discovery

Preferred Qualifications

• Candidates should have experience with mammalian cell culture techniques
• Candidates should have familiarity with protein analysis methods (e.g., Western Blotting, ELISA)
• Candidates should have experience with molecular biology techniques used to study protein-protein interactions
• Candidates should possess strong analytical, organizational, and scientific communication skills

Salary Range

The salary range for this role is $39,108 through $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.

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:

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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.

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

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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.

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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

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.

Requisition ID

R413252