2027 Future Talent Program - Discovery Bio-Analytics - Intern

MSD; Upper Gwynedd Township (Montgomery County); On-site; USD 39,000 - 111,000; Part time

Job summary

MSD invites candidates for a Future Talent Program internship in its Discovery Bioanalytics group within DMPK. The role focuses on data analytics, machine learning, and predictive modeling to accelerate drug discovery timelines.

You will analyze historical datasets, build a predictive framework, and work with scientists to validate model performance while learning cross-functional collaboration and scientific communication.

Qualifications

• Currently pursuing a Bachelor’s degree in a relevant field.
• Basic data analysis ability and problem-solving skills.
• Interest in applied AI/ML, predictive modeling, or data-driven decision making.
• Familiarity with programming tools such as Excel, Python, or R.
• Strong verbal and written communication skills.
• Ability to work both independently and within collaborative, fast-paced environments.

Responsibilities

• Source historical data related to chemical properties and liquid chromatography.
• Develop a predictive machine learning model to serve as a recommendation framework.
• Collaborate with bioanalytical scientists to validate the model's predictive accuracy.
• Explore expanding the model to address additional method development parameters.

Skills

Data analysis

Problem solving

AI/ML interest

Predictive modeling

Excel

Python

R

Communication skills

Independent work

Team collaboration

Education

Bachelor's degree

Tools

Excel

Python

R

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 Discovery Bioanalytics group within Drug Metabolism and Pharmacokinetics (DMPK) supports early-stage screening, characterization, and lead optimization of therapeutic drug candidates. The successful intern candidate will contribute to innovative, non-laboratory projects that advance our analytical capabilities through data analytics, machine learning, and predictive modeling. This internship provides a unique opportunity to work alongside leading discovery scientists, gain hands-on experience applying data science within a real-world pharmaceutical workflow, and help shape tools that directly accelerate drug discovery timelines.

Overview

The intern will support efforts to improve efficiency, speed, and data-driven decision-making within discovery bioanalytical workflows. Activities may include analyzing historical compound and chromatographic datasets, developing predictive machine learning models, and building a recommendation framework to streamline analytical method setup.

Primary Responsibilities

• Source historical compound and analytical method data related to chemical properties and liquid chromatography
• Develop a predictive machine learning model to serve as a recommendation framework
• Collaborate with bioanalytical scientists to evaluate and validate the predictive accuracy of the model
• Explore opportunities to expand the scope of the model to address additional method development parameters, helping to further streamline workflows

Required Education

• Currently pursuing a Bachelor’s degree in:

Required Skills

• Basic data analysis ability and problem‑solving skills
• Interest in applied AI/ML, predictive modeling, or data‑driven decision making
• Familiarity with programming tools such as Excel, Python, or R
• Strong verbal and written communication skills
• Ability to work both independently and within collaborative, fast‑paced environments

Preferred Skills

• Basic understanding of liquid chromatography principles and analytical methods
• Prior exposure to basic machine learning workflows, data visualization tools, and statistical analysis
• Completed coursework in bioanalytics, data science, statistics, computer science, or related fields
• Strong curiosity for translating data science tools into practical workflows
• Interest in early/discovery drug development

Learning Opportunities

• Discovery bioanalytical workflows supporting drug development
• Applied machine learning and data science workflows in early-stage pharmaceutical discovery
• Foundational concepts of analytical chemistry and method development
• Data science applications in bioanalytics
• Cross‑functional collaboration within a pharmaceutical research organization
• Scientific communication and presentation skills

Expected Deliverables

• Analytical dataset and model documentation
• Prototype of a predictive modeling tool
• Final intern presentation summarizing project objectives, methods, results, and impact

Important Note

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.

Equal Employment Opportunity

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.

Learn more about your rights, including under California, Colorado and other US State Acts

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.

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)

N/A

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.