2027 Future Talent Program - Discovery Biologics - Intern

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

Job summary

Merck offers its Future Talent Program internships in the Research and Development Division. These 10–12 week assignments provide real projects and development opportunities for students with strong academic records and collaborative skills. A solid foundation in laboratory science or computer science is essential.

Locations include Boston, Cambridge, and South San Francisco. Applicants should submit letters of recommendation, a brief research statement, and transcripts, and specify preferred

Qualifications

• Currently pursuing a BS/BA, MS, or Ph.D. in a relevant field with demonstrated interest or experience in drug discovery research
• Basic laboratory skills in molecular biology, cell culture, protein biochemistry, protein expression and purification, or protein characterization (analytical, biophysical, and/or cellular techniques)
• Understanding and training in safe lab practices
• Completion of at least two years of undergraduate studies (BS/BA) or one year of graduate studies (MS/PhD) by June 2027
• Enrollment in an academic program at the time of application and continuing education for at least one semester/quarter after the internship (Fall 2027)
• Availability for full-time work during June–August 2027 (10‑12 weeks)
• Commitment to fostering a diverse and inclusive workplace culture

Skills

Lab skills

Cell culture

Molecular biology

Protein biochemistry

Protein expression

Protein purification

Protein characterization

Safe lab practices

Research experience

Strong communication

Education

BS/BA, MS or PhD

Job description

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 looking for candidates passionate about scientific research, with strong academic records, excellent communication and teamwork skills, and the ability to thrive in a cross‑functional environment. A solid foundation in applied laboratory science or computer science is essential. Prior research experience in the areas highlighted below under Potential Internship Areas would be preferred.

Locations

• South San Francisco, CA
• Boston, MA
• Cambridge, MA

Application Requirements

Applicants selected for interviews must be prepared to submit letters of recommendation, a brief research statement, and an academic transcript. Please specify your preferred location when applying.

Required Qualifications

• Currently pursuing a BS/BA, MS, or Ph.D. in a relevant field with demonstrated interest or experience in drug discovery research
• Basic laboratory skills in molecular biology, cell culture, protein biochemistry, protein expression and purification, or protein characterization (analytical, biophysical, and/or cellular techniques)
• Understanding and training in safe lab practices
• Completion of at least two years of undergraduate studies (BS/BA) or one year of graduate studies (MS/PhD) by June 2027
• Enrollment in an academic program at the time of application and continuing education for at least one semester/quarter after the internship (Fall 2027)
• Availability for full-time work during June–August 2027 (10‑12 weeks)
• Commitment to fostering a diverse and inclusive workplace culture

Preferred

• Prior laboratory research experience in molecular biology, cell culture, protein biochemistry, protein expression and purification, or protein characterization (analytical, biophysical, and/or cellular techniques)
• Experience in protein engineering and/or computational protein engineering and machine learning, especially predictive modeling of protein and antibody structures
• GPA of 3.0 or higher

Potential Internship Areas

Interns may be assigned to any of the following Discovery Biologics teams, with specific projects and mentors confirmed before the internship begins:

• Antibody Discovery (in vivo or in vitro)
• Protein Design/Engineering
• Protein Characterization and Developability
• Protein Expression and Purification
• Cell Engineering/Assay Development

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.

Requirements

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

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

Requisition ID

R412152

FTP2027

RL2027