2027 Future Talent Program – Drug Metabolism and Pharmacokinetics – Co-op

Merck; South San Francisco (CA); Hybrid; USD 39,000 - 111,000; Full time

Job summary

Merck in the United States is offering a co-op in our Drug Metabolism and Pharmacokinetics group within PDMB. The 6-month program focuses on LC-HRMS analysis, computational data analysis, and biotransformation studies for ADCs and PDCs in oncology drug discovery.

The successful candidate will perform in vitro assays, analyze MS data, develop automated data processing tools, and present findings at a end-of-summer symposium, gaining hands-on experience in high-resolution mass spectrometry and

Qualifications

• Experience with high resolution mass spectrometry and data analysis.
• Strong analytical, critical thinking, and problem-solving skills.
• Experience using Microsoft Excel for data analysis and visualization.
• Effective verbal and written communication skills.
• Ability to work both independently and collaboratively in a team environment.

Responsibilities

• Perform in vitro assays to investigate ADC and PDC biotransformation and catabolism.
• Analyze LC-HRMS data to identify and characterize drug conjugate catabolites.
• Support the development of automated tools for data processing, visualization, and reporting.
• Prepare technical summaries and presentations of project findings.
• Present project outcomes at the end-of-summer intern/co-op symposium.

Skills

Mass spectrometry

Analytical thinking

Excel

Communication

Teamwork

Education

Analytical Chemistry

Pharmaceutical Sciences

Chemical Biology

Immunology

Biochemistry

Biotechnology

Biology

Data Science

Related scientific discipline

Tools

Mass spectrometry data processing tools

Python/R

PK/ADME concepts

Cell culture

Job description

Job Description

The Future Talent Program features Cooperative (Co-op) education that lasts up to 6 months 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 Drug Metabolism and Pharmacokinetics (DMPK) group within Pharmacokinetics, Dynamics, Metabolism & Bioanalytics (PDMB) function supports the discovery and development of antibody-drug conjugates (ADCs) and peptide-drug conjugates (PDCs). The successful candidate will contribute to innovative research utilizing state-of-the-art LC-HRMS technologies and computational tools to investigate drug conjugate stability, biotransformation, and catabolism through advanced mass spectrometry and data analysis approaches. This co-op position provides an opportunity to work alongside scientists supporting oncology drug discovery programs while gaining hands-on experience in drug metabolism, bioanalysis, high-resolution mass spectrometry, and scientific data interpretation.

Project Overview

The co-op will contribute to the identification and characterization of catabolites from ADCs and PDCs using LC-HRMS and computational data analysis tools. Activities will include evaluating drug conjugate stability and biotransformation, analyzing complex mass spectrometry datasets, and supporting the development of workflows that improve the efficiency and reproducibility of catabolite identification in support of oncology drug discovery programs.

Primary Responsibilities

• Perform in vitro assays to investigate ADC and PDC biotransformation and catabolism.
• Analyze LC-HRMS data to identify and characterize drug conjugate catabolites.
• Support the development of automated tools for data processing, visualization, and reporting.
• Prepare technical summaries and presentations of project findings.
• Present project outcomes at the end-of-summer intern/co-op symposium.

Required Education

• Currently pursuing a Master's, or Ph.D. degree in: Analytical Chemistry
• Pharmaceutical Sciences
• Chemical Biology
• Immunology
• Biochemistry
• Biotechnology
• Biology
• Data Science
• Related scientific discipline

Required Skills

• Experience with high resolution mass spectrometry and data analysis.
• Strong analytical, critical thinking, and problem-solving skills.
• Experience using Microsoft Excel for data analysis and visualization.
• Effective verbal and written communication skills.
• Ability to work both independently and collaboratively in a team environment.

Preferred Skills

• Familiarity with mass spectrometry data processing tools.
• Experience with Python, R, or similar analytical tools is a plus but not required.
• Familiarity with PK, ADME or drug discovery concepts.
• Familiarity with cell culture is a plus.

Learning Opportunities

• Advanced bioanalytical techniques, including LC-HRMS and sample preparation workflows.
• Drug conjugates biotransformation studies in a pharmaceutical research environment.
• Data analysis, interpretation, and visualization of complex biotransformation datasets.
• Cross-functional collaboration within a pharmaceutical research organization.
• Scientific communication and presentation skills.

Expected Deliverables

• Data analysis report and recommendations.
• Final presentation summarizing project objectives, methods, results, and impact.

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.

Employee Status

Intern/Co-op (Fixed Term)

Relocation

No relocation

VISA Sponsorship

No

Travel Requirements

No Travel Required

Flexible Work Arrangements

Hybrid

Shift

1st - Day

Valid Driving License

No

Hazardous Material(s)

n/a

Job Posting End Date

10/9/