2027 Future Talent Program – Infectious Diseases and Vaccines – Co-op

Merck; West Point (PA); On-site; USD 40,000 - 111,000; Full time

Job summary

Merck & Co., Inc. in Rahway, NJ offers a Future Talent Co-op in the Infectious Diseases and Vaccines group. You will gain hands-on experience working on projects with scientists developing medicines and vaccines for viral or bacterial diseases.

Ideal candidates have a biology background with lab techniques such as PCR or ELISAs and are available for a 6‑month in-person program starting in early June 2027.

Qualifications

• Candidates must be pursuing at least a bachelor’s degree in biology or related major.
• Experience with molecular biology/lab techniques such as cell culture, PCR, ELISAs, or DNA/RNA manipulation.
• Knowledge of Microsoft Office (Excel, Word, PowerPoint).
• Available to work in-person full-time for up to 6 months starting June 2027.

Responsibilities

• Co-ops will work with scientists developing medicines and vaccines in ID and Vaccines.
• Contribute to projects using virology, microbiology, biochemistry, or immunology backgrounds.

Skills

Molecular biology

Laboratory techniques

Microsoft Office

Education

Bachelor's degree in biology or related major

Tools

DNASTAR

GraphPad Prism

Job description

Job Description

The Future Talent Program features Co‑op experiences that last up to 6 months and include participation in one or more projects. These opportunities in our Research and Development Division can provide you with great hands‑on experience and offer a chance to see if we are the right company for your long‑term goals.

We are currently recruiting Co‑op students within the Infectious Diseases and Vaccines group. The Co‑ops will work with scientists developing medicines and vaccines for the treatment or prevention of viral or bacterial diseases using innovative strategies and cutting‑edge technologies. These co‑operative education experiences are best suited to candidates with a background and interest in virology, microbiology, biochemistry and/or immunology.

Required Education And Experience

• Candidates must be currently pursuing a minimum of a bachelor's degree in biology or related major.
• Candidates must have experience with laboratory techniques applicable to molecular biology, microbiology, immunology, or biochemistry such as cell culture, transfection, bacterial handling, ELISAs, PCR, protein analysis, or DNA/RNA manipulation.
• Candidates must have knowledge of Microsoft Office (Excel, Word, PowerPoint).
• Candidates must be available to work in‑person full‑time for up to 6 months beginning in early June of 2027.

Preferred Experience And Skills

• Candidates should have experience with immunological techniques such as ELISPOT, flow cytometry, or immunostaining or alternatively, experience with virology or bacterial genetics techniques is preferred.
• Candidates should have experience with molecular biology software (e.g., DNASTAR) and/or graphing software (e.g., GraphPad Prism).

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 $39,908 - $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.

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)

Possible

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

R413081

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.

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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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