2027 Future Talent Program – Modeling & Informatics - Co-op

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

Job summary

Merck invites students to join the Future Talent Program as a Co-op in the Research and Development division. The role centers on molecular modeling and cheminformatics research, with opportunities to work independently or within a drug discovery team.

You will learn to apply data, models, and methods to drive hypothesis-driven drug discovery. Ideal candidates are pursuing BS/BA or MS/PhD, have strong backgrounds in chemistry-related fields, and can commit to 4–6 months of full-time work during

Qualifications

• Pursuing BS/BA or Master’s/Ph.D. in a related field with demonstrated interest/experience in research areas relevant to the drug discovery process.
• Strong academic background in chemistry, biochemistry, biophysics, informatics, computer science, or applied mathematics.
• Completed at least two years of BS/BA studies or at least 1 year toward MS/PhD by start date.
• Currently enrolled in an academic program and continuing education for at least 1 semester after the position ends.
• Available for full-time employment for 4 to 6 months during 2027.

Responsibilities

• Participate in molecular modeling and/or cheminformatics research, independently or on a drug discovery team.
• Learn to employ data, models, and methods to drive hypothesis-driven drug discovery.
• Gain exposure to multiple areas of research relevant to drug discovery and development.

Skills

Programming skills

Modeling / Informatics

GPA 3.0+

Education

BS/BA or MS/PhD in related field

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.

The candidate will participate in molecular modeling and/or cheminformatics research, either in an independent project or as part of a drug discovery team. Prior experience with cheminformatics approaches, such as chemigenomic data analysis, chemical reaction modeling, or chemical databases or data management, or molecular modeling approaches such as docking, molecular dynamics, protein design, small molecule design, peptide design, quantum chemical calculations, and machine learning will be beneficial. The candidate will learn how to employ data, models, and methods to drive hypothesis-driven drug discovery and will be exposed to many areas of research relevant to the drug discovery and development process.

Locations

Rahway, NJ; Boston, MA; West Point, PA; South San Francisco, CA

Please note when applying for this position, if the applicant is selected for an interview, they must be prepared to submit letters of recommendation, a brief research statement, and a copy of their transcript. Applicant must select location when applying for this position in those cases where multiple locations are listed.

Required Education, Experience And Skills

• Candidates must be pursuing BS/BA or Master’s/Ph.D. degree in related field with demonstrated interest/experience in research areas relevant to the drug discovery process.
• Candidates must have strong academic background in chemistry, biochemistry, biophysics, informatics, computer science, or applied mathematics.
• Candidates must have completed at least two years of studies toward BS/BA degree or at least 1 year towards Master’s/PhD at the time of the position start date.
• Candidates must be currently enrolled in an academic program at the time of the application and be continuing education for at least 1 semester once the position ends.
• Candidates must be available for full-time employment for 4 to 6 months during 2027.

Preferred Experience And Skills

• Candidates should have significant interest in applying modeling and/or informatics methods towards drug discovery research.
• Candidates should have Programming skills.
• Candidates should have GPA of 3.0 or higher.

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.

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 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.