2027 Future Talent Program – Modeling & Informatics - Intern

Merck; Rahway (NJ); On-site; USD 40,000 - 111,000; Full time

Job summary

Merck's Future Talent Program in Rahway, NJ offers interns up to 12 weeks across drug discovery research. You will work on projects in Modeling & Informatics, applying computational methods and data analysis to support hypothesis-driven discovery.

Candidates must be pursuing BS/BA or graduate degrees with strong science background in chemistry, informatics, or computer science, and be available for full-time 10–12 weeks starting June 2027. Prior cheminformatics or modeling experience is a plus.

Qualifications

• Pursuing BS/BA or Master’s/Ph.D. in a related field with research interest.
• Strong background in chemistry, biochemistry, informatics, computer science, or applied mathematics.
• Enrolled and continuing education for at least 1 semester after internship.
• Available for full-time 10–12 weeks, starting June 2027.
• Experience in cheminformatics or modeling is preferred.

Responsibilities

• Participate in molecular modeling and cheminformatics research.
• Work within a drug discovery team to drive hypothesis-driven research.
• Learn data, models, and methods to support discovery.

Skills

Programming skills

Cheminformatics knowledge

Molecular modeling

Education

BS/BA or MS/PhD in related field

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.

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 seeking candidates with a passion for scientific research, excellent academic performance, communication skills, teamwork, and the ability to work in a multi-functional environment. A strong science background in computer science or cheminformatics is essential. Applicants with previous research experience in the listed areas are highly preferred. You will be provided with laptops/lab equipment etc. as necessary to perform the role. This is a paid internship targeted to start in June 2027 and run for 10-12 weeks. Potential involvement in a scientific publication may occur as a result of the research undertaken during the internship.

The department of Modeling & Informatics (M&I) is offering internships in the following disciplines:

Modeling & Informatics (M&I) (Rahway, NJ; Boston, MA; West Point, PA; South San Francisco, CA)

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

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 10-12 weeks during the months of June - August 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.

FTP2027

RL2026

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)

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.

Requisition ID

R416278