2027 Future Talent Program – Modeling & Informatics - Intern

MSD Malaysia; Rahway, Northern (NJ, KY); Hybrid; USD 40,000 - 111,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Paid internship

Mentorship

Job summary

Merck & Co., Inc. in Rahway, NJ, is offering a Future Talent Program internship spanning 10–12 weeks, starting in June 2027. Interns will engage in molecular modeling and cheminformatics research, potentially contributing to a drug discovery project.

The program provides laptops and lab equipment as needed. Candidates should be pursuing BS/BA or MS/PhD in related fields with strong coursework in chemistry, informatics or computer science, and should expect to work in a multi-disciplinary team.

Qualifications

• Pursuing BS/BA or MS/PhD in related field with demonstrated interest/experience in research areas relevant to drug discovery
• 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 towards MS/PhD at the time of the position 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 10-12 weeks during June–August 2027

Responsibilities

• Participate in molecular modeling and/or cheminformatics research, independently or as part of a drug discovery team
• Learn to employ data, models, and methods to drive hypothesis-driven drug discovery
• Be exposed to many areas of research relevant to the drug discovery and development process

Skills

Programming skills

Cheminformatics

Molecular modeling

Cheminformatics research

Education

BS/BA or MS/PhD in related field

Tools

Chemogenomic data analysis

Molecular docking

Molecular dynamics

Chemical databases

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 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.

Departments

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

Job Details

• 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

Acknowledgements and Statements

Our company is committed to inclusion, ensuring that candidates can engage in a hiring process that exhibits their true capabilities.

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 and Los Angeles Residents

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

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.

Company Overview

Our company is a global health care leader with a diversified portfolio of prescription medicines, vaccines and animal health products.

The difference between potential and achievement lies in the spark that fuels innovation and inventiveness; this is the space where we have codified our legacy for over a century.

Our success is backed by ethical integrity, forward momentum, and an inspiring mission to achieve new milestones in global healthcare.

Salary Range

Salary range: The salary range for this role is $39,908 - $111,111.