2027 Future Talent Program -Pharmaceutical Analysis and Digital Technology (PADT) and Large Molecule Analytical (LMA) - Co Op

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

Job summary

Merck & Co., Inc. is offering a 4–6 month co-op program in its Pharmaceutical Analysis and Digital Technology (PADT) and Large Molecule Analytical (LMA) departments.

Co-ops will work on projects across Rahway, NJ and other sites, developing analytical methodologies essential for drug substance and drug product development. You will participate in team meetings and present results in oral and written formats.

Qualifications

• Currently enrolled student pursuing a Bachelor's, Master's, or PhD in Chemistry, Biology, Biochemistry, or related discipline.
• Available to work full-time for 4–6 months starting early to mid-2027.
• Completed at least two years of studies toward a bachelor's degree by June 2027.
• GPA of 3.0 or higher is preferred.

Responsibilities

• Develop novel analytical methodologies for drug substance and drug product development.
• Collaborate in a team environment to solve key challenges in product and process characterization.
• Record accurate electronic notebook entries and analyze/interpret data for internal publications.
• Present research results orally and in writing at project and department meetings.

Skills

Analytical sciences interest

Lab notebook recording

Instrument usage

Data analysis

Education

Bachelor/Master/PhD

Tools

Analytical instruments

Job description

The Future Talent Program features Co-op education that lasts 4-6 months and will include one or more projects. These opportunities in our Research division can provide you with great development and a chance to see if we are the right company for your long-term goals.

Our Pharmaceutical Analysis and Digital Technology (PADT) and Large Molecule Analytical (LMA) departments in Rahway, NJ, West Point, PA, Boston, MA, and South San Francisco, CA are seeking co-ops who will work collaboratively in a team environment at our state-of-the-art laboratories to develop novel analytical methodologies that impact drug substance and drug product development. Day-to-day research for the co-op will focus on solving key challenges in product and process characterization.

The co-ops will be exposed to:

• Core instrumentation critical for modern analysis of small molecules, biologics and/or vaccines, for manufacturing process characterization, and for determination of drug substance and/or drug product chemical, physical, and biological attributes.
• Fundamentals of analytical, physical, and biological chemistry method development necessary to solve problems as a member of an integrated team in support of the small and large molecule pipeline at our company.
• The PADT and LMA departments will expose the co-op to various expert groups in the areas of screening and high-throughput analysis, molecular and materials characterization, structural elucidation including high-end mass spectrometry and NMR techniques, separation-based techniques, assays for interrogating critical attributes of drug products, immunoassays, cell-based assays, labeled-compound analyses, trace metals analyses, and advanced statistical and data analytics/ machine learning processes, further broadening their experience.

The co-ops will also participate in departmental and project team meetings to provide a broad perspective on the drug development process in the pharmaceutical industry. The co-ops will be responsible for accurate electronic notebook recording of experimental details and for analysis and interpretation of data that may be used for internal or external scientific publications which may follow from the co-op. Co-ops will have the opportunity to gain further knowledge and skill sets via refinement of laboratory skills, introduction to new analytical techniques, exposure to current challenges in analytical research, and perspective on the practical aspects of drug development. In addition, the co-op student will have an opportunity to present their research results in both oral and written formats.

We are seeking co-op candidates at all academic levels (undergraduate and graduate) with strong academic performance, communication skills, teamwork, and the ability to work in a multi-functional environment.

Locations

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

Minimum Education Requirements

• Candidates must be a currently enrolled student pursuing a Bachelor's, Master's, or PhD degree in Chemistry, Biology (e.g. Cell Biology, Virology), Biochemistry, Chemical/Biological Engineering, Materials Science, Pharmaceutical Science, or a related discipline.

Required Experience and Skills

• Candidates must be available to work full-time for 4-6 months beginning in early to mid-2027.
• Candidates must have completed at least (2) years of studies toward a bachelor's degree by June 2027.

Preferred Experience and Skills

• Candidates should have significant interest in analytical sciences for small molecules, vaccines, and/or biologics.
• Candidates should have basic laboratory skills and research experience, such as: lab notebook recording, use of analytical instrumentation, analysis and interpretation of data, and safe lab practices.
• Candidates should have a GPA of 3.0 or higher (preferred)

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.

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.

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)

possibly

Job Posting End Date

10/17/2026

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