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

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

Job summary

Merck & Co. is seeking co‑op students for its PADT and LMA Analytical divisions across Rahway, NJ and other U.S. locations.

The program focuses on developing novel analytical methodologies to support drug substance and drug product development, with exposure to mass spectrometry, NMR, and high-end instrumentation within a collaborative team. Co‑ops will contribute to problem solving in product and process characterization and gain experience in data analysis, academic excellence, and effective

Qualifications

• Currently enrolled student pursuing a Bachelor's, Master’s, or PhD in Chemistry, Biology, Biochemistry, or related field.
• Available to work 4–6 months full-time starting early to mid-2027.
• GPA 3.0 or higher preferred.

Responsibilities

• Collaborate in a team environment to develop analytical methods for small molecules, vaccines, and biologics.
• Record experimental details in electronic notebooks and analyze data for internal publications.
• Present research results orally and in writing as part of departmental projects.

Skills

Communication skills

Teamwork

Strong academic performance

Education

Bachelor's/Master’s/PhD student

Tools

Mass spectrometry

NMR spectroscopy

Analytical instrumentation

Job description

Job Description The Future Talent Program features Cooperative (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, WestPoint, PA, Boston, MA, and SouthSanFrancisco, 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 line: ... 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.

Search Firm Policy:

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): possibly Job Posting End Date: 10/17/2026 *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. 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.