2027 Future Talent Program - Pharmaceutical Operations Intern

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

Job summary

Merck & Co., Inc. invites rising undergraduates and graduate students to join the Future Talent Program as summer interns in Rahway, NJ.

The 12-week internship offers participation on projects in formulation development, manufacturing, and clinical supply chain within the PSDD and Pharm Ops organizations. Interns collaborate in a team, present results, and gain exposure to drug development processes while working with experienced scientists.

Qualifications

• Currently enrolled undergraduate sophomore, junior, or senior pursuing a Bachelor’s degree OR graduate student pursuing a Master’s or PhD in Pharmaceutics, Pharmaceutical Sciences, Chemistry, Analytical Chemistry, or Engineering.
• Available to work full-time for up to 12 weeks from May–August 2027.
• Completed at least 2 years of studies toward bachelor’s by June 2027.

Responsibilities

• Work collaboratively in a team environment within Pharmaceutical Operations.
• Participate in departmental and project team meetings to gain a broad view of drug development.
• Present research results in oral and written formats.

Skills

Communication skills

Teamwork

GPA 3.0+

Education

Bachelor's degree in Pharmaceutics/Pharmaceutical Sciences/Chemistry/Analytical Chemistry/Engineering

Pursuing Masters or PhD

2 years of study towards bachelor's by June 2027

Tools

HPLC

Spectroscopy

MATLAB

Python

Aspen

Electronic notebook

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 Labs can provide you with great development and a chance to see if we are the right company for your long-term goals.

Our companies Pharmaceutical Sciences & Device Development (PSDD) organization is responsible for translating a therapeutic agent into a functional drug product optimized for patients. The Pharmaceutical Operations department is seeking summer interns who will work collaboratively in a team environment to help solve key challenges in formulation development, manufacturing and clinical supply chain.

Pharmaceutical Operations (Pharm Ops) is responsible for drug product manufacturing for clinical studies, stability studies and new drug filings with locations in Rahway (NJ) and West Point (PA). Example intern projects include:

• Process engineering to develop technical understanding of Oral Solid Dosage products.
• Process engineering to support manufacturing of injectable clinical supplies in West Point.
• Process engineering to support filling of injectable clinical supplies in Rahway.
• Design Engineering to develop technical understanding of process equipment and critical utility systems.

We are seeking intern candidates at all levels with strong academic performance, communication skills, teamwork, and the ability to work in a multi- functional environment. The interns will participate in departmental and project team meetings to provide a broad perspective on the drug development process in the pharmaceutical industry. In addition, the intern student will have an opportunity to present their research results in both oral and written formats. During your internship appointment you will work closely with an experienced pharmaceutical industry scientist on a research project within the department.

Required Education and Experience

• Candidates must be a currently enrolled undergraduate sophomore, junior, or senior student pursuing a Bachelor's degree OR a currently enrolled graduate student pursuing a Masters or PhD in Pharmaceutics, Pharmaceutical Sciences, Chemistry, Analytical Chemistry, or Engineering.
• Candidates must be available to work full-time for up to (12) weeks from May - August 2027.
• Candidates must have completed at least (2) years of studies toward bachelor's degree by June 2027.

Preferred Experience and Skills

• Candidates should have significant interest in Pharmaceutical Sciences & Clinical Supplies.
• Candidates should have basic laboratory skills and research experience, such as: electronic notebook recording, HPLC, spectroscopy, analytical techniques, and safe lab practices.
• Candidates should have basic experience with analytic tools, programming and software such as: MATLAB, Python, Aspen.
• Candidates should have a 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 USD

FTP2027

RL2027

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:

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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.
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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

Not Indicated

Valid Driving License

No

Hazardous Material(s)

n/a

Job Posting End Date

10/16/2026