2027 Future Talent Program - Pharmacokinetic, Dynamics, Metabolism and Bioanalytics Intern

MSD Malaysia; West Point (PA); On-site; USD 39,000 - 111,000; Full time

Job summary

MSD Malaysia is offering an internship in its Research and Development Division. The Future Talent Program provides a 12-week summer opportunity with hands-on projects in the DMPK group, part of PDMB.

Interns will learn assay development, mRNA quantification, and automation, while engaging in cross-functional teamwork and scientific discussions. Applicants must be enrolled in biology-related programs (Bachelor’s, Master’s or PhD), be full-time Fall entrants, and have basic lab skills and

Qualifications

• Currently enrolled undergraduate junior or senior pursuing a bachelor’s degree in Biology, or related field.
• Currently enrolled graduate student pursuing a master’s or PhD in Biology or related field.
• Available to work full-time for up to 12 consecutive weeks beginning May/June 2027.
• Completed at least 3 years of studies toward bachelor’s degree by June 2027.
• Basic laboratory skills and experience with in vitro systems, cell culture, aseptic technique, pipetting and dilution.
• Strong record-keeping and training compliance; able to communicate results in writing and verbally.

Responsibilities

• Contribute to development and execution of cell-based induction assays for drug metabolizing enzymes.
• Evaluate methods for quantifying mRNA to assess CYP gene expression upregulation.
• Explore automation capabilities to streamline enzyme induction workflows.

Skills

Communication skills

Teamwork

Leadership

Problem solving

Attention to detail

Education

Bachelor’s degree pursuit (undergrad) in Biology/related field

Master’s or PhD pursuit in Biology/related field

Tools

MS Office

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.

Our Company's Research Lab Drug Metabolism and Pharmacokinetics (DMPK) group within the Pharmacokinetic, Dynamics, Metabolism and Bioanalytics (PDMB) department is seeking summer interns. The DMPK group provides issue-driven Absorption, Distribution, Metabolism, and Excretion (ADME) data to guide lead candidate optimization and development efforts.

Learning opportunities for the prospective intern are:

• Involvement in the development and execution of cell-based induction assays for major drug metabolizing enzymes
• Evaluation of novel approaches for quantification of mRNA to assess the upregulation of CYP gene expression
• Exploring new automation capabilities to streamline Cytochrome P450 enzyme induction workflows
• Hands-on exposure to laboratory work in the form of in vitro assays using cell culture, enzymes, cells suspensions, or tissue preparations

In addition to laboratory skills, the successful candidate will have the opportunity to be engaged in scientific discussion and interpretation of data. They will also be expected to work collaboratively in a cross-functional team environment to meet the research goals and to demonstrate the ability to communicate results of their work in both verbal and written formats. In addition to the core responsibilities outlined above, the candidate will be expected to keep careful records, comply with all required training, and maintain a focused attention on laboratory safety. 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.

Required Education:

• Candidates must be a currently enrolled undergraduate junior or senior student pursuing a bachelor’s degree OR a currently enrolled graduate student pursuing a master’s or PhD in Biology, Molecular Biology, Chemistry, Biochemistry, Pharmacology, or related field
• Candidates must be enrolled full-time in the Fall Semester at an accredited university/college after the completion of the internship

Required Experience and Skills:

• Candidates must be available to work full-time for up to (12) consecutive weeks beginning in May or June of 2027
• Candidates must have completed at least (3) years of studies toward bachelor’s degree by June 2027
• Must have basic laboratory skills and research experience on in vitro biological systems and cell culture, including aseptic technique, basic pipetting, and dilution techniques
• Ability to follow procedures and thoroughly document experiments
• Experience with MS Office including Outlook, Word, Excel, and PowerPoint

Preferred Experience and Skills:

• Prior experience and knowledge in cell and molecular biology, including reverse transcription and real-time PCR, as well as chemistry
• Basic understanding of pharmacokinetics and drug metabolism
• Interest in automation, with an understanding of automation systems and/or experience in automation processes
• Strong leadership, interpersonal, communication, problem solving, and collaboration skills along with strengths in delivering results in fast-paced environment
• GPA of 3.0 or higher

Salary range:

The salary range for this role is $39,108 through $111,111. FTP2027 RL2027 Required Skills: Preferred Skills:

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): Yes

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.

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.