2027 Future Talent Program - Quantitative Biosciences Cellular Pharmacology - Intern

MSD Malaysia; South San Francisco, Northern (CA, KY); Hybrid; USD 28,000 - 41,000; Part time

Job summary

The Future Talent Program at Merck & Co., Inc. offers internships lasting up to 12 weeks within our Research & Development Division, providing a platform for growth and a chance to gauge alignment with long-term objectives.

The Quantitative Biosciences Cellular Pharmacology & Lead Discovery team seeks a motivated student to contribute to discovery and advancement of novel medicines for cancer and cardiometabolic disorders, executing cellular assays and collaborating with experienced scientists.

Qualifications

• Currently enrolled in a full-time degree program in biology, biochemistry, or related discipline and have completed at least 2 years toward BS/BA or 1 year toward Master/PhD by June 2024.
• Available to work full-time for 10-12 weeks beginning in May or June 2027.
• Experience with aseptic technique and good cell culture practice.
• Able to work independently in a multi-functional, team-oriented environment.

Responsibilities

• Learn about different cellular assays used in drug development and discovery
• Learn about laboratory automation and how they can improve robustness and increase throughput
• Execute cellular assays to support compound screening and mechanism of action studies
• Engage with industry-standard data analysis tools and record keeping including electronic lab notebooks and analysis software
• Communicate data progress during internal meetings; deliver a verbal presentation at the completion of training; participate in scientific exchange with our Company scientists

Skills

Cell culture

Aseptic technique

Lab automation

Data analysis

Communication skills

Education

Bachelor's or higher in Biology/Biochemistry

Tools

ELN software

Excel

Job description

The Future Talent Program offers internships that last up to 12 weeks and will include one or more projects. These opportunities within our Research & Development Division serve as a platform for significant personal growth, allowing you to gauge whether our company aligns with your long-term objectives. The Quantitative Biosciences Cellular Pharmacology & Lead Discovery team is looking for a highly talented and motivated student to join our ranks. Collaborating closely with experienced pharmaceutical industry scientists, the chosen candidate will contribute to the discovery and advancement of novel medicines for cancer and cardiometabolic disorders. At the heart of this role lies the execution of critical cellular assays to evaluate and characterize preclinical therapeutic candidates.

We value open communication, creative-thinking, strong teamwork, and rigorous scientific exploration.

If you are a highly motivated team player with enthusiasm for learning new techniques who thrives on challenge and has a strong desire to impact drug discovery.

Please note that this position may be closed before the posted end date or may remain open longer, at the discretion of the company.

Role Responsibilities

• Learn about different cellular assays used in drug development and discovery
• Learn about laboratory automation and how they can improve robustness and increase throughput
• Execute cellular assays to support compound screening and mechanism of action studies
• Engage with industry-standard data analysis tools and record keeping, including electronic lab notebooks and analysis software
• Communicate data progress during internal meetings; deliver a verbal presentation at the completion of training; participate in scientific exchange with our Company scientists

Required Education & Experience

• Currently enrolled in a full-time degree program in biology, biochemistry, or a related scientific discipline and have completed at least 2 years of studies toward BS/BA or at least 1 year towards master’s/PhD by June of 2024
• Available to work full-time for 10-12 weeks beginning in May or June of 2027
• Experience with aseptic technique and good cell culture practice
• Previous laboratory experience with cell biology techniques
• Able to work independently in a multi-functional, team-oriented environment

Preferred Experience & Skills

• Demonstrate a keen interest in scientific exploration and drug discovery research
• Possess superior verbal and written communication skills
• Have a demonstrated record of strong academic achievement
• Self-motivated, detail-orientated, with excellent record keeping and organizational skills

Salary

The salary range for this role is $ FTP2027 RL2027

Employment 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: Not Indicated
• Valid Driving License: No
• Hazardous Material(s): N/A

Location & Eligibility

US and Puerto Rico Residents Only:

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

Equal Employment Opportunity

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.

Search Firm Policy

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.

Job Posting End Date

Job Posting End Date: 10/9/2026

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.