2027 Future Talent Program - Quantitative Biosciences, Cellular Pharmacology & Lead Discovery - Intern

Merck; South San Francisco (CA); On-site; USD 39,000 - 111,000; Full time

Job summary

Merck’s Future Talent Program in South San Francisco offers a 10–12 week internship within our Research & Development Division. You will join the Quantitative Biosciences Cellular Pharmacology & Lead Discovery team to execute cellular assays and contribute to early drug discovery for cancer and cardiometabolic disorders.

Collaborate with experienced scientists, apply lab automation to improve throughput, and document results in electronic lab notebooks.

Qualifications

• Currently enrolled in a full-time biology/biochemistry or related program and completed ≥2 years toward BS/BA or ≥1 year toward MS/PhD by internship start.
• Available to work full-time for 10–12 weeks starting May or June 2027.
• Strong verbal and written communication and a track record of strong academics.
• Ability to work independently in a multi-functional, team environment.

Responsibilities

• Learn about cellular assays used in drug development and how lab automation improves throughput.
• Execute cellular assays to support compound screening and mechanism studies.
• Evaluate and optimize new assay technologies and methods.
• Record keeping with electronic lab notebooks and analysis software.
• Present data progress during internal meetings and deliver a final presentation at training end.

Skills

Cell biology techniques

Aseptic technique

Data analysis

Verbal communication

Teamwork

Education

Currently enrolled in a full-time biology/biochemistry program

≥2 years toward BS/BA or ≥1 year toward MS/PhD by internship start

Available for 10–12 weeks starting May/June 2027

Tools

Electronic lab notebooks

Data analysis software

Job description

Job Description

The Future Talent Program offers internships lasting 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.

The Successful Candidate Will

• Learn about different cellular assays used in drug development and how to leverage laboratory automation to improve robustness and increase throughput
• Execute cellular assays to support compound screening and mechanism of action studies
• Evaluate and optimize new assay technologies and methods
• 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

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, we invite you to apply.

Required Education & Experience

• Candidates must be currently enrolled in a full-time degree program in biology, biochemistry, or a related discipline and have completed at least 2 years of studies toward BS/BA or at least 1 year towards master’s/PhD by the start of the internship
• Available to work full-time for 10-12 weeks beginning in May or June of 2027
• Superior verbal and written communication skills and a demonstrated record of strong academic achievement
• Proven ability to work independently in a multi-functional, team-oriented environment

Preferred Experience & Skills

• Previous laboratory experience with cell biology techniques
• Hands-on experience with aseptic technique and good cell culture practice
• A keen interest in scientific exploration and drug discovery research
• Self-motivated and detail-orientated with excellent record keeping and organizational skills

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 $39,108 through $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.

Requirements

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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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

Not Indicated

Valid Driving License

No

Hazardous Material(s)

Yes

Job Posting End Date

10/30/2026

• 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.