2027 Future Talent Program – Regulated Bioanalytical Sciences – Intern

Merck; Lower Gwynedd Township (PA); On-site; USD 39,000 - 111,000; Full time

Job summary

Merck is offering an internship in the Regulated Bioanalytical Sciences group to support the FluoroSpot immunology workflow and data analytics within a 12-week program. You will learn and perform assays, document results, and present findings in an end-of-summer symposium.

The role emphasizes collaboration with scientists on global clinical development programs, adherence to GLP and GxP, and exposure to vaccine program support in a regulated lab setting.

Qualifications

• Currently enrolled as a first- or second-year student at a US-accredited university majoring in Biology, Immunology, Biochemistry, Biomedical Engineering, Biotechnology, Data Science, Computer Science or related scientific discipline.
• Basic laboratory skills including pipetting and sterile techniques.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.
• Experience using Microsoft tools (Word, Excel, PowerPoint).
• Effective verbal and written communication skills.
• Ability to work independently and within a team environment.

Responsibilities

• Develop cellular immunology techniques including cell culture, ELISpot/FluoroSpot, and flow cytometry.
• Learn how to interpret results and analyze data using GraphPad PRISM and R.
• Document experiments and data analysis in Benchling.
• Work according to SOPs and regulatory guidance.
• Maintain accurate records in adherence with GxP documentation guidelines.

Skills

Pipetting

Sterile technique

Analytical skills

Microsoft Excel

Verbal and written communication

Independence and teamwork

Education

Biology

Immunology

Biochemistry

Biomedical Engineering

Biotechnology

Data Science

Computer Science

Related scientific discipline

Tools

Benchling

GraphPad Prism

R

Microsoft Excel

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 Regulated Bioanalytical Sciences group supports the development, validation, and implementation of assays used to evaluate vaccine and biologic candidates in clinical studies. The successful candidate will contribute to innovative projects that advance bioanalytical capabilities through laboratory experimentation, data analytics, and automation.

This internship provides an opportunity to work alongside scientists supporting global clinical development programs while gaining experience in regulated environments and modern bioanalytical technologies.

Project Overview

The intern will support efforts to improve efficiency, reproducibility, and data-driven decision making using the FluoroSpot assay. The primary role will be to learn, perform, and develop assays with an emphasis on T-cell immunology methodologies (e.g., FluoroSpot) critical for early vaccine programs.

Primary Responsibilities

• Develop cellular immunology techniques including cell culture, ELISpot/FluoroSpot, and flow cytometry
• Develop skills associated with assay planning and design (including design of hypothesis, proper controls, and experimental procedures)
• Learn how to interpret results and analyze data using various tools such as GraphPad PRISM, and R
• Properly document experiments and data analysis in Benchling
• Work according to established Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) and regulatory guidance
• Maintain accurate records of ongoing projects in adherence with GxP documentation guidelines
• Adhere to GLP regulations and safety requirements typical for a BSL-2 lab
• Prepare technical summaries and presentations of project findings
• Present project outcomes at the end-of-summer intern symposium

Required Education

• Currently enrolled as a first- or second-year student at a US-accredited university majoring in:
• Biology
• Immunology
• Biochemistry
• Biomedical Engineering
• Biotechnology
• Data Science
• Computer Science
• Related scientific discipline

Required Skills

• Basic laboratory skills including pipetting and sterile techniques
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills
• Experience using Microsoft tools (Word, Excel, PowerPoint)
• Effective verbal and written communication skills
• Ability to work independently and within a team environment

Preferred Skills

• Familiarity with data analysis software, such as GraphPad Prism
• Experience in immunology techniques, such as handling primary cells and cell lines
• Familiarity with the use of electronic notebooks, such as Benchling
• Interest in vaccine development and clinical research

Learning Opportunities

The intern will gain exposure to:

• Development and execution of immunoassays, such as FluoroSpot
• Regulated bioanalytical testing supporting clinical development
• Vaccine and biologics development programs
• Cross-functional collaboration within a pharmaceutical research organization
• Scientific communication and presentation skills

Expected Deliverables

• Data analysis report and recommendations on FluoroSpot assay performance
• Final presentation summarizing project objectives, methods, results, and impact

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.

FTP2027

RL2027

US And Puerto Rico Residents Only

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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)

N/A

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.