2027 Future Talent Program - Research Initiation & Budget Execution - Intern

Merck; Rahway (NJ); Hybrid; USD 40,000 - 111,000; Full time

Job summary

Merck's Future Talent Program offers a 12-week Summer Intern position in the Research Labs division, focusing on RIBE in the NIRM organization. You will work on process improvements, AI-enabled tools, and budget execution, contributing to operational efficiency and faster research initiation.

The role emphasizes cross-functional collaboration, data analytics, and presenting outcomes to leadership at term end.

Qualifications

• Pursuing a Bachelor’s or master's degree aligned with the role’s analytical requirements.
• Returning to school in Fall 2027.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills.

Responsibilities

• Process mapping and documenting existing research workflows; identify bottlenecks and propose improvements.
• Pilot/test AI-enabled tools and platforms to automate tasks and track deliverables.
• Collect and visualize operational metrics to measure impact of new processes.

Skills

Analytical mindset

Communication skills

Time management

Education

Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in business/analytics/IS/health informatics

Tools

Microsoft Office 365

Power BI

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

The Summer Intern within Non-Interventional Research Management (NIRM) – Research Initiation and Budget Execution (RIBE) resides in the Value & Implementation (V&I) organization, which includes Global Medical and Scientific Affairs.

As technology and data strategies rapidly evolve, this role is designed for a forward-thinking student eager to drive operational excellence. The internship lasts up to 12 weeks and will focus on multiple projects centered around process improvement, workflow optimization, and the integration or evaluation of AI-enhanced tools (such as specialized non-interventional research platforms, automated budget management applications, or literature-screening AI tools). The intern's contributions will directly support our mission to enhance operational efficiency, accelerate research initiation, and maximize the value of our research pipeline.

Responsibilities

• Process Improvement & Mapping: Document, evaluate, and map existing research execution and budget workflows. Identify bottlenecks, operational gaps, and redundancies, and propose actionable, technology-driven solutions or process improvements.
• AI & Digital Tool Enablement: Partner with team members to pilot, test, evaluate, or enhance innovative AI-enhanced tools and specialized platforms (e.g., the Non-Interventional Research (NIR) Vendor Grading Tool) aimed at automating manual tasks, tracking deliverables, or streamlining literature reviews.
• Data Analytics & Insights: Collect, analyze, and visualize operational metrics to measure the impact, time savings, and quality improvements generated by newly adopted processes or digital systems.
• Cross-Functional Collaboration: Navigate internal processes by coordinating with multidisciplinary stakeholders, documenting best practices, and learning how to execute complex study initiatives in a global corporate environment.
• Capstone Presentation: At the conclusion of the 12-week term, present the results of your primary process improvement or digital tool project(s) along with strategic recommendations to RIBE and NIRM leadership.

Required Education & Experience

• Pursuing a Bachelor’s or master's degree in business, Data Analytics, Management Information Systems, Health Informatics, the Sciences, or another area of study that aligns with the strategic and analytical background required for this role.
• Returning to school in the Fall of 2027.
• Basic understanding of process optimization frameworks (e.g., Lean, Agile, Six Sigma, or workflow mapping) and problem-solving techniques.
• Analytical and inquisitive mindset with an intermediate-level understanding of data analysis and metric visualization.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to articulate technical or process concepts clearly.
• Strong self-organization and time-management skills in both on-site and remote/hybrid work environments.
• Collaborative team player who is proactive, eager to take initiative, and comfortable working independently on structured tasks.
• Available to work full-time for 12 weeks beginning on June 7, 2027, through August 27, 2027.

Preferred Experience & Skills

• High interest in emerging digital technologies, automation, or AI-enhanced tools (such as Generative AI, or smart research platforms) and their application in business workflows.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office 365 applications (Word, Excel, Teams, PowerPoint, Outlook); experience with data visualization tools (e.g., Power BI) or process mapping tools is a plus.
• Prior experience or strong interest in project management, clinical/observational research methodology, or corporate finance.
• Knowledge of or keen interest in the pharmaceutical and healthcare industry.

Salary Range

The salary range for this role is $39,908 - $111,111 USD.

FTP2027

RL2027

Employee Status

Intern/Co-op (Fixed Term)

Relocation

No relocation

VISA Sponsorship

No

Travel Requirements

10%

Flexible Work Arrangements

Hybrid

Shift

Not Indicated

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.

Requisition ID

R412919