2027 Future Talent Program - Spatial Biology & Multiplex Imaging - Intern

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

Job summary

Merck’s Future Talent Program offers a 10–12 week internship at the South San Francisco site within the Profiling and Expression (P&E) department. The role centers on development and validation of a high‑plex immune and fibroblast spatial biology panel using the PhenoCycler‑Fusion platform for target localization studies.

Key tasks include assay development, QC, workflow automation, and cross‑functional collaboration with Immunology, imaging, and data science teams.

Qualifications

• Currently enrolled in a Bachelor's degree program in Biological Sciences or related field.
• Graduate MS or PhD candidates are encouraged to apply.
• Available to work full-time on-site for 10–12 weeks beginning in May or June 2027.
• Strong analytical, communication, and interpersonal skills with a collaborative mindset.

Responsibilities

• Support assay development and QC for PhenoCycler‑Fusion platform.
• Collaborate on workflow automation using advanced platforms like Parhelia Spatial Station.
• Partner with Immunology on target validation and work with imaging and data scientists on analysis.
• Prepare a final presentation summarizing findings and potential translational applications.

Skills

Analytical skills

Communication skills

Interpersonal skills

Education

Bachelor's degree in Biological Sciences

MS/PhD encouraged

Tools

Python or R

Imaging analysis tools

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

The Company's Research Labs Profiling and Expression (P&E) department is offering one 10–12 week internship position at our South San Francisco, CA site.

Our department specializes in characterization and understanding of human disease using tissue-based assays. We utilize histopathological methods, molecular phenotyping, and advanced single-cell approaches to support discovery and clinical programs. The primary focus for the Summer 2027 candidate is to support the development and validation of a high‑plex immune and fibroblast spatial biology panel using the PhenoCycler‑Fusion platform for target localization studies.

Key Responsibilities

• Assay Development & QC: Support antibody evaluation, conjugation, staining optimization, and documentation for the PhenoCycler‑Fusion platform.
• Workflow Innovation: Collaborate on workflow automation using advanced platforms like the Parhelia Spatial Station.
• Cross‑Functional Collaboration:
  • Partner with the Immunology group on target validation.
  • Work with imaging and data scientists on image analysis and algorithm development.
• Preparation of a final presentation summarizing findings and potential translational applications.

Required Education And Skills

• Currently enrolled in a Bachelor's degree program in Biological Sciences (e.g., Immunology, Oncology, Pathology, Cell Biology, Computational Biology) or a related field
• Students in graduate programs (MS or PhD) are highly encouraged to apply
• Available to work full‑time and on‑site for 10–12 weeks beginning in May or June of 2027
• Excellent analytical, communication, and interpersonal skills, with a strong academic standing and a collaborative mindset

Preferred Skills And Experience

• For Lab‑Based Workflows: Experience with tissue culture, standard molecular biology techniques, multiplex immunofluorescence (mIF), immunohistochemistry (IHC), antibody conjugation, or fluorescence microscopy
• For Computational Workflows: Experience with programming languages (R or Python), digital pathology image analysis, computer vision, machine learning, or processing bulk/single‑cell spatial datasets

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

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

Hybrid

Shift

1st - Day

Valid Driving License

No

Hazardous Material(s)

Yes

Job Posting End Date

11/6/2026

• 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

R413365