2027 Future Talent Program - Standardizing Automation Scripting Practices Through AI-Enabled Knowledge Repository - Intern

Merck; West Point (PA); On-site; USD 39,000 - 111,000; Full time

Job summary

Merck is offering a Future Talent Program internship in its Research and Development Division. The role focuses on developing an AI-enabled knowledge platform to improve automation scripting, troubleshooting, and knowledge transfer across Robotics and Workflow Data Capture teams at multiple sites, including Boston and South San Francisco.

Interns will work on data-driven projects, leveraging Python, SQL, and GitHub, and will contribute to documentation, scripting standards, and onboarding

Qualifications

• Pursuing a Bachelor's degree in a related field.
• Familiarity with Python and SQL programming.
• Exposure to scripting languages and basic API work.

Responsibilities

• Collaborate with automation scientists and data science professionals across Robotics and WDC teams and cross-site partners.
• Analyze existing automation scripts, documentation, and records to identify patterns.
• Develop and evaluate an AI-enabled knowledge repository for script understanding and troubleshooting.
• Support integration of GitHub repositories, docs, and automation records into a centralized knowledge platform.
• Assist in developing tools to improve automation error tracking, analysis, and resolution.
• Create user guidance, technical documentation, and standardized best practices.
• Prepare technical summaries and presentations of project findings.
• Present outcomes at the end-of-summer intern symposium.

Skills

Python

SQL

C# or C/C++

Git

Analytical thinking

Communication

Education

Bachelor's degree in Data Science

Bachelor's degree in Computer Science

Bachelor's degree in Informatics

Bachelor's degree in Biotechnology

Bachelor's degree in Engineering

Tools

GitHub

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.

Position Description

Our Company's Research Lab’s Robotics and Workflow Data Capture (WDC) teams develop automated laboratory systems and digital technologies that allow scientists to generate high-quality research data efficiently and reliably. By combining laboratory automation with software solutions that capture, organize, and analyze scientific data, these teams reduce manual processes, improve workflow efficiency, and support research across multiple sites. Their work plays a critical role in accelerating scientific discovery and advancing the development of new medicines.

Overview

The intern will support a cross-functional initiative between the Robotics and Workflow Data Capture teams focused on improving how laboratory automation software is developed, documented, and supported across research laboratories. The project will leverage programming, AI/LLM technologies, GitHub repositories, and automation data to develop an AI-enabled knowledge platform that helps scientists and engineers understand automation scripts, troubleshoot issues, and follow standardized scripting practices. The intern's work will contribute to improved knowledge sharing, faster problem resolution, enhanced onboarding, and greater consistency in automation workflows across sites.

Primary Responsibilities

• Collaborate with automation scientists and data science professionals across Robotics and Workflow Data Capture teams, as well as our cross-site scientific partners in Boston and South San Francisco.
• Analyze existing automation scripts, documentation, and historical automation records to identify common development and troubleshooting patterns.
• Develop and evaluate an AI-enabled knowledge repository that supports automation script understanding, troubleshooting, and workflow development.
• Support integration of GitHub repositories, technical documentation, and automation records into a centralized knowledge platform
• Assist in developing and optimizing tools and processes to improve automation error tracking, analysis, and resolution.
• Create user guidance, technical documentation, and standardized best practices to support automation workflow scripting development and knowledge transfer
• Prepare technical summaries and presentations of project findings.
• Present project outcomes at the end-of-summer intern symposium.

Education

• Currently pursuing a Bachelor's degree in one of the following:
• Data Science
• Computer Science
• Informatics
• Biotechnology
• Engineering
• Related scientific discipline

Required Skills

• Strong Python and SQL programming skills, especially toward developing scripts, APIs, or lightweight applications
• Working knowledge of C# or C/C++ through coursework, projects, research, or internships
• Familiarity with git, GitHub, or other version control systems
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills
• Strong written and verbal communication skills
• Ability to organize technical information clearly
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively with technical and non-technical team members

Preferred Skills

• Familiarity with LLMs and concepts like Retrieval-Augmented Generation, Knowledge Graphs, and Vector Databases
• Interest in laboratory automation, robotics, or scientific software
• Experience creating technical documentation, workflow diagrams, or user-facing guides
• Interest in troubleshooting, debugging, and software quality practices

Learning Opportunities

• Industry-level laboratory automation and digital technologies supporting pharmaceutical research. AI/LLM applications, knowledge management, and data-driven problem solving.
• Software development, programming, GitHub, and technical documentation practices.
• Automation troubleshooting and operational data analysis.
• Supportive collaboration within cross-disciplinary teams
• Professional communication and presentation skills.

Expected Deliverables

• Prototype AI-enabled knowledge platform for automation scripting and troubleshooting.
• Standardized scripting guidance and knowledge management resources.
• Enhancements to automation error tracking and analysis capabilities.
• Final presentation and poster summarizing project objectives, methods, results, and impact.

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)

Flexible Work Arrangements

Not Applicable

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

R412939