2027 Future Talent Program - Systems Biology - Intern

MSD; Upper Gwynedd Township (Montgomery County); On-site; USD 39,000 - 111,000; Full time

Job summary

MSD is seeking a Systems Biology Intern to join the Systems Toxicology team in West Point, PA for up to 12 weeks. You will generate and analyze spatial genomics data, perform sample prep, and help expand workflows for toxicology investigations.

Ideal candidates are enrolled in BS/BA programs (CS, informatics, data science, biology, chemistry, toxicology), with 3.0+ GPA, strong analytical and communication skills, and experience with RStudio/Python.

Qualifications

• Candidates should currently be enrolled in a minimum of a BS/BA in: Computer Science, Informatics, Data science, Biology, Chemistry, Toxicology, or related discipline.
• G.P.A of 3.0 or higher
• Strong analytical and communication skills
• Laboratory experience such as tissue sectioning using a microtome and/or cryostat, RNA isolation, and other molecular biology techniques
• Experience with analysis of transcriptomics data analysis using RStudio and/or Python
• Bash scripting via the terminal
• Familiarity with data architecture and engineering
• Must be available for a period of 10-12 weeks, beginning June 2026

Responsibilities

• Sample preparation and performing spatial experiments
• Expanding analytical capabilities/workflows for spatial data
• Analysis of newly generated datasets from investigative studies

Skills

Analytical skills

Communication skills

Laboratory techniques

Education

BS/BA in Computer Science, Informatics, Data Science, Biology, Chemistry, Toxicology or related

Tools

RStudio

Python

Bash

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.

Nonclinical drug safety (NDS) helps advance high-quality drug candidates into development by defining the non–clinical safety and selectivity of lead compounds. NDS employees evaluate the preclinical toxicity of drug development candidates, provide mechanistic understanding of drug-induced toxicity, and assess implications for human safety.

The Systems Biology Intern will work within the Systems Toxicology team to generate and analyze cutting‑edge spatial genomics datasets in order to advance investigative assessments into the molecular mechanisms of drug‑induced toxicities. Responsibilities will include sample preparation and performing spatial experiments,expanding analytical capabilities/workflows for spatial data and analysis of newly generated datasets from investigative studies.

Our ability to excel depends on the integrity, knowledge, imagination, skill, diversity and teamwork of people like you. To this end, we strive to create an environment of mutual respect, encouragement and teamwork. As part of our global team, you’ll have the opportunity to collaborate with talented and dedicated colleagues while developing and expanding your career.

Location: West Point, PA

Education:

• Candidates should currently be enrolled in a minimum of a BS/BA in: Computer Science, Informatics, Data science, Biology, Chemistry, Toxicology, or related discipline.

Preferred:

• G.P.A of 3.0 or higher
• Strong analytical and communication skills
• Laboratory experience such as tissue sectioning using a microtome and/or cryostat, RNA isolation, and other molecular biology techniques
• Experience with analysis of transcriptomics data analysis using RStudio and/or Python
• Bash scripting via the terminal
• Familiarity with data architecture and engineering

Required:

• Must be available for a period of 10-12 weeks, beginning June 2026

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. Please click here if you need an accommodation during the application or hiring process.

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:

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.

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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

Search Firm Representatives Please Read Carefully

Merck & Co., Inc., Rahway, NJ, USA, also known as Merck Sharp & Dohme LLC, Rahway, NJ, USA, does not accept unsolicited assistance from search firms for employment opportunities. All CVs / resumes submitted by search firms to any employee at our company without a valid written search agreement in place for this position will be deemed the sole property of our company. No fee will be paid in the event a candidate is hired by our company as a result of an agency referral where no pre-existing agreement is in place. Where agency agreements are in place, introductions are position specific. Please, no phone calls or emails.

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 BEFOREthe listed job posting end date. Please ensure you apply to a job posting no later than the day BEFORE the job posting end date.