2027 Future Talent Program - Systems Biology - Intern

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

Job summary

Merck is offering an internship in the Future Talent Program within the Research and Development Division to work on spatial genomics datasets in the Systems Toxicology team. The role involves sample preparation and performing spatial experiments to advance understanding of drug-induced toxicities.

The position is located in West Point, PA and requires 10–12 weeks of commitment beginning June 2026, with opportunities for skill development and collaboration with a global team.

Qualifications

• Currently enrolled in BS/BA in Computer Science, Informatics, Data science, Biology, Chemistry or related discipline.
• Strong analytical and communication skills required.
• Laboratory experience such as tissue sectioning, RNA isolation, or related molecular biology techniques preferred.

Responsibilities

• Work with Systems Toxicology to generate and analyze spatial genomics datasets.
• Prepare samples and perform spatial experiments.
• Expand analytical capabilities/workflows for spatial data analyses.
• Collaborate with the team to advance investigative assessments.

Skills

Analytical skills

Communication skills

Bash scripting

R/Python data analysis

Education

BS/BA in a relevant field

Tools

RStudio

Python

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.

Requirements

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:

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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'll consider qualified applicants with arrest and conviction records for employment in compliance with the San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance

Los Angeles Residents Only

We'll 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

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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.