2027 Future Talent Program - Translational Medicine - Intern

MSD; South San Francisco (CA); On-site; USD 39,000 - 111,000; Full time

Job summary

MSD in South San Francisco invites a highly motivated graduate student to join the Translational Medicine team for a 12-week internship. The role focuses on analyzing genomic and pharmacogenomic data to support precision medicine and translational research initiatives.

You will work with diverse genomic technologies, develop analytical workflows, and collaborate across disciplines to advance genomics in drug development.

Qualifications

• Currently pursuing a Master’s or PhD in Bioinformatics, Computational Biology, Human Genetics, Genomics, Pharmacogenomics, Biostatistics, Computer Science, or a related scientific discipline
• Experience analyzing genomic or next-generation sequencing (NGS) data, with familiarity in FASTQ, BAM/CRAM, VCF, FASTA
• Experience in Python, R, and/or other scientific programming languages, with Linux/Unix experience
• Strong analytical, problem-solving, and communication skills for multidisciplinary teamwork
• Familiarity with pharmacogenomics concepts and cloud or high-performance computing is preferred
• Must be enrolled in an academic program and returning to studies after the internship

Responsibilities

• Analyze and interpret genomic and pharmacogenomic datasets using bioinformatics and computational approaches
• Evaluate data from multiple genomic technologies including array-based, short-read, and long-read sequencing
• Develop and apply analytical workflows to support genomic characterization and translational research
• Collaborate with scientists across disciplines to generate biological insights
• Communicate results through scientific presentations, reports, and reproducible documentation

Skills

Bioinformatics

Genomics

Computational biology

Python

R

Linux/Unix

Data analysis

Communication

Education

Master's or PhD in Bioinformatics/related field

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

Team:

The Clinical Pharmacogenetics group provides scientific leadership in the application of human genetics and pharmacogenomics across the drug development continuum. The team generates and interprets genetic evidence to support biomarker strategies, optimize therapeutic development, and enhance understanding of variability in treatment response.

Position Description

We are seeking a highly motivated graduate student with expertise in bioinformatics, genomics, and computational biology to join our Translational Medicine team for a 12-week internship. The successful candidate will contribute to the analysis and interpretation of genomic and pharmacogenomic datasets to support precision medicine and translational research initiatives.

This role offers an opportunity to work with diverse genomic technologies and collaborate with multidisciplinary teams focused on advancing the application of genomics in drug development.

Primary Responsibilities

• Analyze and interpret genomic and pharmacogenomic datasets using bioinformatics and computational approaches
• Evaluate data generated from multiple genomic technologies, including array-based, short-read, and long-read sequencing platforms
• Develop and apply analytical workflows to support genomic characterization and translational research objectives
• Collaborate with scientists across disciplines to generate biological insights and support precision medicine initiatives
• Communicate results through scientific presentations, reports, and reproducible documentation

Qualifications

• Currently pursuing a Master’s or PhD in Bioinformatics, Computational Biology, Human Genetics, Genomics, Pharmacogenomics, Biostatistics, Computer Science, or a related scientific discipline
• Experience analyzing genomic or next-generation sequencing (NGS) data, including familiarity with common bioinformatics file formats (e.g., FASTQ, BAM/CRAM, VCF, FASTA)
• Experience in Python, R, and/or other scientific programming languages, with experience working in Linux/Unix environments
• Strong analytical, problem-solving, and communication skills, with the ability to collaborate effectively in a multidisciplinary research environment
• Familiarity with pharmacogenomics concepts, genomic data analysis, and high-performance or cloud computing environments is preferred
• Must be enrolled in an academic program and returning to continue studies following completion of the internship

Preferred Qualifications

• Familiarity with pharmacogenomics resources and guidelines (e.g., PharmGKB, PharmVar, CPIC)
• Experience with long-read sequencing technologies, haplotype analysis, structural variant detection, or copy number analysis

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

Required Skills:

Preferred Skills:

US and Puerto Rico Residents Only:

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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

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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.

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

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