2027 Future Talent Program - Vaccines Process R&D Upstream - Intern

MSD Malaysia; Northern (KY); Hybrid; USD 40,000 - 111,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Hybrid work arrangements

Job summary

Merck & Co., Inc. invites applications for a Future Talent Program intern in our Vaccines and Advanced Biotechnologies Process R&D division. The successful candidate will perform lab-scale process development/scale-up and develop scalable cell culture processes for vaccine production under a project mentor.

Must be enrolled in a BS/BA in related fields and able to work 10-12 weeks full-time starting May/June 2027; strong teamwork and documentation skills required.

Qualifications

• Candidates enrolled in BS/BA in Chemical/Biomedical/Biological Engineering, Bioengineering, Biological Sciences, Biochemistry, Biotechnology, Molecular Biology, Microbiology or closely related field.
• Able to work independently and in a team; self-motivated with adaptability and a positive attitude.
• Willingness to work full-time for 10-12 weeks beginning May or June 2027.

Responsibilities

• Perform lab-scale process development and scale-up studies for vaccine production.
• Develop robust, scalable cell culture processes and support tech transfer to later-stage groups.
• Support GMP campaigns including preparation, execution, and closeout of campaigns.
• Maintain careful notes, training compliance, and strong laboratory safety practices.
• Convey results verbally and in writing; manage materials and equipment inventories.

Skills

Cell culture

Fermentation

Immunofluorescence

Flow cytometry

Virometry

Process development

Documentation

Education

BS/BA in Chemical/Biomedical/Biological Engineering, Bioengineering, Biological Sciences, Biochemistry, Biotechnology, Molecular Biology, Microbiology or related field

Tools

Fermenters

Cell culture systems

Job description

Job Description

The Future Talent Program features internships that last 10-12 weeks and will include one or more projects. These opportunities in our Research Division can provide you with great development and a chance to see if we are the right company for your long-term goals. Our Research Scientists are our Inventors. We identify and target steps in disease mechanisms or pathways that could be inhibited or enhanced. Our goal is to isolate a compound that is effective against a disease target. Using innovative thinking, state-of-the‑art facilities, and robust scientific methodology we collaborate to discover the next medical breakthrough. Applications are sought for a scientific intern opportunity in our company's Vaccines and Advanced Biotechnologies Process R&D division. Under the direction of a project mentor, a successful candidate will perform lab-scale process development/scale-up studies, and develop robust, efficient, scalable cell culture processes for vaccine production. Duties may include lab-scale fermentation or cell culture, in-process assay support, process scale-up and engineering, maintaining/coordinating raw material and equipment inventories to support development experiments, technology transfer to later stage development groups, and functioning as a key member of an early-stage process development team. The candidate may also work on pilot-scale campaigns for the GMP manufacture of bulk clinical material. In this role, assignments could encompass aspects of campaign preparation, execution, and closeout of a GMP campaign. The successful candidate will be expected to demonstrate the ability to convey the results of their work in both verbal and written formats. In addition to the core duties outlined above, the candidate will be expected to keep careful notes, comply with all required training, and maintain focused attention on laboratory safety for themselves and their team.

Education Minimum Requirement

Candidates must be enrolled in a minimum of a BS/BA in: Chemical/Biomedical/Biological Engineering, Bioengineering, Biological Sciences, Biochemistry, Biotechnology, Molecular Biology, Microbiology, or closely related field.

Required Experience and Skills

Must have the ability to work independently and as part of a team, Must have self-motivation, adaptability, and a positive attitude. Must have the ability to learn new techniques, perform multiple tasks simultaneously, keep accurate records, follow instructions, and comply with company policies. Must have proven ability to work in hands‑on laboratory setting. Must have effective organization, interpersonal, verbal and written communication skills Must be available to work full-time for 10-12 weeks beginning in May or June 2027

Preferred Experience and Skills

Should have direct experience with cell culture/fermentation, upstream process development, and/or expression system development for vaccines and/or biologics Should have hands‑on immunofluorescence, flow cytometry, and/or virometry (flow-based nanoparticle analysis) experience

Salary range

Salary range: The salary range for this role is $$39,908 - $111,111 FTP2027 RL2027 Required Skills: Preferred Skills:

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

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: Hybrid
• Shift: 1st - Day
• Valid Driving License: No
• Hazardous Material(s): n/a

Job Posting End Date

10/19/2026 *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.

Our company is a global health care leader with a diversified portfolio of prescription medicines, vaccines and animal health products. The difference between potential and achievement lies in the spark that fuels innovation and inventiveness; this is the space where we have codified our legacy for over a century. Our success is backed by ethical integrity, forward momentum, and an inspiring mission to achieve new milestones in global healthcare.