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

Merck; West Point (PA); Hybrid; USD 40,000 - 111,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Hybrid work arrangements

Job summary

Merck invites applications for a scientific intern opportunity in our Vaccines and Advanced Biotechnologies Process R&D division. Under a project mentor, you will perform lab-scale development, scale-up studies, and build robust, scalable cell culture processes for vaccine production.

The role emphasizes data recording, safety training, and collaboration with a cross-functional team, with a 10–12 week schedule starting May/June 2027. Hybrid work arrangements are available.

Qualifications

• Enrolled in BS/BA in a related engineering or bioscience field.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team.
• Strong record-keeping and adherence to safety and training.
• Willingness to work full-time for 10–12 weeks starting May/June 2027.
• Experience with cell culture or fermentation is preferred.

Responsibilities

• Perform lab-scale process development and scale-up studies.
• Develop scalable cell culture processes for vaccine production.
• Support in-process assays and material/inventory coordination.
• Assist technology transfer to later-stage groups.
• Contribute to GMP campaigns for bulk clinical material.

Skills

Lab experience

Cell culture

Fermentation

Data recording

Documentation

Education

BS/BA in Chemical/Biomedical/Biological Engineering or related field

Tools

Flow cytometry

Immunofluorescence

Virometry

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

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 $$39,908 - $111,111

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.

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)

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.

Requisition ID: R413250