2027 Future Talent Program - Vivarium - Co-Op

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

Job summary

Merck invites motivated students to join a 6‑month Future Talent Co‑op in our Research Laboratories, working under LAR Directors to gain in‑depth vivarium experience. You will assist with animal model projects, clinical case monitoring, and regulatory compliance support, gaining exposure to pipeline development.

Applicants should be enrolled in an Associate's Degree or pursuing a BS/MS in a relevant field, with preferred ALAT certification and in‑Vivo experience, location West Point, PA.

Qualifications

• Candidate enrolled in or pursuing an Associate's Degree with hands-on experience.
• BS/MS in Animal Science, Veterinary Tech, Biology, Pharmacology or related discipline preferred.

Responsibilities

• Assist with vivarium projects across multiple animal species.
• Support clinical case monitoring and infectious disease surveillance.
• Coordinate husbandry and regulatory compliance activities.

Skills

ALAT certification

In‑Vivo laboratory experience

In‑Vivo husbandry experience

Education

Associate's Degree

BS/MS in Animal Science or related

Job description

Job Description

The Future Talent Program features Cooperative (Co‑op) education that lasts up to 6 months 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

Laboratory Animals Resources (LAR) helps advance high‑quality drug candidates into development by assisting in defining the non–clinical safety and selectivity of lead compounds. LAR provides collaborative research in animal model development, veterinary medical and animal care, research facility management and also responds to regulatory questions in support of drug registration.

With management and guidance from LAR Directors/Sr. Directors, Veterinary Technicians and Vivarium Managers, Co‑Ops will participate in a variety of Vivarium projects across multiple laboratory animal species at or Company's Research Laboratories. Activities will be appropriate to the degree of the candidate, involving a range of experiences from assisting with clinical cases, monitoring of infectious diseases, coordinating husbandry and support of regulatory compliance plus ongoing qualification of vivarium programs.

Collaboration with ongoing in vivo drug discovery and development projects is expected, to include assisting with the implementation of special projects to facilitate advancements in laboratory animal care or use, consistent with research requirements. Co‑Ops are expected to prepare and present several reports vivarium scientific topics related to their training and ongoing research projects.

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.

Please note that this position may be closed before the posted end date or may remain open longer, at the discretion of the company.

Locations

West Point, PA

Education

Candidates should currently be enrolled in or in pursuit of an Associate's Degree that has a practical / hands on experience requirement, or a BS/MS in: Animal Science, Animal veterinary tech., Biology, Pharmacology or relevant discipline

Preferred

• ALAT certification
• In‑Vivo laboratory experience
• In‑Vivo Husbandry experience

Required

• Must be available for a period of 6 consecutive months in 2027, with the beginning to be determined based on college program requirements

Salary Range

The salary range for this role is $39,108 through $111,111.

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.

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.

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

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