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.

We are seeking candidates with a passion for scientific research, excellent academic performance, communication skills, teamwork, and the ability to work in a multi-functional environment. A strong science background in applied laboratory settings is essential. Applicants with previous research experience in the listed areas are highly preferred. You will be provided with laptops/lab equipment etc. as necessary to perform the role. This is a paid internship targeted to start in June 2027 and run for 10-12 weeks. Potential involvement in a scientific publication may occur because of the research undertaken during the internship.

Protein Sciences, Biochemistry and Biophysics (PSBB) (Rahway, NJ)

The PSBB group studies the interaction of ligands with therapeutic targets to explore the associated effects on structure and function. We employ a range of skills and techniques in this pursuit, including protein biochemistry (cloning, expression, purification), enzymology, biophysics (surface plasmon resonance, thermal shift, isothermal titration calorimetry, spectroscopy), mass spectrometry and biomolecular NMR. The successful candidate will ideally have background knowledge or prior experience with one or more of these techniques, preferably in Biophysics, and will have the opportunity to learn how to apply their expertise, along with a suite of complementary capabilities, to solve problems in support of our company's small and large molecule pipeline.

Interns will be responsible for accurate electronic notebook recording, safe laboratory practices, and presentation of data and their interpretation to a team of scientists. The intern will also attend departmental and team meetings to gain a wider perspective of the drug development process in the pharmaceutical industry.

Location:  Rahway, NJ

Our intent is to provide an in-person experience where it is possible to afford the opportunity for our future talent to truly experience working in a pharmaceutical company. However, these details will be finalized closer to the time and will depend on the status of global events and their effect on travel options.

**Please note when applying for this position, if the applicant is selected for an interview, he/she must be prepared to submit letters of recommendation, a brief research statement, and a copy of his/her transcript. Applicants must select location when applying for this position in those cases where multiple locations are listed **

Required:

• Pursuing BS/BA or Master’s/Ph.D. degree in related field with demonstrated interest/experience in research areas relevant to the drug discovery process.

• Strong academic background in biophysics, biochemistry, and biology.

• Basic laboratory skills and research experience such as protein biochemistry, enzymology, biophysics, molecular biology, protein expression and purification, protein characterization using biophysical and biochemical techniques, biochemical assay development, and safe lab practices.

• Must have completed at least two years of studies toward BS/BA degree or at least 1 year towards Master’s/PhD at time of internship (Summer 2027).

• Must be currently enrolled in an academic program at the time of the application and be continuing education for at least 1 semester once internship completes (Fall 2027).

• Must be available for full-time employment for 10-12 weeks during the months of June - August 2027.

Preferred:

• Hands-on experience with biophysical characterization techniques is highly preferred, particularly isothermal titration calorimetry (ITC), SPR, and thermal shift assays; familiarity with additional methods such as MST, DLS, and CD is encouraged.

• Strong background in protein biochemistry including characterization, analysis, and visualization with PyMOL is also encouraged.

• Experience with NMR is beneficial.

• Familiarity with multi-modal spectroscopic techniques (fluorescence, luminescence, etc.) is a plus.

• GPA of 3.0 or higher.

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 to $39,908 to $111,111

FTP2027

RL2027

Required Skills:

Preferred Skills:

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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.

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 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. 

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