Job Description

The Future Talent Program features internships that last up to 12 weeks and will include one or more projects. These opportunities can provide you with great development and a chance to see if we are the right company for your long-term goals.

The Diversity and Inclusion in Clinical Trials (DICT) Intern will play an integral role in advancing efforts to improve representation participation in clinical research. This internship provides a unique opportunity to contribute to initiatives that help ensure clinical trials reflect the diverse populations impacted by disease and treatment outcomes.

During the 12-week internship program, the intern will support one or more high-impact projects focused on identifying and addressing barriers to clinical trial participation among underrepresented populations.

Responsibilities may include:

• Analyzing clinical trial and demographic data to uncover representation gaps and opportunities

• Supporting the development and execution of community engagement and outreach initiatives

• Contributing to strategies that build trust and awareness within diverse communities.

The intern will also collaborate with cross-functional stakeholders across Global Clinical Trial Operations (GCTO) and the DICT team to prepare data-driven reports, presentations, and recommendations that inform business decisions and advance organizational representation goals. Through structured mentorship, hands-on project experience, and exposure to global clinical development programs, the intern will gain foundational knowledge of clinical trial operations, patient engagement, diversity strategy, and the critical role representation that plays in accelerating access to clinical research.

This internship offers a meaningful opportunity to develop analytical, strategic, and communication skills while contributing to initiatives that help shape the future of inclusive clinical research.

Required Education and Skills

• Currently enrolled as an undergraduate student and will not have graduated by Summer 2027

• Pursuing a degree in Biology, Health Sciences, Social Sciences, Public Health or a related field

Preferred Education and Skills

• Strong interest in clinical research and community outreach

• Excellent written and verbal communication skills

• Proficient in Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint)

• Detail-oriented with strong organizational and time management skills

• Ability to work both independently and collaboratively in a team environment

• Previous experience or coursework related to clinical trials, research methods, or community outreach is a plus

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 ​USD

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

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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. 

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