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.

Position Description

Our Company's Regulated Bioanalytical Sciences group supports the development, validation, and implementation of assays used to evaluate vaccine and biologic candidates in clinical studies. The successful candidate will contribute to innovative projects that advance bioanalytical capabilities through laboratory experimentation, data analytics, and automation.

This internship provides an opportunity to work alongside scientists supporting global clinical development programs while gaining experience in regulated environments and modern bioanalytical technologies.

Project Overview:
The intern will support efforts to design and optimize an automated 384-well ligand binding assay (LBA) platform utilizing laboratory automation. The intern will design and execute experiments to miniaturize an existing assay from a 96-well to a 384-well format. The project will provide hands-on experience in LBA assay development and laboratory automation. This work is intended to improve laboratory efficiency, increase throughput, reduce reagent consumption, and enhance automation capabilities. The intern will also have opportunities to collaborate and network with colleagues in multiple functional areas throughout PDMB Regulated Bioanalytical Sciences and to participate in special events and programs for summer interns.  

Primary Responsibilities:

• Design and execute laboratory experiments to support the miniaturization of existing ligand-binding assays (LBAs) from a 96-well to a 384-well format.

• Analyze experimental data and provide recommendations to optimize assay performance.

• Collaborate with scientists across automation, bioanalytical, and assay development teams to advance project objectives.

• Prepare technical summaries and presentations of project findings.

• Present project outcomes at the end-of-summer intern symposium.

Required Education:

• Currently pursuing a Bachelor's, Master's, or Ph.D. degree in:

  • Chemistry

  • Biochemistry

  • Biomedical Engineering

  • Biotechnology

  • Related scientific discipline

Required Skills:

• Experience working in a laboratory environment, including proficiency in basic laboratory techniques such as pipetting and solution preparation.

• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.

• Effective verbal and written communication skills.

• Ability to work independently and within a team environment.

• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint).

Preferred Skills:

• Prior laboratory research experience in chemistry, biochemistry, biomedical engineering, biotechnology or a related discipline is preferred.  

• Foundational knowledge of monoclonal antibodies, protein therapeutics, or immunology-related concepts is preferred.

• Interest in laboratory automation technologies and automated liquid handling systems is preferred.

Learning Opportunities:

The intern will gain exposure to:

• Regulated bioanalytical testing that supports clinical drug development programs.

• Laboratory automation technologies, including automated liquid handling systems, plate washing platforms, and detection instrumentation.

• Key assay performance characteristics such as sensitivity, precision, accuracy, and robustness, and how they are evaluated in a regulated laboratory environment.

• Scientific troubleshooting and problem-solving by identifying, investigating, and resolving assay and workflow challenges.

• Data analysis and interpretation.

• Cross-functional collaboration within a pharmaceutical research organization.

• Scientific communication and presentation skills.

Expected Deliverables:

• Completed workflow using laboratory automation to prepare a 384-Well Ligand Binding Assay (LBA) plate.

• Documentation of experiments and conditions used.

• Final presentation summarizing project objectives, methods, results, and impact.

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 $39,108 through $111,111.

FTP2027

RL2027

Required Skills:

Preferred Skills:

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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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