2026 Future Talent Program - Co-op – In Vitro Translational Pharmacology - Co- Op

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.

Role Overview

The co-op will support development of translational in vitro models relevant to different therapeutic areas with an emphasis on iPSC-derived systems and assay execution. This role offers hands-on laboratory experience, exposure to cross-functional project teams, and opportunities to communicate results.

Responsibilities

· Support routine maintenance of cell-based systems (including 2D/3D cultures as applicable)

· Execute assay workflows under guidance (sample prep, reagent preparation, plate-based assays)

· Perform data entry, basic analysis, and documentation in electronic lab notebooks

· Assist with assay optimization (e.g., controls, robustness, repeatability)

· Contribute to lab organization, inventory tracking, and adherence to safety/SOPs

· Summarize results and present progress updates to the team

Required Education, Experience, and Skills

· Currently pursuing a BS/MS/PhD in Biology, Neuroscience, Bioengineering, Biochemistry, or related discipline

· Prior laboratory experience through coursework, research, or industry

· Strong organizational skills and attention to detail

· Ability to work independently with appropriate supervision and in a team environment

· Strong written and verbal communication skills

Preferred Skills
· Experience with mammalian cell culture; iPSC, organoids, or 3D culture experience is a plus

· Familiarity with one or more: immunocytochemistry, qPCR, ELISA, imaging/high-content analysis

What You Can Expect

· Meaningful project work with mentorship and regular feedback

· Exposure to drug discovery, translational strategy, and cross-functional collaboration

· Opportunities to present work in team forums

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 $39,600.00-$105,500.00 USD

FTP2026

RL2026

Required Skills:

Preferred Skills:

Current Employees apply HERE

Current Contingent Workers apply HERE

US and Puerto Rico Residents Only:

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U.S. Hybrid Work Model

Effective September 5, 2023, employees in office-based positions in the U.S. will be working a Hybrid work consisting of three total days on-site per week, Monday - Thursday, although the specific days may vary by site or organization, with Friday designated as a remote-working day, unless business critical tasks require an on-site presence.This Hybrid work model does not apply to, and daily in-person attendance is required for, field-based positions; facility-based, manufacturing-based, or research-based positions where the work to be performed is located at a Company site; positions covered by a collective-bargaining agreement (unless the agreement provides for hybrid work); or any other position for which the Company has determined the job requirements cannot be reasonably met working remotely. Please note, this Hybrid work model guidance also does not apply to roles that have been designated as “remote”.

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. 

Employee Status:

Intern/Co-op (Fixed Term)

Relocation:

No relocation

VISA Sponsorship:

No

Travel Requirements:

No Travel Required

Flexible Work Arrangements:

Not Applicable

Shift:

Not Indicated

Valid Driving License:

No

Hazardous Material(s):

Yes. biohazards

Job Posting End Date:

05/22/2026

*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.