2027 Future Talent Program - Pharmacokinetic, Dynamics, Metabolism and Bioanalytics Intern

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.

Our Company's Research Lab Drug Metabolism and Pharmacokinetics (DMPK) group within the Pharmacokinetic, Dynamics, Metabolism and Bioanalytics (PDMB) department is seeking summer interns. The DMPK group provides issue-driven Absorption, Distribution, Metabolism, and Excretion (ADME) data to guide lead candidate optimization and development efforts. 

Learning opportunities for the prospective intern are:

• Involvement in the development and execution of cell-based induction assays for major drug metabolizing enzymes

• Evaluation of novel approaches for quantification of mRNA to assess the upregulation of CYP gene expression.

• Exploring new automation capabilities to streamline Cytochrome P450 enzyme induction workflows

• Hands-on exposure to laboratory work in the form of in vitro assays using cell culture, enzymes, cells suspensions, or tissue preparations

In addition to laboratory skills, the successful candidate will have the opportunity to be engaged in scientific discussion and interpretation of data. They will also be expected to work collaboratively in a cross-functional team environment to meet the research goals and to demonstrate the ability to communicate results of their work in both verbal and written formats.  In addition to the core responsibilities outlined above, the candidate will be expected to keep careful records, comply with all required training, and maintain a focused attention on laboratory safety. We are seeking intern candidates at all levels with strong academic performance, communication skills, teamwork, and the ability to work in a multi- functional environment. 

Required Education:

• Candidates must be a currently enrolled undergraduate junior or senior student pursuing a bachelor’s degree OR a currently enrolled graduate student pursuing a master’s or PhD in Biology, Molecular Biology, Chemistry, Biochemistry, Pharmacology, or related field

• Candidates must be enrolled full-time in the Fall Semester at an accredited university/college after the completion of the internship

Required Experience and Skills:

• Candidates must be available to work full-time for up to (12) consecutive weeks beginning in May or June of 2027

• Candidates must have completed at least (3) years of studies toward bachelor’s degree by June 2027

• Must have basic laboratory skills and research experience on in vitro biological systems and cell culture, including aseptic technique, basic pipetting, and dilution techniques

• Ability to follow procedures and thoroughly document experiments

• Experience with MS Office including Outlook, Word, Excel, and PowerPoint

Preferred Experience and Skills:

• Prior experience and knowledge in cell and molecular biology, including reverse transcription and real-time PCR, as well as chemistry

• Basic understanding of pharmacokinetics and drug metabolism

• Interest in automation, with an understanding of automation systems and/or experience in automation processes

• Strong leadership, interpersonal, communication, problem solving, and collaboration skills along with strengths in delivering results in fast-paced environment

• GPA of 3.0 or higher

Your learning opportunity at our Company is integral to helping the world meet new breakthroughs that affect generations to come, and we’re counting on your skills and inventiveness to help make meaningful contributions to global medical advancement.

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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Current Contingent Workers apply HERE

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.

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. 

Employee Status:

Intern/Co-op (Fixed Term)

Relocation:

No relocation

VISA Sponsorship:

No

Travel Requirements:

No Travel Required

Flexible Work Arrangements:

Not Applicable

Shift:

1st - Day

Valid Driving License:

No

Hazardous Material(s):

Yes

Job Posting End Date:

10/9/2026

*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.