Intern - BSc / MSc Student, R&D Discovery & Technology

Job Description

We are looking for a motivated Bachelor of Science (BSc) or a Master of Science (MSc) student with a background in Cell Biology, Virology or Biochemistry! Do you want to know what it's like to be part of one of the largest multinational companies in the pharmaceutical industry? We offer an internship opportunity within our Discovery & Technology department where you will have the freedom and space for your own initiative.

Intern - BSc / MSc Student, R&D Discovery & Technology

Welcome to our team

The Department of Discovery and Technology, part of the Global Research & Development (R&D) group of Animal Health, is an essential hub in our organization. This department is focused on (1) novel technologies for isolation, characterization and culturing of newly discovered pathogens that infect animals and possibly humans (zoonoses), (2) novel approaches to efficacious vaccine development against existing and newly discovered pathogens and (3) development of new technologies to culture pathogens for vaccine production. The team consists of about 25 employees, all of whom have extensive knowledge and experience in different disciplines, including (Molecular) Virology, Immunology, Chemistry, Assay Development, Molecular genetics, Bacteriology and Cell Biology. The team works closely with other departments within the company to achieve the stated goals.

Your internship assignment

As an intern, you will work on a project focused on improving a cell line for viral antigen production. This project aims to combine knowledge on the viral antigen and susceptible cell lines to create an in vitro cell substrate that enables virus propagation with high antigen yields in large-scale manufacturing settings. You will combine molecular techniques with pilot scale cell culturing technology to achieve this. You will learn about the biology of both the host cells and the virus that infects the cells. You will spend at least 70–80% of your time at the bench executing experiments. Some protocols are provided, some need to be set up; your focus is high-quality execution, troubleshooting, and documentation.

Your responsibilities

• After onboarding and refinement of the internship objectives, you will work with a high degree of independence.
• You will perform the experiments from start to finish, with focus on viral antigen-cell substrate optimization.
• You will have access to a wide range of molecular biology and cell biology tools, including pilot scale cell culture.
• You will discuss progress on a weekly basis and give a final presentation to the department at the end of the internship.
• You will contribute to the department by providing a fresh perspective and sharing your opinion. Your perspective is valued!

The described tasks form the basic package and will often be performed independently after a proper training and learning period. These tasks may be supplemented with other projects and/or tasks on your own initiative or at the request of the organization.

What is required

• You are a pursuing a BSc or MSc in Cell Biology, Virology, Biochemistry, or a related field.
• You have familiarity with basic cell culture, cell biology, molecular biology, and virology techniques, with at least one previous internship experience.
• You are motivated to work on vaccine development, show a professional attitude, and eagerness to learn new techniques in a dynamic and complex work environment.
• You are seeking an internship that allows for initiative and independent contributions.
• You are fluent in English.
• Availability for 5 days per week for a period of 6 months, starting in September 2026.

What we offer

Interning at our company means working together with your team towards health in an international work environment. As an intern, you will have the opportunity to work closely with experts and learn from them. In addition, we offer:

• The chance to gain experience in the pharmaceutical industry

• An opportunity to showcase yourself for potential opportunities after your internship period

• A challenging and dynamic work environment with plenty of room for personal development and initiative

• Good guidance from an experienced specialist

• A gross monthly internship allowance of €500,- based on a 40-hour workweek

Animal Health Division

Our Animal Health Division is a trusted global leader in animal healthcare. We are committed to preserving and improving the health, well-being, and performance of animals and the people who care for them. As a global team of professionals, we work together to make a positive difference in animal care and the world's food chain. We also have a deep sense of responsibility towards our customers, consumers, animals, society, and our planet.

By being dedicated to The Science of Healthier Animals®, we provide veterinarians, farmers, pet owners, and governments with one of the broadest ranges of animal health products, vaccines, and solutions and services for health management. Additionally, we deliver a comprehensive range of digitally connected identification, traceability, and monitoring products. We invest in dynamic and extensive R&D capabilities and a modern, global supply chain. We are present in more than 50 countries, and our products are available in approximately 150 markets.

NLINTERN

Required Skills:

Accountability, Analytical Problem Solving, Clinical Research, Communication, Data Analytics, Database Management, Data Entry, Data Visualization, Document Management, Health Economics, Microsoft Office, Office Applications, Process Improvements, Project Management, Public Administration, Reporting and Analysis, Technical Support, Technical Training, Workload Prioritization

Preferred Skills:

Current Employees apply HERE

Current Contingent Workers apply HERE

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:

VISA Sponsorship:

Travel Requirements:

Flexible Work Arrangements:

Not Applicable

Shift:

Valid Driving License:

Hazardous Material(s):

Job Posting End Date:

04/30/2026

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