2027 Future Talent Program - Quantitative Biosciences Cellular Pharmacology - Intern

Merck (MSD)
Location
USA - California - South San Francisco (Grand Ave)
Job Type
Full-time
Posted
September 9, 2026
Views
7

Job Description

The Future Talent Program offers internships that last up to 12 weeks and will include one or more projects. These opportunities within our Research & Development Division serve as a platform for significant personal growth, allowing you to gauge whether our company aligns with your long-term objectives.

The Quantitative Biosciences Cellular Pharmacology & Lead Discovery team is looking for a highly talented and motivated student to join our ranks. Collaborating closely with experienced pharmaceutical industry scientists, the chosen candidate will contribute to the discovery and advancement of novel medicines for cancer and cardiometabolic disorders. At the heart of this role lies the execution of critical cellular assays to evaluate and characterize preclinical therapeutic candidates.

The successful candidate will:

  • Learn about different cellular assays used in drug development and discovery

  • Learn about laboratory automation and how they can improve robustness and increase throughput

  • Execute cellular assays to support compound screening and mechanism of action studies

  • Engage with industry-standard data analysis tools and record keeping, including electronic lab notebooks and analysis software

  • Communicate data progress during internal meetings; deliver a verbal presentation at the completion of training; participate in scientific exchange with our Company scientists

We value open communication, creative-thinking, strong teamwork, and rigorous scientific exploration. If you are a highly motivated team player with enthusiasm for learning new techniques who thrives on challenge and has a strong desire to impact drug discovery, we invite you to apply.

Required Education & Experience:

  • Candidates must be currently enrolled in a full-time degree program in biology, biochemistry, or a related scientific discipline and have completed at least 2 years of studies toward BS/BA or at least 1 year towards master’s/PhD by June of 2024

  • Candidates must be available to work full-time for 10-12 weeks beginning in May or June of 2027

  • Candidates must have experience with aseptic technique and good cell culture practice

  • Candidates must have previous laboratory experience with cell biology techniques

  • Candidates must be able to work independently in a multi-functional, team-oriented environment

Preferred Experience & Skills:

  • Candidates should demonstrate a keen interest in scientific exploration and drug discovery research

  • Candidates should possess superior verbal and written communication skills

  • Candidates should have a demonstrated record of strong academic achievement

  • Candidates should be self-motivated, and detail-orientated, with excellent record keeping and organizational skills

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 $

FTP2027

RL2027

Required Skills:

Preferred Skills:

Current Employees applyHERE

Current Contingent Workers applyHERE

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. Pleaseclick hereif you need an accommodation during the application or hiring process.

The Future Talent Program offers internships that last up to 12 weeks and will include one or more projects. These opportunities within our Research & Development Division serve as a platform for significant personal growth, allowing you to gauge whether our company aligns with your long-term objectives.

The Quantitative Biosciences Cellular Pharmacology & Lead Discovery team is looking for a highly talented and motivated student to join our ranks. Collaborating closely with experienced pharmaceutical industry scientists, the chosen candidate will contribute to the discovery and advancement of novel medicines for cancer and cardiometabolic disorders. At the heart of this role lies the execution of critical cellular assays to evaluate and characterize preclinical therapeutic candidates.

The successful candidate will:

  • Learn about different cellular assays used in drug development and discovery

  • Learn about laboratory automation and how they can improve robustness and increase throughput

  • Execute cellular assays to support compound screening and mechanism of action studies

  • Engage with industry-standard data analysis tools and record keeping, including electronic lab notebooks and analysis software

  • Communicate data progress during internal meetings; deliver a verbal presentation at the completion of training; participate in scientific exchange with our Company scientists

We value open communication, creative-thinking, strong teamwork, and rigorous scientific exploration. If you are a highly motivated team player with enthusiasm for learning new techniques who thrives on challenge and has a strong desire to impact drug discovery, we invite you to apply.

Required Education & Experience:

  • Candidates must be currently enrolled in a full-time degree program in biology, biochemistry, or a related scientific discipline and have completed at least 2 years of studies toward BS/BA or at least 1 year towards master’s/PhD by June of 2024

  • Candidates must be available to work full-time for 10-12 weeks beginning in May or June of 2027

  • Candidates must have experience with aseptic technique and good cell culture practice

  • Candidates must have previous laboratory experience with cell biology techniques

  • Candidates must be able to work independently in a multi-functional, team-oriented environment

Preferred Experience & Skills:

  • Candidates should demonstrate a keen interest in scientific exploration and drug discovery research

  • Candidates should possess superior verbal and written communication skills

  • Candidates should have a demonstrated record of strong academic achievement

  • Candidates should be self-motivated, and detail-orientated, with excellent record keeping and organizational skills

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 $

FTP2027

RL2027

Required Skills:

Preferred Skills:

Current Employees applyHERE

Current Contingent Workers applyHERE

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. Pleaseclick hereif 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:

EEOC Know Your Rights

EEOC GINA Supplement​

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.

Learn more about your rights, including under California, Colorado and other US State Acts

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)

Re location:

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):

N/A

Job Posting End Date:

10/9/2026

*A job posting is effective until 11:59:59PM on the dayBEFOREthe listed job posting end date. Please ensure you apply to a job posting no later than the dayBEFOREthe job posting end date.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Where is the job located, and is it remote/hybrid/on-site?
The position is located in USA - California - South San Francisco (Grand Ave). Flexible work arrangements are not applicable, indicating this is an on-site role.
What are the required qualifications and experience for this internship?
Candidates must be enrolled full-time in biology, biochemistry, or a related scientific discipline, completing 2+ years of BS/BA or 1+ year of master's/PhD by June 2024. Experience with aseptic technique, good cell culture practice, and cell biology laboratory techniques is required. You must also be available for 10-12 weeks starting May/June 2027.
What are the key responsibilities of this role?
You will execute cellular assays to support compound screening and mechanism of action studies, learn about laboratory automation, use industry-standard data analysis tools and electronic lab notebooks, and communicate progress through internal meetings and a final verbal presentation.
Does Merck offer visa sponsorship or relocation support for this position?
No. Visa sponsorship is not provided, and there is no relocation support available for this internship.
What is the application deadline for this internship?
The job posting end date is 10/9/2026. You must submit your application no later than 11:59:59 PM on the day before this listed end date (10/8/2026). Note that the position may close earlier at the company's discretion.

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  • 51 open roles
  • Verified H-1B salary data
  • Clinical-trial hiring momentum
  • Culture, benefits & locations
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Job Information

Source: workday
AI Relevance: 75/100 (Relevant)
Remote Type: onsite
Allowed Locations: USA - California - South San Francisco (Grand Ave)
Skills & Tags:
merck (msd) pharma

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