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.
We are seeking candidates with a passion for scientific research, excellent academic performance, communication skills, teamwork, and the ability to work in a multi-functional environment. A strong science background in computer science or cheminformatics is essential. Applicants with previous research experience in the listed areas are highly preferred. You will be provided with laptops/lab equipment etc. as necessary to perform the role. This is a paid internship targeted to start in June 2027 and run for 10-12 weeks. Potential involvement in a scientific publication may occur as a result of the research undertaken during the internship.
The department of Modeling & Informatics (M&I) is offering internships in the following disciplines:
Modeling & Informatics (M&I) ( Rahway, NJ; Boston, MA; West Point, PA; South San Francisco, CA)
The candidate will participate in molecular modeling and/or cheminformatics research, either in an independent project or as part of a drug discovery team. Prior experience with cheminformatics approaches, such as chemigenomic data analysis, chemical reaction modeling, or chemical databases or data management, or molecular modeling approaches such as docking, molecular dynamics, protein design, small molecule design, peptide design, quantum chemical calculations, and machine learning will be beneficial.
The candidate will learn how to employ data, models, and methods to drive hypothesis-driven drug discovery and will be exposed to many areas of research relevant to the drug discovery and development process.
Locations: Rahway, NJ; Boston, MA; West Point, PA; South San Francisco, CA
**Please note when applying for this position, if the applicant is selected for an interview, they must be prepared to submit letters of recommendation, a brief research statement, and a copy of their transcript. Applicant must select location when applying for this position in those cases where multiple locations are listed **
Required Education, Experience and Skills:
Candidates must be pursuing BS/BA or Master’s/Ph.D. degree in related field with demonstrated interest/experience in research areas relevant to the drug discovery process
Candidates must have strong academic background in chemistry, biochemistry, biophysics, informatics, computer science, or applied mathematics
Candidates must have completed at least two years of studies toward BS/BA degree or at least 1 year towards Master’s/PhD at the time of the position start date
Candidates must be currently enrolled in an academic program at the time of the application and be continuing education for at least 1 semester once the position ends
Candidates must be available for full-time employment for 10-12 weeks during the months of June - August 2027
Preferred Experience and Skills:
Candidates should have significant interest in applying modeling and/or informatics methods towards drug discovery research
Candidates should have Programming skills
Candidates should have GPA of 3.0 or higher
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 $39,908 - $111,111.
FTP2027
RL2026
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. Asa 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:
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)Relocation:
No relocationVISA Sponsorship:
NoTravel Requirements:
No Travel RequiredFlexible Work Arrangements:
Not ApplicableShift:
1st - DayValid Driving License:
NoHazardous Material(s):
N/AJob 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.

