2027 Future Talent Program - Drug/Device Combination Products - 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 & 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 ability to excel depends on the integrity, knowledge, imagination, skill, diversity and teamwork of people like you. To this end, we strive to create an environment of mutual respect, encouragement and teamwork. As part of our global team, you'll have the opportunity to collaborate with talented and dedicated colleagues while developing and expanding your career.

Our company's Pharmaceutical Sciences & Device Development organization is responsible for translating a therapeutic agent into a functional drug product or drug/device combination product that is optimized for patients. The Device Development & Technology department’s mission is to discover, develop and commercialize superior dry powder inhaler (DPI), metered dose inhaler (MDI), nasal and parenteral (ophthalmic, injectables, and implants) delivery devices supporting small molecules, biologics and vaccine therapeutics requiring challenging and unique delivery routes.

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. The interns will participate in departmental and project team meetings to provide a broad perspective on the drug development process in the pharmaceutical industry. In addition, the intern student will have an opportunity to present their research results in both oral and written formats. During your internship appointment you will work closely with an experienced pharmaceutical industry scientist on a research project with key tasks that include, but not limited to, the following: combination product design and assembly process development, mechanical test method development and validation (including fixture development), development of novel characterization methodologies for both device constituents and final product, human factors engineering, modeling and simulation, and documentation.  The intern will also have the opportunity to work cross-functionally with analytical, manufacturing, packaging, and clinical supplies organizations.

Required Education and Experience:

• Candidates must be a currently enrolled undergraduate sophomore, junior, or senior student pursuing a Bachelor's degree OR a currently enrolled graduate student pursuing a Masters or PhD in Engineering, Pharmaceutical Sciences, Pharmaceutical Manufacturing, or Chemistry.

• Candidates must have completed at least two (2) years of studies toward bachelor’s degree by June 2027

• Candidates must be available to work full-time for 12 weeks beginning June 2027

Preferred Experience and Skills:

• Candidates should have a GPA of 3.0 or higher

• Candidates should have basic laboratory skills and research experience, such as, safe lab practices, electronic notebook recording, and data manipulation

• Working knowledge and proficiency with 3D CAD (e.g. SolidWorks), geometric tolerancing and stack-up analysis

• Effective oral and written communication skills

• Strong problem-solving skills, and curiosity and willingness to ask questions, seek feedback, and contribute in a collaborative team environment

• Basic knowledge in engineering design, statistics, and material science.

• Basic experience with data analysis tools such as Excel, JMP, MATLAB, Python, or Minitab

• Exposure to design verification, validation, and design controls concepts

• Ability to learn new technical concepts quickly and apply them to hands-on project work

• Strong attention to detail, especially when collecting data, documenting results, and following procedures

• Basic understanding of risk assessment, root cause analysis, or design failure modes

• Work independently in office and laboratory environments

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 ​USD

FTP2027

RL2027

Required Skills:

Preferred Skills:

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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

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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. 

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