Merck
2026 Future Talent Program - Chemical Biotechnologies - Co-Op
Merck, Rahway, New Jersey, us, 07065
2026 Future Talent Program - Chemical Biotechnologies - Co-Op (Rahway, NJ)
Join to apply for the 2026 Future Talent Program - Chemical Biotechnologies - Co-Op role at Merck. The Future Talent Program features cooperative (co-op) education that lasts up to 6 months and will include one or more projects. Opportunities in our Research Division provide development and a chance to see if we are the right company for your long-term goals.
Role overview
The Chemical Biotechnologies (CBT) group within the Process Research & Development (PRD) Enabling Technologies (ET) Department seeks motivated candidates to contribute to the invention, development, and innovative implementation of biocatalysts and other biomolecules to advance Merck\'s pipeline and scientific impact. Co-ops will work alongside Merck scientists in a laboratory environment to affect drug discovery, development, and manufacture in the CBT areas of Biocatalysis, Protein Engineering, and Microfluidics. The role involves developing novel approaches, proteins, and enzyme-catalyzed reactions to enable access to biologically active compounds and drug-like molecules (e.g., small molecules, peptides, and bioconjugates).
Day-to-day research focuses on key challenges in: (a) biocatalysis (novel enzymatic transformations and expansion of the biocatalytic toolbox), (b) protein engineering (design and engineering of proteins with novel functions), and (c) microfluidics (screening, platform development, laboratory automation, data science, modeling, and informatics). Candidates apply chemistry, biology, engineering, and analytical skills to solve complex problems across chemistry and biology laboratories. Co-ops will gain firsthand knowledge of how Merck\'s Research & Development advances medicines and vaccines.
The co-ops participate in departmental and project team meetings, gain exposure to practical aspects of pharmaceutical research, and are trained in electronic notebook recording and safe laboratory practices. They may present research results in oral and written formats.
Responsibilities
Collaborate in biocatalysis, protein engineering, and microfluidics projects to support drug discovery and development.
Develop and implement novel enzymes, proteins, and enzyme-catalyzed reactions.
Work in chemistry and biology lab spaces; perform experiments and record results in electronic notebooks.
Present research findings in oral and written formats; participate in team meetings.
Required Education & Experience
Currently enrolled sophomore, junior, or senior pursuing a Bachelor\'s degree in Chemistry, Biochemistry, Biological Sciences, Chemical Engineering, Bioengineering or Materials Science; OR a currently enrolled graduate student pursuing a Master\'s or Ph.D. in Chemistry, Biochemistry, Biological Sciences, Chemical Engineering, Bioengineering or Materials Science.
Completed at least two years of undergraduate study by June 2026.
Available to work full-time for 4–6 months beginning in May 2026.
Preferred Experience & Skills
Interest in organic chemistry, enzymology, protein design, directed evolution, chemical engineering or bioengineering, high-throughput screening; related disciplines (molecular biology, synthetic biology, materials science) are relevant.
Basic laboratory skills and experience with safe lab practices and accurate notebook recording.
Experience with laboratory setup techniques, unit operations, workups, purification (TLC, flash chromatography, crystallization, precipitation).
Experience with analytical techniques (HPLC, NMR, MS, spectrophotometry) and data interpretation.
Exposure to PCR, biochemical assays, and data analysis.
Programming experience (Python or MATLAB) and data visualization tools.
GPA of 3.0 or higher.
Salary & Terms
The salary range for this role is $39,600.00 – $105,500.00 USD. This position is an Intern/Co-op (Fixed Term).
Additional information
U.S. and Puerto Rico residents only.
No relocation; no visa sponsorship; no travel required.
1st shift; hybrid work model may apply per location; not applicable for remote-designated roles.
Please note: This position may close before the posted end date or remain open longer at the company\'s discretion.
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Role overview
The Chemical Biotechnologies (CBT) group within the Process Research & Development (PRD) Enabling Technologies (ET) Department seeks motivated candidates to contribute to the invention, development, and innovative implementation of biocatalysts and other biomolecules to advance Merck\'s pipeline and scientific impact. Co-ops will work alongside Merck scientists in a laboratory environment to affect drug discovery, development, and manufacture in the CBT areas of Biocatalysis, Protein Engineering, and Microfluidics. The role involves developing novel approaches, proteins, and enzyme-catalyzed reactions to enable access to biologically active compounds and drug-like molecules (e.g., small molecules, peptides, and bioconjugates).
Day-to-day research focuses on key challenges in: (a) biocatalysis (novel enzymatic transformations and expansion of the biocatalytic toolbox), (b) protein engineering (design and engineering of proteins with novel functions), and (c) microfluidics (screening, platform development, laboratory automation, data science, modeling, and informatics). Candidates apply chemistry, biology, engineering, and analytical skills to solve complex problems across chemistry and biology laboratories. Co-ops will gain firsthand knowledge of how Merck\'s Research & Development advances medicines and vaccines.
The co-ops participate in departmental and project team meetings, gain exposure to practical aspects of pharmaceutical research, and are trained in electronic notebook recording and safe laboratory practices. They may present research results in oral and written formats.
Responsibilities
Collaborate in biocatalysis, protein engineering, and microfluidics projects to support drug discovery and development.
Develop and implement novel enzymes, proteins, and enzyme-catalyzed reactions.
Work in chemistry and biology lab spaces; perform experiments and record results in electronic notebooks.
Present research findings in oral and written formats; participate in team meetings.
Required Education & Experience
Currently enrolled sophomore, junior, or senior pursuing a Bachelor\'s degree in Chemistry, Biochemistry, Biological Sciences, Chemical Engineering, Bioengineering or Materials Science; OR a currently enrolled graduate student pursuing a Master\'s or Ph.D. in Chemistry, Biochemistry, Biological Sciences, Chemical Engineering, Bioengineering or Materials Science.
Completed at least two years of undergraduate study by June 2026.
Available to work full-time for 4–6 months beginning in May 2026.
Preferred Experience & Skills
Interest in organic chemistry, enzymology, protein design, directed evolution, chemical engineering or bioengineering, high-throughput screening; related disciplines (molecular biology, synthetic biology, materials science) are relevant.
Basic laboratory skills and experience with safe lab practices and accurate notebook recording.
Experience with laboratory setup techniques, unit operations, workups, purification (TLC, flash chromatography, crystallization, precipitation).
Experience with analytical techniques (HPLC, NMR, MS, spectrophotometry) and data interpretation.
Exposure to PCR, biochemical assays, and data analysis.
Programming experience (Python or MATLAB) and data visualization tools.
GPA of 3.0 or higher.
Salary & Terms
The salary range for this role is $39,600.00 – $105,500.00 USD. This position is an Intern/Co-op (Fixed Term).
Additional information
U.S. and Puerto Rico residents only.
No relocation; no visa sponsorship; no travel required.
1st shift; hybrid work model may apply per location; not applicable for remote-designated roles.
Please note: This position may close before the posted end date or remain open longer at the company\'s discretion.
#J-18808-Ljbffr