The Future Talent Program features Cooperative (Co-op) education that lasts up to 6 months 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.
Our Drug Metabolism and Pharmacokinetics (DMPK) group within Pharmacokinetics, Dynamics, Metabolism & Bioanalytics (PDMB) function supports the discovery and development of antibody-drug conjugates (ADCs) and peptide-drug conjugates (PDCs). The successful candidate will contribute to innovative research utilizing state-of-the-art LC-HRMS technologies and computational tools to investigate drug conjugate stability, biotransformation, and catabolism through advanced mass spectrometry and data analysis approaches.
This co-op position provides an opportunity to work alongside scientists supporting oncology drug discovery programs while gaining hands-on experience in drug metabolism, bioanalysis, high-resolution mass spectrometry, and scientific data interpretation.
Project Overview
The co-op will contribute to the identification and characterization of catabolites from ADCs and PDCs using LC-HRMS and computational data analysis tools. Activities will include evaluating drug conjugate stability and biotransformation, analyzing complex mass spectrometry datasets, and supporting the development of workflows that improve the efficiency and reproducibility of catabolite identification in support of oncology drug discovery programs.
Primary Responsibilities
- Perform in vitro assays to investigate ADC and PDC biotransformation and catabolism.
- Analyze LC-HRMS data to identify and characterize drug conjugate catabolites.
- Support the development of automated tools for data processing, visualization, and reporting.
- Prepare technical summaries and presentations of project findings.
- Present project outcomes at the end-of-summer intern/co-op symposium.
Required Education
- Currently pursuing a Master's, or Ph.D. degree in:
- Analytical Chemistry
- Pharmaceutical Sciences
- Chemical Biology
- Immunology
- Biochemistry
- Biotechnology
- Biology
- Data Science
- Related scientific discipline
Required Skills
- Experience with high resolution mass spectrometry and data analysis.
- Strong analytical, critical thinking, and problem-solving skills.
- Experience using Microsoft Excel for data analysis and visualization.
- Effective verbal and written communication skills.
- Ability to work both independently and collaboratively in a team environment.
Preferred Skills
- Familiarity with mass spectrometry data processing tools.
- Experience with Python, R, or similar analytical tools is a plus but not required.
- Familiarity with PK, ADME or drug discovery concepts.
- Familiarity with cell culture is a plus.
Learning Opportunities
The intern will gain exposure to:
- Advanced bioanalytical techniques, including LC-HRMS and sample preparation workflows.
- Drug conjugates biotransformation studies in a pharmaceutical research environment.
- Data analysis, interpretation, and visualization of complex biotransformation datasets.
- Cross-functional collaboration within a pharmaceutical research organization.
- Scientific communication and presentation skills.
Expected Deliverables
- Data analysis report and recommendations.
- Final presentation summarizing project objectives, methods, results, and impact.
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 $39,108 through $111,111.
FTP2027
RL2027
Required Skills
- Analytical Chemistry, Analytical Chemistry, Biochemistry, Bioconjugation, Biology, Biopharmaceuticals, Biotechnology, Biotherapeutics, Clinical Research, Data Analysis, Database Management, Data Science, Data Security, Mass Spectrometry (MS), Mass Spectroscopy (MS), Pharmaceutical Research, Project Management, Python (Programming Language), Sample Preparations, Scientific Analysis, Scientific Literacy, Scientific Presentations, Scientific Research, Scientific Writing, Software Proficiency {+ 1 more}
Preferred Skills
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)
Relocation:
No relocation
VISA Sponsorship:
No
Travel Requirements:
No Travel Required
Flexible Work Arrangements:
Hybrid
Shift:
1st - Day
Valid Driving License:
No
Hazardous Material(s):
n/a
Job Posting End Date:
11/6/2026*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.