2026 Future Talent Program - Vaccines Process R&D Downstream - Intern

MSD

120d • $39,600 - $105,500

About The Position

The Future Talent Program features internships that last up to 12 weeks and will include one or more projects. These opportunities in our Research Division can provide you with great development and a chance to see if we are the right company for your long-term goals. Our Research Scientists are our Inventors. We identify and target steps in disease mechanisms or pathways that could be inhibited or enhanced. Our goal is to isolate a compound that is effective against a disease target. Using innovative thinking, state-of-the-art facilities, and robust scientific methodology we collaborate to discover the next medical breakthrough. Applications are sought for a scientific Intern opportunity in our company's Vaccines and Advanced Biotechnologies Process “Research & Development (R&D) division”. Under the direction of a project mentor, a successful candidate will conduct laboratory benchwork to execute, optimize, and troubleshoot downstream process unit operations and basic analytical techniques. They will contribute to the development of new principles, concepts, and methods to enable process development, scale-up of processes to pilot scale, and technology transfer to manufacturing scale. Design, execute, and analyze process development experiments to maximize understanding of purification bioprocesses to make vaccine products. And subsequently analyze, summarize, and present experimental results in a collaborative team environment. The candidate may also work on pilot-scale campaigns for the GMP manufacture of bulk clinical material. In this role, assignments could encompass aspects of campaign preparation, execution, and closeout of a GMP campaign. The successful candidate will be expected to demonstrate the ability to convey the results of their work in both verbal and written formats. In addition to the core duties outlined above, the candidate will be expected to keep careful notes, comply with all required training, and maintain focused attention on laboratory safety for themselves and their team.

Requirements

• Candidates must be enrolled in a minimum of a BS/BA in Chemical/Biomedical/Biological Engineering, Bioengineering, Biological Sciences, Biochemistry, Biotechnology, Molecular Biology, Microbiology, or closely related field.
• Must have the ability to work independently and as part of a team.
• Self-motivation, adaptability, and a positive attitude are required.
• Must have the ability to learn new techniques and perform multiple tasks simultaneously.
• Must keep accurate records and follow instructions.
• Proven ability to work in a hands-on laboratory setting.
• Effective organization, interpersonal, verbal and written communication skills are necessary.
• Must be available to work full-time for 12 weeks beginning in May or June of 2026.

Nice To Haves

• Should have scientific understanding of downstream bioprocess purification processes.
• Should have scientific understanding of purification operations of large complex molecules.

Responsibilities

• Conduct laboratory benchwork to execute, optimize, and troubleshoot downstream process unit operations and basic analytical techniques.
• Contribute to the development of new principles, concepts, and methods to enable process development.
• Scale-up processes to pilot scale and technology transfer to manufacturing scale.
• Design, execute, and analyze process development experiments to maximize understanding of purification bioprocesses.
• Analyze, summarize, and present experimental results in a collaborative team environment.
• Work on pilot-scale campaigns for the GMP manufacture of bulk clinical material.
• Demonstrate the ability to convey the results of their work in both verbal and written formats.
• Keep careful notes and comply with all required training.
• Maintain focused attention on laboratory safety.

Benefits

• Equal opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment.
• Prohibition of 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.
• Commitment to inclusion and diversity.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Intern
• Education Level: Bachelor's degree
• Number of Employees: 5,001-10,000 employees