2027 Future Talent Program - Device Development & Technology - Systems & Human Factors Engineering - Co-op

MSD • Rahway, NJ

12d • $39,908 - $111,111

About The Position

The Future Talent Program offers co-ops of up to six months, with one or more projects designed to support professional growth. These Research & Development Division opportunities provide development experience and exposure to the pharmaceutical industry and the drug development process. The Pharmaceutical Sciences & Device Development organization translates therapeutic agents into functional drug products optimized for patients. Its Device Development & Technology team discovers, develops, and commercializes delivery devices—including dry powder and metered dose inhalers, nasal systems, and parenteral systems such as ophthalmic products, injectables, and implants—for small molecules, biologics, and vaccines requiring complex delivery routes.

The co-op will work with experienced pharmaceutical industry scientists on research projects in human factors and device risk management. The role includes participating in departmental and project team meetings and presenting research findings in oral and written formats. The successful candidate will collaborate with multidisciplinary colleagues and contribute to research deliverables and other job-related projects as appropriate. The role is based in Rahway, New Jersey, and is a full-time co-op appointment for up to six months in 2027.

Requirements

• Currently enrolled as an undergraduate sophomore, junior, or senior pursuing a bachelor's degree, or as a graduate student pursuing a master's or Ph.D. in Human Factors, Biomedical Engineering, Psychology, Industrial Engineering, Usability Engineering, Biomechanics, Cognitive Science, or an equivalent field.
• Available to work full-time for up to six months in 2027.
• Have completed at least two years of bachelor's-level studies by June 2027.
• Ability to apply user-centered design, human factors, and risk management principles to product research, development, and design.
• Experience conducting literature reviews and selecting and implementing appropriate risk management and human factors/user experience research methods, such as user interviews, survey design, and research study design.
• Ability to analyze and synthesize large quantities of information into usable communications, literature reviews, and/or presentations.
• Demonstrated analytical skills and aptitude for quickly learning advanced domain knowledge.
• Excellent verbal, written, and formal presentation communication skills, and ability to collaborate across multidisciplinary teams.

Nice To Haves

• Knowledge of medical devices, pharmaceuticals, healthcare, or a similar regulated industry.
• M.S. and Ph.D. candidates are strongly preferred.
• GPA of 3.0 or higher.

Responsibilities

• Support the planning, conduct, and reporting of human factors activities, including identifying user needs, mapping user journeys and profiles, planning and executing usability studies, developing instructions for use and user training, documenting known use problems, analyzing tasks and use errors, managing risks, and analyzing post-launch outcomes.
• Maintain device risk management documentation by conducting risk assessments; evaluating failure modes, causes, and effects (FMEA/FMEDA); and updating risk controls and mitigation strategies using postmarket surveillance, complaint data, and customer feedback to support compliance with applicable standards and regulatory requirements.
• Conduct independent literature and database reviews to identify relevant scientific and regulatory evidence, synthesize findings, and summarize implications for risk management and human factors work.
• Conduct primary user research to understand behaviors and motivations using methods such as surveys, interviews, and usability testing, and explore potential research directions and methodologies.
• Perform quantitative and qualitative data analysis and turn research insights into actionable, compelling deliverables.
• Participate in departmental and project team meetings and present research results in oral and written formats.
• Carry out other job-related duties or special projects as appropriate.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Intern