2027 Future Talent Program - Drug/Device Combination Products - Intern

Merck•Upper Gwynedd Township, PA

14h•$39,908 - $111,111•Onsite

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 & 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.

Requirements

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.
Completed at least two (2) years of studies toward bachelor’s degree by June 2027.
Available to work full-time for 12 weeks beginning June 2027.

Nice To Haves

GPA of 3.0 or higher
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

Responsibilities

Participate in departmental and project team meetings to provide a broad perspective on the drug development process in the pharmaceutical industry.
Present research results in both oral and written formats.
Work closely with an experienced pharmaceutical industry scientist on a research project.
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.
Documentation.
Work cross-functionally with analytical, manufacturing, packaging, and clinical supplies organizations.