2027 Future Talent Program - Vaccines Process Research & Development Upstream - Co-Op

Merck • Upper Gwynedd Township, PA

3d • $39,908 - $111,111 • Hybrid

About The Position

This 4–6 month co-op in the Vaccines and Advanced Biotechnologies Process Research & Development division offers project-based experience in vaccine process development. Under the direction of a project mentor, the co-op will perform laboratory-scale process development and scale-up studies and help develop robust, efficient, scalable cell culture processes for vaccine production. Work may include laboratory-scale fermentation or cell culture, in-process assay support, process scale-up and engineering, coordinating raw material and equipment inventories, technology transfer to later-stage development groups, and contributing to an early-stage process development team. The co-op may also support pilot-scale campaigns for GMP manufacture of bulk clinical material, including campaign preparation, execution, and closeout.

The successful candidate will communicate work results verbally and in writing, maintain careful notes, complete required training, and pay focused attention to laboratory safety for themselves and their team. The program is intended for students enrolled in a relevant bachelor's degree program. The position is full-time for 4–6 months in 2027, with one of two stated date windows: June–November or March–August. The role is hybrid and has a first-shift/day schedule.

Requirements

• Be enrolled in at least a BS/BA program in Chemical, Biomedical, or Biological Engineering; Bioengineering; Biological Sciences; Biochemistry; Biotechnology; Molecular Biology; Microbiology; or a closely related field.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team, with self-motivation, adaptability, and a positive attitude.
• Ability to learn new techniques, perform multiple tasks simultaneously, keep accurate records, follow instructions, and comply with company policies.
• Proven ability to work in a hands-on laboratory setting.
• Effective organizational, interpersonal, verbal, and written communication skills.
• Availability to work full-time for 4–6 months in 2027 during either June–November or March–August.

Nice To Haves

• Direct experience with cell culture or fermentation, upstream process development, and/or expression system development for vaccines or biologics.
• Hands-on experience with immunofluorescence, flow cytometry, and/or virometry (flow-based nanoparticle analysis).

Responsibilities

• Perform laboratory-scale process development and scale-up studies.
• Develop robust, efficient, scalable cell culture processes for vaccine production.
• Support laboratory-scale fermentation or cell culture and in-process assays.
• Conduct process scale-up and engineering activities.
• Maintain or coordinate raw material and equipment inventories for development experiments.
• Support technology transfer to later-stage development groups.
• Contribute as a key member of an early-stage process development team.
• Potentially support pilot-scale GMP campaigns for bulk clinical material, including preparation, execution, and closeout.
• Communicate work results verbally and in writing, maintain careful notes, complete required training, and follow laboratory safety practices.

What This Job Offers

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