2027 Future Talent Program - Pharmacokinetic, Dynamics, Metabolism and Bioanalytics Intern

MSD • Upper Gwynedd Township, PA

6d • $39,108 - $111,111

About The Position

The Future Talent Program offers internships lasting up to 12 weeks and involving one or more projects in the Research and Development Division. The Drug Metabolism and Pharmacokinetics (DMPK) group within the Pharmacokinetic, Dynamics, Metabolism and Bioanalytics (PDMB) department provides issue-driven Absorption, Distribution, Metabolism, and Excretion (ADME) data to guide lead candidate optimization and development efforts.

The intern will contribute to development and execution of cell-based induction assays for major drug-metabolizing enzymes, evaluate approaches for quantifying mRNA to assess CYP gene-expression upregulation, and explore automation capabilities for Cytochrome P450 enzyme-induction workflows. The role provides hands-on laboratory exposure to in vitro assays involving cell culture, enzymes, cell suspensions, or tissue preparations. The intern will participate in scientific discussions and data interpretation, collaborate with a cross-functional team, communicate results verbally and in writing, maintain careful records, complete required training, and focus on laboratory safety.

The internship is for up to 12 consecutive weeks beginning in May or June 2027. Candidates must be available to work full-time and remain enrolled full-time at an accredited university or college for the Fall Semester after the internship. The position is an Intern/Co-op fixed-term role. The salary range is $39,108 to $111,111. No relocation, visa sponsorship, or travel is offered or required. The position is a first-shift, day-shift role and involves hazardous materials.

Requirements

• Be a currently enrolled undergraduate junior or senior pursuing a bachelor's degree, or a currently enrolled graduate student pursuing a master's or PhD, in Biology, Molecular Biology, Chemistry, Biochemistry, Pharmacology, or a related field.
• Be enrolled full-time in the Fall Semester at an accredited university or college after completing the internship.
• Be available to work full-time for up to 12 consecutive weeks beginning in May or June 2027.
• Have completed at least three years of bachelor's-degree studies by June 2027.
• Have basic laboratory skills and research experience with in vitro biological systems and cell culture, including aseptic technique, basic pipetting, and dilution techniques.
• Be able to follow procedures and thoroughly document experiments.
• Have experience with MS Office, including Outlook, Word, Excel, and PowerPoint.
• Demonstrate strong academic performance, communication skills, teamwork, and the ability to work in a multifunctional environment.

Nice To Haves

• Prior experience or knowledge in cell and molecular biology, including reverse transcription and real-time PCR, as well as chemistry.
• Basic understanding of pharmacokinetics and drug metabolism.
• Interest in automation, with an understanding of automation systems and/or experience in automation processes.
• Strong leadership, interpersonal, communication, problem-solving, and collaboration skills, and the ability to deliver results in a fast-paced environment.
• GPA of 3.0 or higher.

Responsibilities

• Contribute to the development and execution of cell-based induction assays for major drug-metabolizing enzymes.
• Evaluate novel approaches for quantifying mRNA to assess upregulation of CYP gene expression.
• Explore automation capabilities to streamline Cytochrome P450 enzyme-induction workflows.
• Conduct in vitro assays using cell culture, enzymes, cell suspensions, or tissue preparations.
• Participate in scientific discussions and interpret data.
• Collaborate in a cross-functional team to meet research goals.
• Communicate work results in verbal and written formats.
• Keep careful records, complete required training, and maintain attention to laboratory safety.

What This Job Offers

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