2026 Future Talent Program – Intern

Job Description

The Future Talent Program features internships that last up to 12 weeks and will include one or more projects. These opportunities in our Research Labs can provide you with great development and a chance to see if we are the right company for your long-term goals.

Our company's Global Clinical Trial Operations (GCTO) team is currently recruiting for a summer intern to work within our Global Site Agreements (GSA) team. GCTO is a global organization operating in over 50 countries and is responsible to deliver our company's diverse development portfolio comprising over 200 clinical trials in compliance with global and local regulations. The GSA team supports trial initiation and execution by implementing a standardized contracting process for clinical research–related agreements. The intern will engage with GCTO Regions and Regional Operations leadership team and general staffing team members for participation in and/or leading projects that support regional operations driving the efficient and ethical conduct of clinical trials across the region.

Key responsibilities may include, but are not limited to:

• Support agreement-related clinical trial initiation activities and maintain required documentation

• Assist with metric reporting and departmental quality assurance initiatives

• Partner with internal stakeholders to identify and implement process improvements that enhance compliance and efficiency

• Develop communications and tools to enhance clinical trial conduct

• Contribute to development of contract templates, tools, and training materials

• Lead or participate in a capstone project and present internship activities, findings, and deliverables at the conclusion of the term

Required qualifications:

• Currently enrolled full-time in a BS/BA program in a science-related discipline OR enrolled in an accredited J.D. program

• Minimum of two years of collegiate study completed by June 2026

• Available to work full-time for up to 12 weeks beginning May or June 2026

• Strong written and verbal communication skills

• Detail-oriented, organized, and able to manage multiple priorities

• Comfortable working with cross-functional teams and stakeholders across regions

• Demonstrated interest in clinical operations, regulatory affairs, legal contracting, or related disciplines

What we offer

• Hands-on experience with global clinical trial initiation and operations

• Mentorship from cross-functional GCTO and GSA leaders

• Opportunity to lead or participate in a capstone project and present findings to stakeholders

• Professional development and networking opportunities within clinical operations and other functions

Our Clinical and Pharmacovigilance teams manage studies to provide the safety and efficacy data required for regulatory approval of potential new drugs, vaccines and new indications for existing products. We ensure we conduct high quality clinical trials by integrating state-of-the-art technology and applying rigorous scientific and ethical standards.

Please note that this position may be closed before the posted end date or may remain open longer, at the discretion of the company.

Salary range:
The salary range for this role is $39,600.00-$105,500.00 USD

FTP2026

RL2026

Current Employees apply HERE

Current Contingent Workers apply HERE

US and Puerto Rico Residents Only:

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As an Equal Employment Opportunity Employer, we provide equal opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibit 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.  As a federal contractor, we comply with all affirmative action requirements for protected veterans and individuals with disabilities.  For more information about personal rights under the U.S. Equal Opportunity Employment laws, visit:

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We are proud to be a company that embraces the value of bringing together, talented, and committed people with diverse experiences, perspectives, skills and backgrounds. The fastest way to breakthrough innovation is when people with diverse ideas, broad experiences, backgrounds, and skills come together in an inclusive environment. We encourage our colleagues to respectfully challenge one another’s thinking and approach problems collectively.

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U.S. Hybrid Work Model

Effective September 5, 2023, employees in office-based positions in the U.S. will be working a Hybrid work consisting of three total days on-site per week, Monday - Thursday, although the specific days may vary by site or organization, with Friday designated as a remote-working day, unless business critical tasks require an on-site presence.This Hybrid work model does not apply to, and daily in-person attendance is required for, field-based positions; facility-based, manufacturing-based, or research-based positions where the work to be performed is located at a Company site; positions covered by a collective-bargaining agreement (unless the agreement provides for hybrid work); or any other position for which the Company has determined the job requirements cannot be reasonably met working remotely. Please note, this Hybrid work model guidance also does not apply to roles that have been designated as “remote”.

San Francisco Residents Only: We will consider qualified applicants with arrest and conviction records for employment in compliance with the San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance

Los Angeles Residents Only: We will consider for employment all qualified applicants, including those with criminal histories, in a manner consistent with the requirements of applicable state and local laws, including the City of Los Angeles’ Fair Chance Initiative for Hiring Ordinance

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Merck & Co., Inc., Rahway, NJ, USA, also known as Merck Sharp & Dohme LLC, Rahway, NJ, USA, does not accept unsolicited assistance from search firms for employment opportunities. All CVs / resumes submitted by search firms to any employee at our company without a valid written search agreement in place for this position will be deemed the sole property of our company.  No fee will be paid in the event a candidate is hired by our company as a result of an agency referral where no pre-existing agreement is in place. Where agency agreements are in place, introductions are position specific. Please, no phone calls or emails. 

Employee Status:

Intern/Co-op (Fixed Term)

Relocation:

No relocation

VISA Sponsorship:

No

Travel Requirements:

No Travel Required

Flexible Work Arrangements:

Hybrid

Shift:

Not Indicated

Valid Driving License:

No

Hazardous Material(s):

n/a

Required Skills:

 Preferred Skills:

Job Posting End Date:

11/3/2025

*A job posting is effective until 11:59:59PM on the day BEFORE the listed job posting end date. Please ensure you apply to a job posting no later than the day BEFORE the job posting end date.