2027 Future Talent Program – Discovery Immunology – Co-op (San Diego, CA)

Job Description

The Future Talent Program features Cooperative (Co-op) education that lasts up to 6 months and will include one or more projects. These opportunities in our Research and Development Division can provide you with great development and a chance to see if we are the right company for your long-term goals.

Co-op students will work within a diverse group studying the role of novel targets in the context of inflammatory and autoimmune indications. This is an exciting opportunity for BS, MS, and PhD level individuals with immunology, cell biology, and/or molecular biology experience to learn and execute key techniques including culturing primary human cells and cell lines, CRISPR editing, biochemical assay development, ELISA and other cytokine-based assays, RNA isolation and quantitative PCR, and flow cytometry/FACS and microscopy. Additionally, successful candidates will have invaluable opportunities to develop and expand their professional networks.

We are seeking co-op candidates with strong academic performance, communication and teamwork skills, and the ability to work in a multi-functional environment.

Location: San Diego, CA

Co-op position commitment: 4 - 6 months full-time – January through June, 2027

Minimum Qualifications:

• Must be currently enrolled in school (through the co-op term) as an undergraduate or graduate student majoring in biological sciences or a related field

• Candidates must be available for a 6-month period starting at the beginning of 2027

• Availability to work full-time on site in San Diego, CA

 

Preferred Qualifications:

• Basic knowledge of cell biology, immunology, molecular biology, and/or related wet lab techniques

• Prior experience with mammalian cell culture, flow cytometry and/or immunoassays

• Highly motivated and driven and willing to take initiative to learn new science

• Strong team player

• Excellent oral and written communication skills

• Comfortable using a PC computer and proficient in Windows-based operating systems and basic applications, such as spreadsheets and databases

• 3.2 GPA or higher

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 $39,108 through $111,111.

FTP2027

RL2027

Required Skills:

Preferred Skills:

Current Employees apply HERE

Current Contingent Workers apply HERE

US and Puerto Rico Residents Only:

Our company is committed to inclusion, ensuring that candidates can engage in a hiring process that exhibits their true capabilities. Please click here if you need an accommodation during the application or hiring process.

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.

Learn more about your rights, including under California, Colorado and other US State Acts

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

Search Firm Representatives Please Read Carefully 
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:

Not Applicable

Shift:

1st - Day

Valid Driving License:

No

Hazardous Material(s):

Yes

Job Posting End Date:

10/9/2026

*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.