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 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.

The Laboratory Operations AI & Digital Transformation Intern will support the Capital Asset Stewards team within our Company's Research Laboratories. The Capital Asset Stewards team partners with laboratory, finance, procurement, and operational stakeholders to support the capital asset lifecycle, including capital planning, asset onboarding, lifecycle management, data quality, process compliance, and operational excellence.

The intern will work with team members and stakeholders to understand current operational processes from both the Capital Asset Stewards and laboratory personnel perspectives. They will identify opportunities for AI-enabled improvements, assess the effectiveness and ease of use of existing institutional knowledge and training materials, and develop a prioritized roadmap for future automation and digital transformation initiatives. As part of the internship, the intern will also select one improvement opportunity they identified and begin bringing it to life by outlining the proposed solution, validating feasibility with stakeholders, and defining practical next steps for implementation.

This project is intended to deliver actionable recommendations that improve capital request quality, strengthen knowledge and training management, enhance user experience, and support responsible adoption of artificial intelligence across the capital asset lifecycle. The role will provide exposure to business process analysis, stakeholder engagement, project management, data analysis, knowledge management, digital transformation, and executive communication within a fast-paced environment.

Primary responsibilities:

• Learn and document current capital asset operational processes and stakeholder touchpoints within the internal equipment lifecycle tool
• Interview stakeholders across laboratory operations, research, finance, and support functions
• Review existing documentation, training resources, tools, and knowledge repositories to identify gaps and improvement opportunities
• Analyze historical capital request information to identify recurring pain points, quality challenges, or process inefficiencies
• Develop current-state process maps and summarize opportunities for future transformation
• Assess potential artificial intelligence and automation use cases, including benefits, risks, implementation considerations, and responsible artificial intelligence practices
• Build a prioritized transformation roadmap and recommendation set for future digital initiatives
• Prepare and deliver an executive-level presentation summarizing findings, recommendations, and proposed next steps

Education:

• Candidates must be currently pursuing a Bachelor's or Master's degree in business administration, management information systems, information technology, data analytics, industrial engineering, operations management, supply chain management, computer science, engineering, or a related field.

Experience and Skills:

• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills
• Ability to gather, organize, and synthesize information from multiple sources
• Strong written and verbal communication skills
• Comfort engaging with technical and non-technical stakeholders
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office applications, including PowerPoint and Excel
• Ability to work independently while managing multiple priorities and deadlines
• Interest in business process improvement, digital transformation, artificial intelligence, automation, or emerging technologies
• Curiosity and willingness to ask thoughtful questions, challenge assumptions, and translate findings into practical recommendations
• Must be available for a period of 10 - 12 weeks, beginning in May/June 2027

Preferred:

• Coursework or experience related to artificial intelligence, automation, data analytics, business analytics, or digital transformation
• Experience with process mapping, workflow analysis, or continuous improvement methods
• Experience conducting interviews, research, business analysis, or stakeholder discovery activities
• Familiarity with knowledge management, training design, or user experience concepts
• Experience with data visualization, reporting, or dashboarding tools
• Understanding of project management principles

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:

Hybrid

Shift:

1st - Day

Valid Driving License:

No

Hazardous Material(s):

N/A

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.