Life Sciences/Molecular Virology Intern - Discovery & Technology

Job Description

We are looking for a motivated final year BSc or MSc Life Sciences student! Do you want to know what it's like to be part of one of the largest multinational companies in the pharmaceutical industry? We offer an internship opportunity within our Discovery & Technology department where you will have the freedom and space for your own initiative.

Intern – Life Sciences/Molecular Virology – Discovery & Technology

Welcome to our team
The Discovery & Technology (D&T) department is an essential hub in our organization. This department is focused on early-stage research on new vaccine technologies including, but not only, viral (vector) vaccines, virus discovery, cell-line technologies, immunology, vaccine formulation, vaccine analysis technologies, etc. The team consists of about 40 employees, all of whom have extensive knowledge and experience in scientific research. The team works closely with other departments within the company to achieve the stated goals.

Your internship assignment
As an intern, you will be responsible for the early-stage research on a recombinant viral vector-based vaccine. The project will contain the production of recombinant viruses and screen for suitable vaccine candidates. The student will be responsible to design, rescue and test these vaccine candidates in an in-vitro system. Based on those results the vaccine candidates will be selected for in-vivo studies.

You will work together with  a technician who has gained a lot of experience in the field of poultry virology. Together with the project leader and the technician you will have weekly meetings to discuss the progress of the project. Together we will make the project a success.

Your responsibilities
• Recombinant virus technologies
• Tissue culture techniques
• Critical scientific thinking
• Presenting and communicating your results
• Providing a fresh perspective to the department by sharing your opinion.

The tasks described form the basic package and will often be performed independently after a proper training and learning period. These tasks may be supplemented with other projects and/or tasks on your own initiative or at the request of the organization.

What is required
• A final year BSc or MSc student in the field of Life Sciences
• Familiarity with molecular biology, cell culture, viruses and/or vaccines is preferred

• Enthusiasm about learning new things (be curious)

• Use the freedom to take initiative
• Excellent Dutch and/or English communication skills, both written and verbal
 • Available for a period of 6-9 months for 4-5 days a week

What we offer
Being an intern at our company means working together with your team towards health in an international work environment. As an intern, you will have the opportunity to work closely with experts and learn from them. In addition, we offer:
• The chance to gain experience in the pharmaceutical industry
• An opportunity to showcase yourself for potential opportunities after your internship period
• A challenging and dynamic work environment with plenty of room for personal development and initiative
• Good guidance from an experienced specialist
• A gross monthly internship allowance of €500,- based on a 40-hour workweek

Animal Health Division
Our Animal Health Division is a trusted global leader in animal healthcare. We are committed to preserving and improving the health, well-being, and performance of animals and the people who care for them. As a global team of professionals, we work together to make a positive difference in animal care and the world's food chain. We also have a deep sense of responsibility towards our customers, consumers, animals, society, and our planet.

By being dedicated to The Science of Healthier Animals®, we provide veterinarians, farmers, pet owners, and governments with one of the broadest ranges of animal health products, vaccines, and solutions and services for health management. Additionally, we deliver a comprehensive range of digitally connected identification, traceability, and monitoring products. We invest in dynamic and extensive R&D capabilities and a modern, global supply chain. We are present in more than 50 countries, and our products are available in approximately 150 markets.

Additional location(s) Compensation Information:

Required Skills:

Analytical Problem Solving, Analytical Problem Solving, Antiviral Drugs, Cell Culture Techniques, Clinical Research, Data Analytics, Database Management, Data Entry, Data Visualization, Document Management, Health Economics, Inoculation, In Vitro Research, In Vitro Studies, In Vivo Models, Life Science, Office Applications, Pharmaceutical Research, Prioritization, Process Improvements, Project Management, Recombinant DNA Technology, Reporting and Analysis, Scientific Literacy, Scientific Reasoning {+ 9 more}

Preferred Skills:

Current Employees apply HERE

Current Contingent Workers apply HERE

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:

Not Indicated

Valid Driving License:

No

Hazardous Material(s):

N/A

Job Posting End Date:

11/7/2026

*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.