Job Description
We are looking for a motivated Bachelor of Science (BSc) or a Master of Science (MSc) 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 Large Molecules Analytical Technical Solutions (ATS-bio) department where you will have the freedom and space for your own initiative.
Intern - Bachelor (BSc) or Master (MSc) Biology - Analytical Technical Solutions- Antibody Optimization and Assay Development
Welcome to our team
The ATS-Bio EU/APAC department is an essential hub in our organization. This department is focused on helping other departments to optimise biological laboratory assays in order to determine the safety and efficacy of our vaccines. The team consists of 28 employees divided into several sub-teams each with its own focus and expertise. Team members have extensive knowledge and experience in antibody generation and downstream processing (DSP) of monoclonal and recombinant antibodies, introduction of new laboratory assay techniques or assay development, optimization, validation, transfer and troubleshooting. The team works closely with other departments within the company to achieve its goals.
Your internship assignment
As an intern, you will be responsible for the development of a method to assess the effectivity and quality of biological critical reagents (BCR; e.g. (labeled) monoclonal antibodies and AlphaLISA- and magnetic beads) used in quality control tests (Luminex, ELISA, AlphaLISA) for the release testing of vaccines produced at Animal Health. In parallel, you will support efforts to improve the quality and consistency between lots of these BCRs using this method and/or by improving monoclonal antibody DSP processes. To accomplish this, you will use kinetic binding evaluations using interferometry (Octet), a label-free, real-time biomolecular analysis platform and perform related laboratory assays. You will spend the majority of your time at the bench executing experiments, analyzing results and documenting data.
Your responsibilities
•After onboarding and refinement of the internship objectives you will work with a high degree of independence.
•You will perform the experiments from start to finish including data analysis and documenting in our electronic laboratory notebook with a focus on assay component optimisation, stability and troubleshooting. The laboratory techniques you perform include ELISA, AlphaLISA and Luminex assay, SDS-PAGE, Interferometry, gel filtration and (affinity) purification.
•You will interact with the ATS-bio and Quality Control departments to assist with component optimization for laboratory assay.
•You will discuss progress on a weekly basis (and as needed) with your supervisor and give a final presentation to the department at the end of your internship.
•You will contribute to the department by a fresh perspective and sharing your opinion.
The described tasks 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
•We are looking for a BSc or MSc in Cell Biology, Medical Biology, Biochemistry, or a related field.
•You value our company goals, code of conduct, safety and way of working.
•You are familiar with immunological and biochemical techniques, preferably also molecular biology and cell biology.
•You are motivated to work on assay optimisation, show a professional attitude, and eagerness to learn new techniques in a dynamic and complex work environment.
•You are fluent in English, Dutch is a pre.
•Available for a period of at least 6 months for 5 days per week
What we offer
Interning 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.
Required Skills:
Analytical Problem Solving, Analytical Problem Solving, Assay Development, Biochemistry, Clinical Research, Conducting Experiments, Data Analytics, Database Management, Data Entry, Data Visualization, Document Management, Experimental Methods, Global Supply Chain, Health Economics, Immunochemistry, Interferometry, Laboratory Documentation, Laboratory Techniques, Molecular Biology, Office Applications, Physiology, Process Improvements, Project Management, Quality Improvement, Reporting and Analysis {+ 2 more}Preferred Skills:
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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:
VISA Sponsorship:
Travel Requirements:
Flexible Work Arrangements:
Not ApplicableShift:
Valid Driving License:
Hazardous Material(s):
Job Posting End Date:
05/31/2026*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.