Job Description We are looking for a motivated Bachelor of Science or a Master of Science graduate student with a background in Cell Biology, Virology or Biochemistry. 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 – BSc/MSc Cell Biology - Discovery and Technology Welcome to our team The Department of Discovery and Technology, part of the Global Research & Development (R&D) group, is an essential hub in our organization. This department is focused on (1) novel technologies for isolation, characterization and culturing of newly discovered pathogens that infect animals and possibly humans (zoonoses), (2) novel approaches to efficacious vaccine development against existing and newly discovered pathogens and (3) development of new technologies to culture pathogens for vaccine production. The team consists of about 25 employees, all of whom have extensive knowledge and experience in different disciplines, including (Molecular) Virology, Immunology, Chemistry, Assay Development, Molecular genetics, Bacteriology and Cell Biology. The team works closely with other departments within the company to achieve the stated goals. Your internship assignment As an intern, you will work on a project focused on improving a cell line for viral antigen production. This project aims to produce a clonal knockout with the capacity to yield significant more virus particles per cell compared to the wild-type cell line. Techniques like Crispr-CAS9 mediated gene editing, electroporation, sequence analysis, (setting up) qPCR-based analysis, plus cell and virus culture will be part of the project. You will learn about the biology of both the host cell and the viruses that infect the cell. You will spend at least 70–80% of your time at the bench executing experiments. Some protocols are provided, some need to be set up; your focus is high-quality execution, troubleshooting, and documentation. Your responsibilities After a brief onboarding, you will work with a high degree of independence. Perform the experiments from start to finish to produce the knockout cell line, with focus on cell culture. Analyze (sequencing) data and use the results to confirm edits and guide clone selection Optimize cell culture conditions, including seeding density and incubation parameters, to maximize growth rates for target clones. Conduct virus infection assays and quantify viral antigen production. You’ll discuss progress on a weekly basis and give a final presentation to the department. Your work contributes directly to a platform with potential for scale-up; contributions will be acknowledged in internal reports and may support future publications or filings, where applicable Contribute ideas and insights—your perspective is valued! 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 You are a graduate student pursuing a BSc (HBO) or MSc in Cell Biology, Virology, Biochemistry, or a related field. Familiarity with basic cell culture, cell biology, molecular biology, and virology techniques, with at least one previous internship experience. A passion for working on vaccine development, a professional attitude, and eagerness to learn new techniques in a dynamic and complex work environment. Seeking an internship that allows for initiative and independent contributions. You are fluent in Dutch or English. Availability for 5 days per week for a period of 6 months, starting in January or February 2026. What 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 scientist. 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. NLINTERN Required Skills: Analytical Problem Solving, Biology, Data Analytics, Database Management, Document Management, Molecular Microbiology, Office Applications 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: VISA Sponsorship: Travel Requirements: Flexible Work Arrangements: Not Applicable Shift: Valid Driving License: Hazardous Material(s): Job Posting End Date: 12/16/2025 *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. Our company is a global health care leader with a diversified portfolio of prescription medicines, vaccines and animal health products. The difference between potential and achievement lies in the spark that fuels innovation and inventiveness; this is the space where we have codified our legacy for over a century. Our success is backed by ethical integrity, forward momentum, and an inspiring mission to achieve new milestones in global healthcare.
