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 Manufacturing Division can provide you with great development and a chance to see if we are the right company for your long-term goals. 

About the Team 

The Global Pharmaceutical Operations – External Manufacturing (GPO ExM) organization oversees a worldwide network of external manufacturing partners, ensuring reliable, high-quality supply of medicines to patients around the globe. The team is focused on operational excellence, data-driven decision-making, and continuous improvement. 

We are seeking a highly motivated co-op who is passionate about using artificial intelligence & digital solutions to simplify work, improve performance, and help transform how our teams operate day-to-day. 

Position Overview 

As a Coop for the GPO ExM team, you will explore, design, and prototype AI/DIGITAL solutions that make daily activities easier and more efficient for employees across external manufacturing operations. You will help identify opportunities where AI/DIGITAL tools (e.g., generative AI/DIGITAL, machine learning, intelligent automation) can: 

• Accelerate decision-making 

• Reduce manual, repetitive tasks 

• Improve data accessibility and insights 

• Enhance collaboration and communication 

You will work closely with cross-functional stakeholders to understand business needs and demonstrate how AI can be applied in a real-world business setting to improve speed, performance, and overall effectiveness.  This role will also partner with digital information technology partners to leverage delivery/engineering tools where applicable. 

Key Responsibilities 

• Identify and assess opportunities to apply AI/DIGITAL within GPO ExM to streamline workflows, reduce manual effort, and enhance decision-making. 

• Design and prototype AI/DIGITAL-enabled tools, dashboards, or workflows (e.g., generative AI/DIGITAL assistants, document summarization, data analysis helpers, process automation concepts). 

• Translate business problems into AI/DIGITAL use cases and clearly articulate the potential impact (e.g., time savings, quality improvements, risk reduction). 

• Collaborate with ExM subject matter experts to gather requirements, understand pain points, and prioritize AI/DIGITAL use cases with the highest value. 

• Develop proof-of-concept demos or mockups to showcase how AI/DIGITAL can be integrated into current processes. 

• Analyze and visualize data to provide actionable insights and support recommendations for process improvements. 

• Prepare and deliver presentations, demos, and documentation to communicate AI/DIGITAL concepts and outcomes to non-technical stakeholders. 

• Support change management activities by helping to create training materials, quick-reference guides, or best-practice examples for AI/DIGITAL use in the organization. 

• Stay current on AI/DIGITAL tools, trends, and best practices relevant to operations, external manufacturing, and business transformation. 

• Design and/or prototype at least one AI/DIGITAL solution for GPO ExM; including documented business impact, with a final end of term presentation to key stakeholders. 

Required Qualifications 

• Currently enrolled in an accredited undergraduate or graduate program in a STEM discipline (e.g., Computer Science, Data Science, Engineering, Mathematics, Statistics, Information Systems, Operations Research, or related field). 

• Demonstrated proficiency and hands-on experience with AI or related technologies, such as: 

• Generative AI/DIGITAL tools (e.g., large language models, chat-based AI/DIGITAL assistants) 

• Machine learning / data science concepts 

• Natural language processing, data analytics, or automation tools 

• Strong technical aptitude and ability to quickly learn new tools, platforms, and technologies. 

• Proven ability to demonstrate how AI/DIGITAL can be applied in a business context to improve performance, speed, and user experience (e.g., class projects, prior internships, competitions, or personal projects). 

• Demonstrate awareness of data privacy, security, and responsible AI considerations in AI/DIGITAL use cases 

• Previous internship and/or coop experience with another corporation. 

• Strong analytical, problem-solving, and critical thinking skills. 

• Excellent communication skills, with the ability to explain technical concepts to non-technical audiences. 

• Ability to work independently and collaboratively in a cross-functional, global environment. 

• High level of initiative, curiosity, and willingness to challenge the status quo. 

Preferred Qualifications 

• Experience with one or more programming or scripting languages (e.g., Python, R, SQL, JavaScript) or low-code / no-code platforms. 

• Familiarity with data visualization tools (e.g., Power BI, Tableau) or collaboration tools. 

• Experience working with operational, supply chain, or manufacturing data. 

• Exposure to process improvement methodologies (e.g., Lean, Six Sigma) or Operations/Manufacturing environments. 

• Experience working with operations, supply chain, manufacturing in a highly regulated industry 

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 $39,600.00-$105,500.00 USD

FTP2026

MD2026

NSBE2026

Required Skills:

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:

Hybrid

Shift:

Not Indicated

Valid Driving License:

No

Hazardous Material(s):

n/a

Job Posting End Date:

04/6/2026

*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.