During your co-op appointment, you will work closely with experienced pharmaceutical industry scientists on research project(s) with key tasks that include:
Support the planning, conducting, and reporting of various forms of human factors activities including but not limited to user needs identification, user journey/profiles mapping, usability study planning/execution, instructions for use/user training development, known use problem documentation, task and use error analysis, risk assessment/management, and post-launch outcomes analysis
Maintain device risk management documentation by conducting risk assessments, evaluating failure modes, causes, and effects (FMEA/FMEDA), and updating risk control and mitigation strategies based on postmarket surveillance, complaint data, and customer feedback to ensure compliance with applicable standards (e.g., ISO 14971) and regulatory requirements.
Perform independent literature and database reviews to identify relevant scientific and regulatory evidence, synthesize findings, and summarize implications for the team's risk management and human factors work
Conduct primary user research, discovering behaviors and motivations through methods such as surveys, interviews, usability testing and more that could lead to the exploration of new research directions and methodologies
Perform quantitative and qualitative data analysis and distill the research insights into impactful, actionable, and compelling deliverables and other job-related duties or special projects as appropriate
Location: Rahway, NJ
Required Education and Experience
Candidates must be a currently enrolled undergraduate sophomore, junior, or senior student pursuing a Bachelors degree OR a currently enrolled graduate student pursuing a Masters or PhD in Human Factors, Biomedical Engineering, Psychology, Industrial Engineering, Usability Engineering, Biomechanics, Cognitive Science, or equivalent
Candidates must be available to work full-time for up to (6) months in 2027.
Candidates must have completed at least (2) years of studies toward bachelor’s degree by June 2027.
Ability to apply user-centered design, human factors, and risk management principles to product research, development, and design
Proven experience in conducting literature reviews as well as experience in selecting and implementing appropriate risk management and human factors/user experience research methodologies (e.g., user interviews, survey design, research study design)
Ability to analyze and synthesize large quantities of information into usable communications, literature reviews and/or presentations
Demonstrated analytical skills and aptitude for quickly picking up advanced domain knowledge
Excellent communication skills (verbal, written, formal presentation) and proven ability to collaborate with and across various multidisciplinary teams within the organization
Preferred Experience and Skills
Knowledge of medical devices, pharmaceutical, healthcare, or similar regulated industry, is a significant plus
M.S. and Ph.D. candidates are strongly preferred
Candidates should have a GPA of 3.0 or higher
Learning outcomes
The successful candidate will have the opportunity to
Learn how inputs from multiple stakeholders impact product design and development
Stay current with industry relevant risk management and human factors best practices and research
Identify new opportunities in risk management, human factors and drug delivery devices research
Collaborate, network, as well as present on research with cross-functional colleagues (engineering, marketing, clinical, regulatory, manufacturing, quality, labeling, and more)
Understand the regulatory imperatives for risk management, human factors, including relevant standards and guidances, to ensure compliance with the US and local regulatory policies for medical devices and combination products
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 $39,908 - $111,111
FTP2027
RL2027
Required Skills
Behavioral Analytics, Behavioral Research, Clinical Research, Cloud Data Catalog, Customer Feedback, Data Analysis, Data Science
Preferred Skills
Current Employees apply HERE
Current Contingent Workers apply HERE
US and Puerto Rico Residents Only
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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.
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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
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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
- 11/27/2026
- 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.
