About the role#
The Future Talent Program offers a co-op opportunity within the Device Development and Technology team. You will work alongside experienced scientists to support the development of drug delivery devices, such as inhalers, injectables, and implants. This role provides exposure to the drug development process in a regulated industry, allowing you to contribute to projects that translate therapeutic agents into functional products for patients.
What you'll do#
- Support the planning, execution, and reporting of human factors activities, including user needs identification and usability study planning.
- Maintain device risk management documentation by conducting risk assessments and evaluating failure modes.
- Update risk control and mitigation strategies based on postmarket surveillance, complaint data, and customer feedback.
- Perform independent literature and database reviews to identify scientific and regulatory evidence.
- Conduct primary user research, including surveys, interviews, and usability testing, to discover user behaviors and motivations.
- Analyze quantitative and qualitative data to distill research insights into actionable deliverables.
- Participate in departmental and project team meetings and present research results in oral and written formats.
What you'll need#
- Currently enrolled undergraduate (sophomore, junior, or senior) or graduate student (Masters or PhD) in Human Factors, Biomedical Engineering, Psychology, Industrial Engineering, Usability Engineering, Biomechanics, Cognitive Science, or a related field.
- Completion of at least two years of undergraduate studies by June 2027.
- Availability to work full-time for up to 6 months in 2027.
- Ability to apply user-centered design, human factors, and risk management principles.
- Experience with literature reviews and implementing research methodologies like user interviews or survey design.
- Strong analytical skills with the ability to synthesize large quantities of information.
- Excellent communication skills and the ability to collaborate across multidisciplinary teams.
- Preferred: GPA of 3.0 or higher, and knowledge of medical devices or regulated healthcare industries. M.S. and Ph.D. candidates are strongly preferred.
Location & details#
- Location: Rahway, New Jersey, United States.
- Term: Summer 2027.
- Work Modality: On-site.
- Employment Type: Full-time.
- Compensation: This is a paid position.
About MSD
MSD is a pharmaceutical manufacturing company founded in 1891. It develops medicines and vaccines for both humans and animals. The organization operates globally and maintains its headquarters in Rahway, New Jersey. It employs over 39,000 people.
How to get in at MSD
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