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AI Automation Internship

MerckWest Point, PA

  • $39k – $111k / year
  • Internship
  • Full time

Overview

Job Description

The Future Talent Program features internships that last up to 12 weeks and will include one or more projects. These opportunities in our Research and Development Division can provide you with great development and a chance to see if we are the right company for your long-term goals.

Position Description

Our company's Research Lab's Robotics and Workflow Data Capture (WDC) teams develop automated laboratory systems and digital technologies that allow scientists to generate high-quality research data efficiently and reliably. By combining laboratory automation with software solutions that capture, organize, and analyze scientific data, these teams reduce manual processes, improve workflow efficiency, and support research across multiple sites. Their work plays a critical role in accelerating scientific discovery and advancing the development of new medicines.

The successful candidate will contribute to innovative projects focused on artificial intelligence, software development, and laboratory automation, helping to improve how automation workflows are created, documented, and supported across research sites. This internship provides an opportunity to work alongside automation engineers and data scientists while gaining hands-on experience with AI/LLM technologies, GitHub, programming, data analytics, and laboratory automation systems. The project will have a lasting impact by improving knowledge sharing, troubleshooting capabilities, and automation standardization across scientific laboratories.

Overview

The intern will support a cross-functional initiative between the Robotics and Workflow Data Capture teams focused on improving how laboratory automation software is developed, documented, and supported across research laboratories. The project will leverage programming, AI/LLM technologies, GitHub repositories, and automation data to develop an AI-enabled knowledge platform that helps scientists and engineers understand automation scripts, troubleshoot issues, and follow standardized scripting practices. The intern's work will contribute to improved knowledge sharing, faster problem resolution, enhanced onboarding, and greater consistency in automation workflows across sites.

Primary Responsibilities

  • Collaborate with automation scientists and data science professionals across Robotics and Workflow Data Capture teams, as well as our cross-site scientific partners in Boston and South San Francisco.
  • Analyze existing automation scripts, documentation, and historical automation records to identify common development and troubleshooting patterns.
  • Develop and evaluate an AI-enabled knowledge repository that supports automation script understanding, troubleshooting, and workflow development.
  • Support integration of GitHub repositories, technical documentation, and automation records into a centralized knowledge platform.
  • Assist in developing and optimizing tools and processes to improve automation error tracking, analysis, and resolution.
  • Create user guidance, technical documentation, and standardized best practices to support automation workflow scripting development and knowledge transfer.
  • Prepare technical summaries and presentations of project findings.
  • Present project outcomes at the end-of-summer intern symposium.

Education

  • Currently pursuing a Bachelor's degree in one of the following:
    • Data Science
    • Computer Science
    • Informatics
    • Biotechnology
    • Engineering
    • Related scientific discipline

Required Skills

  • Strong Python and SQL programming skills, especially toward developing scripts, APIs, or lightweight applications.
  • Working knowledge of C# or C/C++ through coursework, projects, research, or internships.
  • Familiarity with git, GitHub, or other version control systems.
  • Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.
  • Strong written and verbal communication skills.
  • Ability to organize technical information clearly.
  • Ability to work independently and collaboratively with technical and non-technical team members.

Preferred Skills

  • Familiarity with LLMs and concepts like Retrieval-Augmented Generation, Knowledge Graphs, and Vector Databases.
  • Interest in laboratory automation, robotics, or scientific software.
  • Experience creating technical documentation, workflow diagrams, or user-facing guides.
  • Interest in troubleshooting, debugging, and software quality practices.

Learning Opportunities

The intern will gain exposure to:

  • Industry-level laboratory automation and digital technologies supporting pharmaceutical research.
  • AI/LLM applications, knowledge management, and data-driven problem solving.
  • Software development, programming, GitHub, and technical documentation practices.
  • Automation troubleshooting and operational data analysis.
  • Supportive collaboration within cross-disciplinary teams.
  • Professional communication and presentation skills.

Expected Deliverables

  • Prototype AI-enabled knowledge platform for automation scripting and troubleshooting.
  • Standardized scripting guidance and knowledge management resources.
  • Enhancements to automation error tracking and analysis capabilities.
  • Final presentation and poster summarizing project objectives, methods, results, and impact.

Skills mentioned

  • SQL
  • C++
  • Python
  • GIT
  • C#
  • LLM
  • Github
  • RAG

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