2026 Future Talent Program - Protein and Structural Chemistry - Co-op

MSD; Rahway (NJ); Hybrid; USD 39,000 - 106,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading biopharmaceutical company is seeking a motivated Co-op to join their cryo-EM Center of Excellence for a full-time, six-month placement. The role will involve hands-on experience in structural biology, particularly in cryo-electron microscopy and protein biochemistry, with opportunities to collaborate with multidisciplinary scientists across various teams.

Qualifications

• Experience with cryo-EM sample vitrification, data processing, and evaluation of results.
• Prior research laboratory experience.
• Strong interest in protein biochemistry and structural biology.

Responsibilities

• Prepare and optimize cryoEM sample preparation.
• Assist with experimental design and execution for structure determination.
• Critically evaluate cryo-EM sample optimization and data quality.

Skills

CryoEM

Structural Biology

Molecular Biology

Protein Biochemistry

Data Analysis

Education

Currently enrolled in an undergraduate or graduate degree program

Tools

CryoSPARC

ChimeraX

Job description

Overview

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 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.

The Protein and Structural Chemistry team within Discovery Chemistry uses multidisciplinary approaches to determine structures of critical therapeutic targets. Our structural chemistry group supports the drug-discovery pipeline by elucidating mechanisms of action and enabling structure-based drug design to accelerate development of medicines that benefit patients worldwide.

We are seeking a motivated and collaborative Co-op to join our cryo-EM Center of Excellence for a full-time, six-month placement beginning in spring/summer 2026. This is an excellent opportunity for a student who wants hands-on experience in modern structural biology, with a focus on cutting-edge cryo-electron microscopy (cryo-EM) and protein biochemistry.

Key Responsibilities

• Prepare and optimize cryoEM sample preparation.
• Assist with experimental design and execution of novel approaches for structure determination using cryo-EM.
• Participate in data-collection sessions as appropriate.
• Critically evaluate cryo-EM sample optimization and data quality; perform data processing and image analysis.
• Maintain accurate electronic laboratory notebook records and document experimental results.
• Maintain a clean, safe laboratory environment and adhere to institutional safety practices.
• Collaborate with multidisciplinary scientists across Discovery Chemistry and related groups.

Education

• Must be currently enrolled in an undergraduate or graduate degree program in Structural Biology, Biochemistry, Molecular Biology, or a related field at the time of the co-op.

Required Experience and Skills

• Must be available to work full time for six months beginning in spring/summer 2026.
• Must have hands-on experience with cryo-EM, including sample vitrification, data processing, and evaluation of results.
• Must have prior research laboratory experience and a strong interest in protein biochemistry and structural biology.
• Must have experience with cryo-EM processing software (e.g., cryoSPARC, ChimeraX).

Preferred Experience and Skills

• Should have experience interpreting 3D reconstructions and using model-building/validation workflows.

Note: This position may be closed before the posted end date or may remain open longer, at the discretion of the company.

Salary range: $39,600.00-$105,500.00 USD

End of posting details: 11/3/2025.

Required Skills: CryoEM, Structural Biology, Molecular Biology, Protein Biochemistry, Data Analysis, Python, Software Proficiency, Laboratory Documentation, Laboratory Safety, Detail-Oriented.

Preferred Skills: Experience interpreting 3D reconstructions and model-building/validation workflows.

Residency and accommodation: US and Puerto Rico Residents Only: Our company is committed to inclusion, and accommodations during the application or hiring process are available upon request.

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 legally protected characteristics. We comply with affirmative action requirements where applicable. For more information about personal rights under the U.S. Equal Opportunity Employment laws, visit the EEOC Know Your Rights pages.

Hybrid Work Model: U.S. employees in office-based positions may follow a hybrid work model with on-site days and remote work where applicable.