2027 Future Talent Program - Chemical Biology - Co-op

MSD; Cambridge (MA); On-site; USD 39,000 - 111,000; Full time

Job summary

MSD in Cambridge, MA is seeking a motivated graduate student for a six-month Chemical Biology co-op within Discovery Chemistry. You will contribute to organic synthesis, participate in cross-functional teams, and help advance project goals in a state-of-the-art lab.

The role emphasizes hands-on chemistry and biology work, data interpretation, and effective scientific communication. A PI-approved candidate, strong GPA, and readiness for a fixed-term coop are expected.

Qualifications

• Currently enrolled graduate student pursuing a Master’s or Ph.D.
• Completed at least two years of PhD studies by June 2027
• Available to work full-time for ~6 months starting mid-2027
• Self-motivated with attention to detail and strong critical thinking

Responsibilities

• Short, multi-step organic synthesis and chemical diversification to generate libraries
• Collaborate with team members to troubleshoot and improve experiments
• Analyze and interpret experimental data with detailed lab records
• Present research findings in lab meetings

Skills

Mammalian cell culture

Molecular biology techniques

Cross-functional teamwork

Data analysis

Scientific communication

Education

Master’s or Ph.D. in Chemistry/Chemical Biology or related field

Tools

Liquid handling systems

Job description

Job Description

The Future Talent Program features co-ops that last up to 6 months and will include one or more projects. These opportunities in our Research & Development Division can provide you with great development and a chance to see if we are the right company for your long-term goals.

Our company’s Research Lab’s Chemical Biology group within Discovery Chemistry is seeking a co-op with a passion for scientific research, strong academic performance, communication skills, and the ability to work on cross-functional teams. We offer opportunities in our state-of-the-art science laboratories to solve fundamental synthetic or biological problems relevant to drug discovery and development, while functioning as a fully integrated member of the company project teams.

Chemical Biology (Cambridge, MA)

Our Company’s Chemical Biology (comprising of chemistry, proteomics, and cell pharmacology) focuses on providing novel, high-quality targets and expanding confidence on molecular mechanism of action for our key assets. The candidate will leverage their chemical and biological expertise to solve complex biological problems while working in both chemistry and biology laboratory spaces. The co-op will provide an opportunity to gain firsthand knowledge on how our Company’s Research Labs (RL) uses key technologies to create a synergistic toolbox for early discovery and beyond.

Key Responsibilities

• Short, multi-step organic synthesis and chemical diversification to generate novel small molecule libraries
• Collaborate with team members to troubleshoot and improve experiments
• Analyze and interpret experimental data, maintaining detailed laboratory records
• Participate in lab meetings and present research findings

**Please note when applying for this position,the candidate must have consent from PI. If the candidateis selected for an interview, the applicant must be prepared to submit letters of recommendation, a brief research statement and a copy of transcripts.

Required Education & Experience:

• Candidates must be a currently enrolled graduate student pursuing a Master’s or Ph.D. in Chemistry, Chemical Biology, or related field
• Candidates must have completed at least two years of studies toward a PhD or equivalent degree by June 2027
• Candidates must be available to work full-time for approximately 6 months beginning in mid-2027
• Self-motivated, creative scientists with strong critical thinking skills and attention to detail

Preferred Experience & Skills:

• Some hands-on exposure to mammalian cell culture and standard molecular biology techniques
• Experience designing, optimizing, and developing novel cell-based assays for phenotypic screening is a plus
• Have a good understanding of biology concepts and chemical application to perturb biological systems
• Experience with liquid handlers in a plus
• Candidates should have a GPA of 3.0 or higher

**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 $39,108 through $111,111.

FTP2027

RL2027

US and Puerto Rico Residents Only:

Our company is committed to inclusion, ensuring that candidates can engage in a hiring process that exhibits their true capabilities. Please if you need an accommodation during the application or hiring process.

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:

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.

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

Employee Status:

Intern/Co-op (Fixed Term)

Relocation:

No relocation

VISA Sponsorship:

No

Travel Requirements:

No Travel Required

Flexible Work Arrangements:

Not Applicable

Shift:

1st - Day

Valid Driving License:

No

Hazardous Material(s):

Yes

Job Posting End Date:

10/9/2026

*A job posting is effective until 11:59:59PM on the day BEFOREthe listed job posting end date. Please ensure you apply to a job posting no later than the day BEFORE the job posting end date.