2027 Future Talent Program - Chemical Biology - Intern

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

Job summary

MSD Malaysia is offering a 12-week internship in our Research and Development Division in Cambridge, MA, as part of the Future Talent Program. Interns will work on projects that contribute to advancing our understanding of cellular biology and drug discovery.

The successful candidate will learn proximity labeling techniques, collaborate on proof-of-concept studies, analyze data, and present findings. Candidates must be pursuing a science degree and be available May–August 2027 for full-time work.

Qualifications

• Currently pursuing a degree (BS/BA, MS, or PhD) in biology, chemistry, biochemistry, molecular biology, chemical biology, or related field.
• Have completed at least two years of studies toward a bachelor's degree by June 2027.
• Available to work full-time for approximately 10-12 weeks from late May - August 2027.
• Demonstrated interest and experience in research areas relevant to biology or drug discovery.
• Experience with mammalian cell culture techniques.
• Familiarity with protein analysis methods (e.g., Western Blotting, ELISA).
• Experience with molecular biology techniques used to study protein-protein interactions.
• Strong analytical, organizational, and scientific communication skills.

Responsibilities

• Learn and apply proximity labeling techniques to investigate protein interactions in human cell-based systems
• Collaborate with team members to design and execute proof-of-concept studies to evaluate platforms for identifying and quantifying proteins captured via affinity-based enrichment
• Analyze and interpret experimental data, presenting findings to stakeholders
• Participate in team meetings and contribute to project discussions to develop experimental strategies and troubleshoot technical challenges

Job description

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. We are Chemical Biology in the Quantitative Biosciences department, where we leverage robust scientific methodology and state-of-the-art instrumentation to collaborate on driving the next medical breakthrough. Our mission is to advance the best drug candidates into the clinic by utilizing advanced capabilities that enable higher-resolution interrogations of novel biology and elucidation of mechanisms of action. We are seeking a highly motivated Intern to contribute to research focused on advancing our understanding of cellular biology through the application of modern experimental techniques. The successful candidate will evaluate targeted protein detection methods for characterizing protein microenvironments, gaining hands-on experience with emerging tools used in modern drug discovery.

Key Responsibilities

• Learn and apply proximity labeling techniques to investigate protein interactions in human cell-based systems
• Collaborate with team members to design and execute proof-of-concept studies to evaluate platforms for identifying and quantifying proteins captured via affinity-based enrichment
• Analyze and interpret experimental data, presenting findings to stakeholders
• Participate in team meetings and contribute to project discussions to develop experimental strategies and troubleshoot technical challenges

Learning Opportunities

• Gain hands-on experience in cutting-edge instrumentation and technologies
• Develop skills in experimental design, assay development, and data analysis
• Collaborate with experienced scientists in a fast-paced research environment

Required Education & Experience

• Candidates must be currently pursuing a degree (BS/BA, MS, or PhD) in biology, chemistry, biochemistry, molecular biology, chemical biology, or related field
• Candidates must have completed at least two years of studies toward a bachelor’s degree by June 2027
• Candidatesmust be available to work full-time for approximately 10-12 weeks fromlate May - August 2027
• Candidates must have demonstrated interest and experience in research areas relevant to biology or drug discovery

Preferred Qualifications

• Candidates should have experience with mammalian cell culture techniques
• Candidates should have familiarity with protein analysis methods (e.g., Western Blotting, ELISA)
• Candidates should have experience with molecular biology techniques used to study protein-protein interactions
• Candidates should possess strong analytical, organizational, and scientific communication skills

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.

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: EEOC Know Your Rights EEOC GINA Supplement

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. Learn more about your rights, including under California, Colorado and other US State Acts.

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 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.

Salary range: The salary range for this role is $39,108 through $111,111. FTP2027 RL2027

Our company is a global health care leader with a diversified portfolio of prescription medicines, vaccines and animal health products. The difference between potential and achievement lies in the spark that fuels innovation and inventiveness; this is the space where we have codified our legacy for over a century. Our success is backed by ethical integrity, forward momentum, and an inspiring mission to achieve new milestones in global healthcare.