2027 Future Talent Program – Chemical Biology Spatial Biology & Proteomics – Co-op

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

Job summary

MSD is offering a Summer/Co‑op program in its Cambridge, MA Research Lab within Discovery Chemistry, focusing on Chemical Biology. The role provides hands-on drug discovery experience and integration into project teams for real-world outcomes.

The co‑op emphasizes FFPE processing, imaging, and proteomics, with collaboration across biology and chemistry groups, aiming to build practical skills for a research career.

Qualifications

• Pursuing a PhD in Biology, Biophysics, Biochemistry, Chemical Biology or related field.
• Completed at least two years of PhD studies or equivalent.
• Strong knowledge and experience in FFPE tissue sectioning and mounting on slides.
• Basic knowledge of fluorescence imaging and analysis.
• Available to work full‑time for approximately 6 months starting in early to mid‑2027.

Responsibilities

• Perform FFPE tissue processing and sectioning.
• Execute high‑resolution IF or IHC staining on FFPE sections.
• Operate laser microdissection systems to isolate cells or regions.
• Leverage proteomics workflows for tissue profiling.
• Collaborate with team and troubleshoot workflows.
• Present findings in lab meetings.

Skills

Image analysis

Programming (R, Python)

Laser capture microdissection

Mass spectrometry proteomics

Fluorescence imaging

Education

Ph.D. in Biology or related field

Two years of PhD study or equivalent

Tools

FFPE tissue processing

Immunofluorescence (IF)/IHC staining

Laser microdissection systems

Proteomics workflows

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 gain practical experience with day‑to‑day challenges in pharmaceutical research and learn about spatial biology and proteomics and how such efforts play a role in drug discovery. The Co‑op will participate in departmental and project team meetings to provide a broad perspective on the drug discovery or development process in the pharmaceutical industry.

Key Responsibilities

• Perform formalin‑fixed, paraffin‑embedded (FFPE) tissue processing and sectioning
• Execute high‑resolution, multiplexed immunofluorescence (IF) or immunohistochemistry (IHC) staining on FFPE sections
• Operate advanced laser microdissection systems to physically isolate selected cells or sub‑cellular regions from the tissue slides
• Leverage ultra‑sensitive mass spectrometry‑based proteomics for tissue profiling
• Collaborate with team members to troubleshoot and optimize workflows
• Participate in lab meetings and present findings

Required Education & Experience

• Candidates must be currently pursuing a Ph.D. in Biology, Biophysics, Biochemistry, Chemical Biology or related field
• Candidates must have completed at least two years of studies toward a PhD or equivalent degree
• Candidates must have strong knowledge and experience in FFPE tissue sectioning and mounting on slides
• Candidate must have basic knowledge and experience in fluorescence imaging and analysis
• Candidates must be available to work full‑time for approximately 6 months beginning in early to mid‑2027

Preferred Experience & Skills

• Proficiency in machine learning‑based image analysis and in one or more programming languages (R, Python, etc.)
• Hands‑on experience with laser capture microdissection
• Familiarity with sample preparation techniques for proteomics or other -omics analysis
• Strong publication record and/or presentations at scientific conferences
• Candidates should have a GPA of 3.0 or higher

Salary range

The salary range for this role is $39,108 through $111,111.

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.

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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:

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