2027 Future Talent Program - Discovery Biologics - Co-op

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

Job summary

Merck's Future Talent Program provides a six‑month Co-op in our Research and Development Division, with projects across drug discovery and strong emphasis on teamwork. Candidates should have a solid foundation in applied lab science or computational biology and be capable of thriving in cross-functional settings.

We seek students pursuing BS/BA, MS, or Ph.D. with high academic performance, strong communication, and collaboration skills.

Qualifications

• Pursuing BS/BA, MS, or Ph.D. in a relevant field by June 2027.
• Basic lab skills in molecular biology, cell culture, protein biochemistry, or related areas.
• Enrollment in an academic program and continuing education after the co-op.
• Availability for full-time work June–November 2027.
• Commitment to fostering a diverse and inclusive workplace.

Responsibilities

• Participate in drug discovery research projects and experiments.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams in R&D.
• Apply lab techniques and data analysis to project goals.

Skills

Molecular biology

Cell culture

Protein biochemistry

Data analysis

Teamwork

Communication

Protein engineering

Computational biology

Education

BS/BA in relevant field

MS/PhD in relevant field

Tools

Laboratory equipment knowledge

Job description

Job Description

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. We are looking for candidates passionate about scientific research, with strong academic records, excellent communication and teamwork skills, and the ability to thrive in a cross-functional environment. A solid foundation in applied laboratory science or computer science is essential. Prior research experience in the areas highlighted below under Potential Co-op Areas would be preferred.

Locations

• South San Francisco, CA
• Boston, MA
• Cambridge, MA

Required Qualifications

• Currently pursuing a BS/BA, MS, or Ph.D. in a relevant field with demonstrated interest or experience in drug discovery research
• Basic laboratory skills in molecular biology, cell culture, protein biochemistry, protein expression and purification, or protein characterization (analytical, biophysical, and/or cellular techniques)
• Understanding and training in safe lab practices
• Completion of at least two years of undergraduate studies (BS/BA) or one year of graduate studies (MS/PhD) by June 2027
• Enrollment in an academic program at the time of application and continuing education for at least one semester/quarter after the co-op
• Availability for full-time work for up to 6 months during June-November 2027
• Commitment to fostering a diverse and inclusive workplace culture

Preferred Skills

• Prior laboratory research experience in molecular biology, cell culture, protein biochemistry, protein expression and purification, or protein characterization (analytical, biophysical, and/or cellular techniques)
• Experience in protein engineering and/or computational protein engineering and machine learning, especially predictive modeling of protein and antibody structures
• GPA of 3.0 or higher

Potential Co-op Areas

• Antibody Discovery (in vivo or in vitro)
• Protein Design/Engineering
• Protein Characterization and Developability
• Protein Expression and Purification
• Cell Engineering/Assay Development

Salary Range

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

Please note that this position may be closed before the posted end date or may remain open longer, at the discretion of the company.

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.

Equal Employment Opportunity

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.

Requisition ID

R412155