2027 Future Talent Program - Discovery Biologics - Intern

MSD; South San Francisco (CA); On-site; USD 39,000 - 111,000; Full time

Job summary

MSD invites qualified students to join the Future Talent Program for a 10–12 week internship in our Research and Development Division. You will work on projects across discovery biology teams, gaining hands-on experience in antibody discovery, protein design, and cell engineering within a cross-functional environment.

Applicants must be enrolled in BS/BA, MS, or PhD programs and show strong lab skills, safe-practice training, and a commitment to diversity.

Qualifications

• Currently pursuing BS/BA, MS, or PhD in a relevant field with 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
• Enrollment in an academic program at the time of application and continuing education for at least one semester/quarter after the internship (Fall 2027)
• Availability for full-time work during June-August 2027 (10-12 weeks)
• Commitment to fostering a diverse and inclusive workplace culture
• 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

Responsibilities

• Interns may be assigned to any of the following Discovery Biologics teams, with specific projects and mentors confirmed before the internship begins: Antibody Discovery, Protein Design/Engineering, Protein Characterization and Developability, Protein Expression and Purification, Cell Engineering/Assay Development

Skills

Strong communication

Teamwork

Cross-functional collaboration

Analytical thinking

Education

BS/BA in a relevant field

MS in a relevant field

Ph.D. in a relevant field

Tools

Computational protein engineering

Machine learning

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 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 Internship Areas would be preferred.

Locations

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

Application Requirements

Applicants selected for interviews must be prepared to submit letters of recommendation, a brief research statement, and an academic transcript. Please specify your preferred location when applying.

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 internship (Fall 2027)
• Availability for full-time work during June-August 2027 (10-12 weeks)
• Commitment to fostering a diverse and inclusive workplace culture

Preferred

• 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 Internship Areas

Interns may be assigned to any of the following Discovery Biologics teams, with specific projects and mentors confirmed before the internship begins:

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

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

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.

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