2027 Future Talent Program - Discovery Neuroscience - Co-op

MSD Malaysia; West Point (PA); On-site; USD 40,000 - 111,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Paid internship

Mentorship

Job summary

MSD Malaysia is seeking a motivated co-op student to join the Neuroscience team in a 6-month program. You will support mass spectrometry-based proteomics studies, including sample prep, DIA data analysis, and data communication.

Basic proteomics and data-analysis experience is preferred; neuroscience background is valuable but not required. The role involves independent work with close supervision and collaboration across CNS drug discovery teams.

Qualifications

• Currently enrolled in a BS/BA or graduate degree program in biology, biochemistry, analytical chemistry, bioengineering, neuroscience, pharmacology, computational biology, or related field.

Responsibilities

• Support sample preparation for proteomics studies.
• Assist with LC-MS-based proteomics workflows, especially DIA experiments.
• Analyze proteomics data and perform quality checks.
• Contribute to optimization of sample-preparation workflows.
• Communicate data clearly to teams and stakeholders.
• Collaborate with multidisciplinary teams.

Skills

Biology basics

Proteomics

Data analysis

DIA analysis

Lab techniques

Independent arbeid

Education

BS/BA or graduate degree in biology/chemistry/biochemical fields

Tools

Skyline

EncyclopeDIA

Spectronaut

Job description

Job Description The Future Talent Program features co-ops that last 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. Our company’s Neuroscience team is seeking a motivated and technically skilled co-op student majoring in the biological sciences, biochemistry, analytical chemistry, bioengineering, neuroscience, or related discipline. The student will support mass spectrometry-based proteomics studies, including biological sample preparation, data-independent acquisition (DIA) data analysis, quality assessment, and communication of results. Basic proteomics and data-analysis experience is preferred. A neuroscience background is valuable but not required. The candidate will work independently with close supervision and collaborate with colleagues supporting CNS drug discovery.

Early Discovery Neuroscience Team Responsibilities

• Support sample preparation for discovery and targeted proteomics studies using biological samples relevant to neuroscience research.
• Assist with the execution, analysis, and troubleshooting of LC-MS-based proteomics workflows, with emphasis on DIA experiments.
• Analyze and quality-check proteomics data using Skyline, EncyclopeDIA, Spectronaut, and/or comparable software.
• Contribute to optimization and automation of proteomics sample-preparation workflows, including AssayMAP and/or KingFisher platforms when applicable.
• Organize, interpret, graph, and communicate data clearly and concisely to teams and stakeholders.
• Monitor and critically interpret published work to guide research and collaborate with members of other functional areas.

Education Minimum Requirement

Candidates must be currently enrolled in a BS/BA or graduate degree program in biology, biochemistry, chemistry, analytical chemistry, bioengineering, neuroscience, pharmacology, computational biology, or a related scientific discipline.

Required Experience and Skills

• Candidates must have completed at least 2 years toward their degree program by the co-op start date.
• Candidates must be available to work full-time for 6 months beginning in early to mid-2027.
• Hands-on experience with basic biology or chemistry laboratory procedures, including accurate pipetting, solution preparation, sample tracking, and documentation.
• Foundational knowledge of proteins, peptides, enzymatic digestion, chromatography, mass spectrometry, or quantitative bioanalysis.
• Basic familiarity with DIA proteomics and experience analyzing data in at least one relevant software environment, such as Skyline, EncyclopeDIA, Spectronaut, or an equivalent platform.
• Demonstrated ability to perform accurate data analysis, graph results, and prepare clear scientific presentations or reports.
• Ability to work independently with supervision, learn new workflows, and collaborate in a multidisciplinary team environment.

Preferred Experience and Skills

• Coursework or research experience in proteomics, analytical chemistry, biochemistry, mass spectrometry, bioinformatics, and/or neuroscience.
• Experience with LC-MS/MS sample preparation or DIA analysis using Skyline, EncyclopeDIA, Spectronaut, R, Python, or related tools.
• Experience with automated sample-preparation platforms, especially AssayMAP and/or KingFisher.
• Interest in CNS drug discovery, biomarkers, target engagement, or pharmacokinetic/pharmacodynamic relationships.
• Excellent oral and written communication skills and strong attention to detail.

Salary range: The salary range for this role is $39,908 - $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

US and Puerto Rico Residents Only

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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.