2027 Future Talent Program - Discovery Oncology (Boston, MA) – Co-op

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

Job summary

MSD—Discovery Oncology in Boston, MA—seeks a motivated co‑op student in biological sciences for oncology drug discovery. You will work with a scientific mentor to perform in vitro assays and cell culture, contributing to target characterization and molecule evaluation.

You will develop skills in cancer biology, data analysis, and cross-functional collaboration, with a six‑month full‑time opportunity starting early to mid‑2027.

Qualifications

• Currently enrolled in a BS/BA in biological sciences or related discipline.
• Available to work full-time for up to 6 consecutive months starting early to mid-2027.
• Must be enrolled in a co-op program through college/university.
• Strong desire to learn oncology drug discovery.
• Experience with basic lab procedures (pipetting, solution prep, plate-based assays).
• Experience with mammalian cell culture.
• Demonstrated ability to perform accurate data analysis.

Responsibilities

• Design, execute, interpret, and report in vitro experiments.
• Assist in developing and troubleshooting new cell-based assays.
• Communicate data clearly to teams and stakeholders.
• Monitor and interpret published work to guide your research.
• Collaborate with medicinal chemistry, in vivo/in vitro pharmacology, and genetics teams.

Skills

Mammalian cell culture

Data analysis

Pipetting

Collaboration

Communication

Education

BS/BA in Biological sciences

Tools

Flow cytometry

Western blotting

RT-qPCR

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.

Our Company’s Discovery Oncology team in Boston, MA is seeking a highly motivated and technically skilled student majoring in the biological or pharmaceutical sciences for a co‑op opportunity. The applicant should have a strong interest in cancer research and in learning about oncology drug discovery. Successful candidates will be able to work independently and will be expected to proactively collaborate with colleagues.

The co‑op will work with a scientific mentor to develop and carry out biochemical and/or cell‑based assays to characterize new therapeutic targets and potential therapeutic molecules. Techniques used will include, but are not limited to, cancer cell line culture, proliferation assays, genomic perturbation techniques, western blotting, RT‑qPCR, and flow cytometry.

Responsibilities of the Discovery Oncology co‑op may include:

• Design, execute, interpret, and report in vitro experiments.
• Assist in developing, executing, and troubleshooting new cell‑based assays.
• Communicate data clearly and concisely to teams and stakeholders.
• Monitor, review, and critically interpret published work to guide your own research.
• Collaborate with members of other functional areas, including medicinal chemistry, in vivo and in vitro pharmacology, and genetics.

Required Education and Skills:

• Candidates must be currently enrolled in a minimum of a BS/BA degree in biological sciences or a related discipline.
• Candidates must be available to work full‑time for up to (6) consecutive months beginning in early to mid‑2027.
• Candidates must be enrolled in a co‑op program through their college or university.
• Candidates must have a strong desire to develop knowledge of oncology drug discovery.
• Candidates must have experience with basic laboratory procedures, such as pipetting, solution preparation, and plate‑based assays. Experience with molecular biology is a plus.
• Candidates must have experience with basic mammalian cell culture.
• Candidates must have demonstrated ability to perform accurate data analysis.

Preferred Experience and Skills:

• Candidates should be strong collaborators with excellent oral and written communication skills, including preparation of lab reports and presentations.
• Candidates should have strong attention to detail.
• Candidates should have prior research experience.

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

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. Please click here if you need an accommodation during the application or hiring process.

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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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.

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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 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.