2027 Future Talent Program Neuroscience Discovery Co-op

MSD; Upper Gwynedd Township (Montgomery County); On-site; USD 40,000 - 111,000; Full time

Job summary

MSD is seeking a motivated co‑op in the Neuroscience group for a 6‑month program in our Research and Development division. The role focuses on planning and executing in vitro and in vivo experiments to support CNS drug discovery and target validation.

The position emphasizes independent work, collaboration with colleagues, and contributing to scientific discussions while developing hands-on skills in neuroscience research and data analysis.

Qualifications

• Currently enrolled in a BS/BA/MA/PhD degree program in biological sciences or related fields.
• Two years of progress toward degree by June 2026 required.
• Available to work full-time for 6 months starting early to mid-2027.
• Knowledge in at least two areas: molecular biology techniques, biochemistry, cell culture, neuroscience, pharmacology, toxicology, fluorescence microscopy.
• Hands-on biology lab experience such as PCR, cell culture, ELISA, or patch-clamp is valued.

Responsibilities

• Design, execute, interpret and report in vitro and/or in vivo experiments.
• Develop and troubleshoot new assays and imaging methods.
• Communicate data clearly to teams and stakeholders.
• Review published work to guide research.
• Collaborate with medicinal chemistry, pharmacology, and genetics teams.

Skills

Neuroscience

Molecular biology

Biochemistry

Cell culture

Data analysis

Communication

Attention to detail

Education

BS/BA/MA/PhD in biological sciences or related

Tools

Patch-clamp

Western blot

ELISA

PCR

Calcium imaging

In vivo rodent behavior

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, pharmacology or bioengineering. The student should have strong interest in neuroscience and learning about Central Nervous System (CNS) drug discovery. Successful candidates will be able to work independently and will be expected to proactively collaborate with colleagues.

Primary responsibilities include contributing to the planning and execution of in vitro and/or in vivo experiments that may encompass establishing cell-based model systems, high throughput screening, immunoassays and performing biochemical and immunohistochemical analysis of tissues to support the identification and validation of novel targets to treat CNS diseases. The candidate will be an active participant in the positive and critical scientific dialogue that supports our mission of drug discovery.

The responsibilities of the Early Discovery Neuroscience team member include but are not limited to the following:

• Design, execute, interpret and report in vitro and/or in vivo experiments.
• Assist in developing, executing, and troubleshooting new in vitro or in vivo assays, protocols and/or imaging methods.
• Communication of data clearly and concisely to teams and stakeholders.
• Monitor, review and critically interpret published work to guide their research.
• Collaborate with members from other functional areas, including medicinal chemistry, in vivo and in vitro pharmacology and genetics.

Education Minimum Requirement

• Candidates must be currently enrolled in a BS/BA/MA/PhD degree program in the biological sciences or related disciplines such as biology, chemistry, pharmacy, or health related fields.

Required Experience and Skills

• Candidates must have completed at least two years toward degree program by June of 2026
• Candidates must be available to work full-time for 6 months beginning in early to mid-2027
• Candidates must have theoretical knowledge of at least 2 of the following areas: molecular biology techniques, biochemistry, cell culture, neuroscience, functional neuroanatomy, pharmacology, toxicology, fluorescence microscopy, electrophysiology, cell biology and neurological diseases.
• Candidates must have hands‑on experience with basic biology/chemistry lab procedures with at least some of the following: patch-clamp electrophysiology, Western blot, ELISA/biochemical assays, PCR, sterile cell culture with mammalian cell lines, primary neuron culture and human stem cells (iPSCs), calcium imaging and in vivo experience or rodent pain‑behaviour testing is highly desirable. Candidates with a strong interest and demonstrated ability to learn these techniques will also be considered
• Candidates must have strong desire to develop knowledge of neuroscience drug discovery and work in a multidisciplinary team environment.
• Candidates must have demonstrated ability to perform accurate data collection and analysis and presentation of results.

Preferred Experience and Skills

• Candidates should have previous neuroscience, biochemistry, molecular biology class work.
• Candidates should have experience with molecular biology assays AND/OR in vitro cell culture techniques AND/OR rodent behaviour, animal handling, dosing procedures, tissue processing.
• Candidates should demonstrate interest in conducting experiments to determine efficacy of test compounds, establish dose‑response and pharmacokinetic/ pharmacodynamic relationships, investigate biomarker responses and target engagement or modulation in vitro or in vivo.
• Candidates should have excellent oral and written communication skills, including preparation of lab reports and presentations.
• Candidates should have strong attention to detail.

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 $39,908 - $111,111

FTP2027

RL2027

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

Not Indicated

Valid Driving License

No

Hazardous Material(s)

Yes

Job Posting End Date

10/30/2026

*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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