2027 Future Talent Program – Protein and Structural Chemistry – Co-op

MSD; Boston (MA); On-site; USD 40,000 - 111,000; Full time

Job summary

MSD's Boston Structural Chemistry group within the Protein and Structural Chemistry (PSC) department seeks a 6-month Co-op to gain hands-on experience with modern structural biology workflows and contribute to projects spanning early discovery through late-stage development.

The Co-op will participate in protein crystallization screening, cryo-EM sample preparation, data collection, processing, structure determination, and model building, collaborating with structural biologists, medicinal

Qualifications

• Enrollment in a graduate degree program in Structural Biology, Biochemistry, Biophysics, Molecular Biology, Chemistry, or related discipline.
• Available to work full-time for six consecutive months beginning in 2027.
• Willing to relocate to the Boston area for on-site lab work.
• Strong organizational, analytical, and communication skills.
• Ability to work in a highly collaborative team environment.
• Experience with structural biology techniques (X-ray crystallography, cryo-EM, protein biochemistry).
• Familiarity with molecular visualization and refinement software (PyMOL, Coot, ChimeraX, Phenix).

Responsibilities

• Protein crystallization screening.
• Cryo-EM sample preparation.
• Diffraction or imaging data collection.
• Data processing and structure determination.
• Model building and structural analysis.
• Collaborate with protein scientists, medicinal chemists, computational chemists, and biophysicists.

Skills

Strong organizational

Analytical

Communication skills

Team-oriented

Willing to relocate

Education

Graduate degree in Structural Biology/related field

Tools

PyMOL

Coot

ChimeraX

Phenix

Job description

Job Description

The Future Talent Program features Cooperative (Co-op) education that lasts 4-6 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.

Job Description

We are seeking a 6-month Co-op to join the Boston Structural Chemistry group within the Protein and Structural Chemistry (PSC) department in Discovery Chemistry. Our group applies X-ray crystallography, cryo-electron microscopy (cryo-EM), and complementary structural biology approaches to determine high-resolution structures of therapeutically relevant targets and drug-target complexes. These efforts support structure-based drug discovery across a portfolio of research programs.

The Co-op will gain hands-on experience with modern structural biology workflows and contribute to projects spanning early discovery through late-stage development. Depending on project needs and candidate experience, responsibilities may include protein crystallization screening, cryo-EM sample preparation, diffraction or imaging data collection, data processing, structure determination, model building, and structural analysis. The successful candidate will work alongside structural biologists and collaborate with protein scientists, medicinal chemists, computational chemists, and biophysicists to generate insights that guide drug design.

The Co-op will participate in departmental and project team meetings, providing exposure to multidisciplinary drug discovery efforts in the pharmaceutical industry. Opportunities will be provided to communicate scientific results through presentations, written reports, and internal research symposia. Additional responsibilities include maintaining accurate electronic laboratory records, operating laboratory instrumentation used in structural biology research, and following all safety and compliance requirements.

Required Education and Skills

• Currently enrolled in a graduate degree program in Structural Biology, Biochemistry, Biophysics, Molecular Biology, Chemistry, or a related discipline
• Available to work full-time for six consecutive months beginning in 2027
• Willing to relocate to the Boston area for on-site laboratory work
• Strong organizational, analytical, and communication skills
• Ability to work effectively in a highly collaborative, team-oriented environment
• Experience with one or more of the following: X-ray crystallography
• Cryo-electron microscopy (cryo-EM)
• Protein biochemistry
• Protein crystallization
• Structural data processing and analysis
• Molecular visualization and structure refinement software, such as PyMOL, Coot, ChimeraX, or Phenix

Salary range

The salary range for this role is $39,908 - $111,111 FTP2027 RL2027

US and Puerto Rico Residents Only

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Equal Employment Opportunity Employer

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.

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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 LosAngeles’ Fair Chance Initiative for Hiring Ordinance.

Employee Status and Related Information

• Employee Status: Intern/Co‑op (Fixed Term)
• Relocation: No relocation
• VISA Sponsorship: No
• Travel Requirements: 10%
• Flexible Work Arrangements: Not Applicable
• Shift: Not IndicatedValid Driving License: No
• Hazardous Material(s): Yes

Job Posting End Date

Job Posting End Date: 11/20/2026 *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.

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.