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

Merck; Boston (MA); On-site; USD 40,000 - 111,000; Part time

Job summary

Merck’s Discovery Chemistry division is seeking a 6‑month Co-op to join the Boston Structural Chemistry group. You will work on X-ray crystallography, cryo-EM, and related structural biology methods to support structure-based drug discovery across programs.

You will gain hands-on experience with crystallization, data collection, model building, and collaborative drug design while communicating findings in meetings and reports.

Qualifications

• Graduate student in Structural Biology or related field
• Available to work full-time for six consecutive months starting 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-oriented environment
• Experience with X-ray crystallography, cryo-EM, protein biochemistry, crystallization, or related structural methods
• Molecular visualization and structure refinement software such as PyMOL, Coot, ChimeraX, or Phenix

Responsibilities

• Conduct protein crystallization screening, cryo-EM sample prep, diffraction or imaging data collection
• Perform data processing, structure determination, model building and structural analysis
• Collaborate with protein scientists, medicinal chemists, computational chemists and biophysicists
• Communicate scientific results through presentations and reports
• Maintain accurate electronic laboratory records and ensure compliance with safety requirements

Skills

X-ray crystallography

Cryo-EM

Protein biochemistry

Protein crystallization

Structural data processing

Molecular visualization

Education

Graduate degree enrollment in Structural Biology or 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.

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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Employee Status: Intern/Co-op (Fixed Term)

Relocation: No relocation

VISA Sponsorship: No

Travel Requirements: 10%

Flexible Work Arrangements: Not Applicable

Shift: Not Indicated

Valid Driving License: No

Hazardous Material(s): Yes

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