2027 Future Talent Program - Protein & Structural Chemistry - Intern

MSD Malaysia; South San Francisco (CA); On-site; USD 39,000 - 111,000; Full time

Job summary

MSD Malaysia offers a paid internship in the Protein & Structural Chemistry group as part of the Future Talent Program. The 10–12 week internship starts in June 2027 and includes hands-on projects in drug discovery, state-of-the-art lab equipment, and opportunities to contribute to a potential publication.

Locations include Rahway, NJ; West Point, PA; Boston, MA; and South San Francisco, CA, with full-time internship duties and safety-focused, collaborative team environments in pharma research.

Qualifications

• Candidates must be pursuing BS/BA or Master’s/Ph.D. degree in related field with demonstrated interest/experience in research areas relevant to the drug discovery process.
• Candidates must have basic laboratory skills and research experience such as structural biology, protein biochemistry, biophysics, BioNMR, mass spectrometry, molecular biology, protein expression and purification, protein characterization using biochemical and biophysical techniques, safe lab practices.
• Completed at least two years of studies toward BS/BA or at least 1 year toward Master’s/Ph.D. at time of internship.
• Currently enrolled in an academic program and continuing education for at least 1 semester after internship.

Responsibilities

• preparative protein purification
• characterization using SDS-PAGE
• spectroscopic and analytical chromatographic methods
• biochemical and biophysical pre‑crystallization assays
• crystallization screening and crystal optimization
• crystal harvesting
• grid preparation for Cryo‑EM
• data collection, processing, and structure determination
• critical analysis of protein‑ligand structural data

Skills

structural biology

protein biochemistry

biophysics

BioNMR

mass spectrometry

molecular biology

protein expression and purification

protein characterization

safe lab practices

Education

BS/BA or Master’s/Ph.D. in related field

Job description

Job Description

Job Description The Future Talent Program features internships that last up to 12 weeks 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.

For you: These positions in our Company's Research Labs will provide you with a great development opportunity and a chance to see if we are the right company for your long‑term goals.

For us: We get to meet the best and brightest individuals who represent the future of scientific endeavor in the US. We are seeking candidates with a passion for scientific research, excellent academic performance, communication skills, teamwork, and the ability to work in a multi‑functional environment.

A strong science background in applied biology, biochemistry, or chemistry with research in a laboratory setting is essential. Applicants with previous research experience in the listed areas are highly preferred. You will be provided with laptops and have access to state‑of‑the‑art lab equipment as necessary to perform the role. This is a paid internship targeted to start in June 2027 and run for 10‑12 weeks. Potential involvement in a scientific publication may occur as a result of the research undertaken during the internship.

The department of Protein & Structural Chemistry is offering internships in the following discipline: Structural Chemistry. The Structural Chemistry groups use X‑ray crystallography and Cryo‑electron microscopy to determine structures of drug/target complexes, biologics, and other relevant biological macromolecules to enable structure‑based drug discovery.

Key Responsibilities

• preparative protein purification
• characterization using SDS-PAGE
• spectroscopic and analytical chromatographic methods
• biochemical and biophysical pre‑crystallization assays
• crystallization screening and crystal optimization
• crystal harvesting
• grid preparation for Cryo‑EM
• data collection, processing, and structure determination
• critical analysis of protein‑ligand structural data

Interns will be responsible for accurate electronic notebook recording, safe laboratory practices, and presentation of data and their interpretation to a team of scientists. The intern will also attend departmental and team meetings to gain a wider perspective of the drug development process in the pharmaceutical industry.

Locations

• Rahway, NJ
• West Point, PA
• Boston, MA
• South San Francisco, CA

Required Education, Experience and Skills

Candidates must be pursuing BS/BA or Master’s/Ph.D. degree in related field with demonstrated interest/experience in research areas relevant to the drug discovery process.

Candidates must have basic laboratory skills and research experience such as:

• structural biology
• protein biochemistry
• biophysics
• BioNMR
• mass spectrometry
• molecular biology
• protein expression and purification
• protein characterization using biochemical and biophysical techniques
• safe lab practices

Candidates must have completed at least two years of studies toward BS/BA degree or at least 1 year toward Master’s/Ph.D. at time of internship.

Candidates must be currently enrolled in an academic program at the time of the application and be continuing education for at least 1 semester once internship completes.

Candidates must be available for full‑time employment for 10‑12 weeks during the months of June - August 2027.

Preferred Experience and Skills

• significant interest in protein structure/function
• experience with preparation of challenging biological macromolecules such as membrane proteins, or characterizing proteins using functional assays or techniques that measure ligand binding
• GPA of 3.0 or higher

Salary

Salary range: The salary range for this role is $39,108 through $111,111.

Employment Details

• 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 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.

About the Company

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.