2027 Future Talent Program - Quantitative Biosciences, Cellular Pharmacology & Lead Discovery - Intern

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

Job summary

MSD's Future Talent Program offers internships lasting up to 12 weeks in our Research & Development Division, providing a platform for growth and a chance to gauge alignment with long-term objectives.

The Quantitative Biosciences Cellular Pharmacology & Lead Discovery team invites highly motivated students to perform critical cellular assays, learn lab automation, and communicate data progress through presentations and discussions with MSD scientists.

Qualifications

• Currently enrolled full-time in biology, biochemistry, or a related discipline.
• 8–12 weeks internship beginning May or June 2027.
• Strong verbal and written communication.
• Ability to work independently in a team environment.

Responsibilities

• Learn cellular assays used in drug development and lab automation.
• Execute cellular assays to support compound screening and MOA studies.
• Evaluate new assay technologies and methods.
• Record data in electronic lab notebooks and analyze results.
• Present progress in internal meetings and deliver a final presentation.

Skills

Verbal communication

Written communication

Independent work

Teamwork

Education

BS/BA in biology or related

1–2 years toward Master’s/PhD

Job description

Job Description

The Future Talent Program offers internships lasting up to 12 weeks and will include one or more projects. These opportunities within our Research & Development Division serve as a platform for significant personal growth, allowing you to gauge whether our company aligns with your long-term objectives.

The Quantitative Biosciences Cellular Pharmacology & Lead Discovery team is looking for a highly talented and motivated student to join our ranks. Collaborating closely with experienced pharmaceutical industry scientists, the chosen candidate will contribute to the discovery and advancement of novel medicines for cancer and cardiometabolic disorders. At the heart of this role lies the execution of critical cellular assays to evaluate and characterize preclinical therapeutic candidates.

The successful candidate will:

• Learn about different cellular assays used in drug development and how to leverage laboratory automation to improve robustness and increase throughput
• Execute cellular assays to support compound screening and mechanism of action studies
• Evaluate and optimize new assay technologies and methods
• Engage with industry-standard data analysis tools and record keeping, including electronic lab notebooks and analysis software
• Communicate data progress during internal meetings; deliver a verbal presentation at the completion of training; participate in scientific exchange with our Company scientists

We value open communication, creative-thinking, strong teamwork, and rigorous scientific exploration. If you are a highly motivated team player with enthusiasm for learning new techniques who thrives on challenge and has a strong desire to impact drug discovery, we invite you to apply.

Required Education & Experience:

• Candidates must be currently enrolled in a full-time degree program in biology, biochemistry, or a related discipline and have completed at least 2 years of studies toward BS/BA or at least 1 year towards master’s/PhD by the start of the internship
• Available to work full-time for 8-12 weeks beginning in May or June of 2027
• Superior verbal and written communication skills and a demonstrated record of strong academic achievement
• Proven ability to work independently in a multi-functional, team-oriented environment

Preferred Experience & Skills:

• Previous laboratory experience with cell biology techniques
• Hands-on experience with aseptic technique and good cell culture practice
• A keen interest in scientific exploration and drug discovery research
• Self-motivated and detail-orientated with excellent record keeping and organizational skills

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

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.

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:

10/9/2026

*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.