2027 Future Talent Program –Retinal and Vascular Biology - Co-Op

Merck; Cambridge (MA); On-site; USD 39,000 - 111,000; Full time

Job summary

Merck’s Cambridge, MA research labs are seeking a motivated co-op in the Retinal and Vascular Biology group to perform in vitro barrier function assays and culture retinal cell models. The role involves data interpretation and collaboration across teams in Cambridge and South San Francisco.

The ideal candidate is a Master's or Ph.D. student with hands-on lab experience and strong scientific communication abilities, contributing to targets in retinal disease and vascular biology.

Qualifications

• Prior laboratory experience in cell culture and basic molecular or cellular biology techniques.
• Strong organizational skills and attention to detail.
• Ability to analyze data and communicate scientific findings effectively.
• High level of motivation, curiosity, and passion for scientific research.

Responsibilities

• Perform in vitro assays to evaluate endothelial barrier function and vascular integrity.
• Culture and maintain retinal and vascular cell models used in barrier function assay.
• Assess compounds representing diverse mechanisms of action and characterize their effects on endothelial biology.
• Analyze, interpret, and present experimental data to project teams.
• Contribute to the optimization and advancement of in vitro vascular integrity assays.
• Participate in team meetings and scientific discussions related to retinal disease and therapeutic target discovery.
• Maintain accurate and detailed records in electronic laboratory notebooks and adhere to safe laboratory practices.

Skills

Cell culture

Molecular biology

Data analysis

Scientific communication

Education

Master's or Ph.D. candidate in Biology/related field

Job description

Job Description

The Future Talent Program features Cooperative (Co-op) education that lasts up to 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 Research Laboratories in Cambridge, MA, is an innovation hub dedicated to fostering collaboration among scientists and accelerating the discovery of innovative medicines that improve human health. The Retinal and Vascular Biology group in Cambridge, part of the group based in South San Francisco of the Cardiometabolic Disease Department, is seeking a motivated and creative co-op with hands-on experience in experimental research. This six-month training opportunity provides an aspiring early-career scientist with valuable hands-on experience working alongside colleagues within the group and department, across Our Research Labs in Cambridge and South San Francisco, and throughout the broader our Company's network. The ideal candidate will be a Master's or Ph.D. student with demonstrated expertise in in vitro assay execution.

Education Minimum Requirement

• Currently enrolled in a Master's or Ph.D. program in Biology, Biotechnology, Biomedical Sciences, Biomedical Engineering, Pharmacology or a related field

Specific Responsibilities

• Perform in vitro assays to evaluate endothelial barrier function and vascular integrity
• Culture and maintain retinal and vascular cell models used in barrier function assay
• Assess compounds representing diverse mechanisms of action and characterize their effects on endothelial biology
• Analyze, interpret, and present experimental data to project teams
• Contribute to the optimization and advancement of in vitro vascular integrity assays
• Participate in team meetings and scientific discussions related to retinal disease and therapeutic target discovery
• Maintain accurate and detailed records in electronic laboratory notebooks and adhere to safe laboratory practices

Required Skills

• Prior laboratory experience in cell culture and basic molecular or cellular biology techniques
• Strong organizational skills and attention to detail
• Ability to analyze data and communicate scientific findings effectively
• High level of motivation, curiosity, and passion for scientific research

Preferred Skills

• Familiarity with retinal biology, vascular biology, inflammation, or drug discovery research
• Experience with statistical analysis and scientific data visualization

Salary Range

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

FTP2027

RL2027

US And Puerto Rico Residents Only

Our company is committed to inclusion, ensuring that candidates can engage in a hiring process that exhibits their true capabilities.

Requirements

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. As a federal contractor, we comply with all affirmative action requirements for protected veterans and individuals with disabilities. For more information about personal rights under the U.S. Equal Opportunity Employment laws, visit:

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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.

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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

1st - Day

Valid Driving License

No

Hazardous Material(s)

N/A

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.

Requisition ID

R412317