2026 Future Talent Program - Chemical Biology - Cell Biology - Co-op

The Future Talent Program features co-ops that last up to 6 months and will include one or more projects. These opportunities in our Research & 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 Lab's Chemical Biology group within Discovery Chemistry is seeking a co-op with a passion for scientific research, strong academic performance, communication skills, and the ability to work on cross-functional teams. We offer opportunities in our state-of-the-art science laboratories to solve fundamental synthetic or biological problems relevant to drug discovery and development, while functioning as a fully integrated member of the company project teams.

Chemical Biology (Cambridge, MA)

Our company Chemical Biology (comprising of chemistry, proteomics, and cell pharmacology) focuses on providing novel, high-quality targets and expanding confidence on molecular mechanism of action for our key assets. The candidate will leverage their chemical and biological expertise to solve complex biological problems while working in both chemistry and biology laboratory spaces. The co-op will provide an opportunity to gain firsthand knowledge on how our company Research Labs use key technologies to create a synergistic toolbox for early discovery and beyond.

The candidate will participate in departmental and project team meetings, providing a broad perspective on the drug discovery and development processes within the pharmaceutical industry. The co-op will gain valuable skills through exposure to practical aspects and day-to-day challenges of pharmaceutical research. They will be responsible for, and trained in, accurate electronic notebook documentation and safe laboratory practices. Additionally, the candidate will have the opportunity to present their research findings in both oral and written formats.

Key Responsibilities:

• Design, optimize, and develop novel cell-based assays for phenotypic screening.
• Collaborate with team members to troubleshoot and improve assays.
• Analyze and interpret experimental data, maintaining detailed laboratory records.
• Participate in lab meetings and present research findings.

**Please note when applying for this position, the candidate must have consent from PI. If the candidate is selected for an interview, the applicant must be prepared to submit letters of recommendation and a brief research statement and a copy of transcripts.

Required Education & Experience:

• Candidates must be currently enrolled graduate student pursuing a Master's or Ph.D. in Chemistry, Chemical Biology, or related field.
• Candidates must have completed at least two years of studies toward a PhD or equivalent degree by June 2026.
• Candidates must be available to work full-time for approximately 6 months beginning in early to mid-2026.
• Candidates must be self-motivated, creative scientists with strong critical thinking skills and attention to detail.

Preferred Experience & Skills:

• Candidates should have hands-on exposure to mammalian cell culture and experimental pharmacology.
• Candidates should possess a good understanding of biology concepts and chemical application to solve biological problems.
• Candidates should have laboratory skills and previous research experience in developing fluorescence-based, luminescent-based or other cellular assays.
• Candidates should have hands-on experience with imaging technologies is a plus.
• Candidates should have a GPA of 3.0 or higher.

Please note that this position may be closed before the posted end date or may remain open longer, at the discretion of the company.

Under New York City, Colorado State, Washington State, and California State law, the Company is required to provide a reasonable estimate of the salary range for this job. Final determinations with respect to salary will take into account a number of factors, which may include, but not be limited to the primary work location and the chosen candidate's relevant skills, experience, and education

Salary range:

The salary range for this role is $39,600.00-$105,500.00 USD

FTP2026

RL2026

Current Employees apply HERE

Current Contingent Workers apply HERE

US and Puerto Rico Residents Only:

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U.S. Hybrid Work Model

Effective September 5, 2023, employees in office-based positions in the U.S. will be working a Hybrid work consisting of three total days on-site per week, Monday - Thursday, although the specific days may vary by site or organization, with Friday designated as a remote-working day, unless business critical tasks require an on-site presence.This Hybrid work model does not apply to, and daily in-person attendance is required for, field-based positions; facility-based, manufacturing-based, or research-based positions where the work to be performed is located at a Company site; positions covered by a collective-bargaining agreement (unless the agreement provides for hybrid work); or any other position for which the Company has determined the job requirements cannot be reasonably met working remotely. Please note, this Hybrid work model guidance also does not apply to roles that have been designated as "remote".

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

Search Firm Representatives Please Read Carefully
Merck & Co., Inc., Rahway, NJ, USA, also known as Merck Sharp & Dohme LLC, Rahway, NJ, USA, does not accept unsolicited assistance from search firms for employment opportunities. All CVs / resumes submitted by search firms to any employee at our company without a valid written search agreement in place for this position will be deemed the sole property of our company. No fee will be paid in the event a candidate is hired by our company as a result of an agency referral where no pre-existing agreement is in place. Where agency agreements are in place, introductions are position specific. Please, no phone calls or emails.

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

Required Skills:
Cell-Based Assays, Cell-Based Assays, Cell Cultures, Cell Physiology, Chemical Biology, Clinical Research, Cloud Data Catalog, Data Analysis, Database Management, Data Science, Data Security, Data Visualization, Data Wrangling, Detail-Oriented, Drug Discovery Process, Event Planning, Key Performance Indicators (KPI), Mammalian Cell, Mammalian Cell Culture, Organic Chemistry, Pharmaceutical Development, Pharmaceutical Research, Project Management, Proteomics, Python (Programming Language) {+ 2 more}

Preferred Skills:

Job Posting End Date:
11/3/2025
*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: R363202