Job Description

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's 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 gain practical experience with day-to-day challenges in pharmaceutical research and learn about spatial biology and proteomics and how such efforts play a role in drug discovery. The Co-op will participate in departmental and project team meetings to provide a broad perspective on the drug discovery or development process in the pharmaceutical industry.

Key Responsibilities

• Perform formalin-fixed, paraffin-embedded (FFPE) tissue processing and sectioning

• Execute high-resolution, multiplexed immunofluorescence (IF) or immunohistochemistry (IHC) staining on FFPE sections

• Operate advanced laser microdissection systems to physically isolate selected cells or sub-cellular regions from the tissue slides

• Leverage ultra-sensitive mass spectrometry-based proteomics for tissue profiling

• Collaborate with team members to troubleshoot and optimize workflows

• Participate in lab meetings and present 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 pursuing a Ph.D. in Biology, Biophysics, Biochemistry, Chemical Biology or related field

• Candidates must have completed at least two years of studies toward a PhD or equivalent degree

• Candidates must have strong knowledge and experience in FFPE tissue sectioning and mounting on slides

• Candidate must have basic knowledge and experience in fluorescence imaging and analysis

• Candidates must be available to work full-time for approximately 6 months beginning in early to mid-2027

Preferred Experience & Skills: 

• Proficiency in machine learning-based image analysis and in one or more programming languages (R, Python, etc.)

• Hands-on experience with laser capture microdissection

• Familiarity with sample preparation techniques for proteomics or other -omics analysis

• Strong publication record and/or presentations at scientific conferences

• 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.

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

FTP2027

RL2027

Required Skills:

Preferred Skills:

Current Employees apply HERE

Current Contingent Workers apply HERE

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Our company is committed to inclusion, ensuring that candidates can engage in a hiring process that exhibits their true capabilities. Please click here if you need an accommodation during the application or hiring process.

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

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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. 

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*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.