Job Description

The Future Talent Program features co-ops that last 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 Neuroscience team is seeking a motivated and technically skilled co-op student majoring in the biological sciences, biochemistry, analytical chemistry, bioengineering, neuroscience, or related discipline. The student will support mass spectrometry-based proteomics studies, including biological sample preparation, data-independent acquisition (DIA) data analysis, quality assessment, and communication of results. Basic proteomics and data-analysis experience is preferred. A neuroscience background is valuable but not required. The candidate will work independently with close supervision and collaborate with colleagues supporting CNS drug discovery.

The responsibilities of the Early Discovery Neuroscience team member include but are not limited to the following:

• Support sample preparation for discovery and targeted proteomics studies using biological samples relevant to neuroscience research.
• Assist with the execution, analysis, and troubleshooting of LC-MS-based proteomics workflows, with emphasis on DIA experiments.
• Analyze and quality-check proteomics data using Skyline, EncyclopeDIA, Spectronaut, and/or comparable software.
• Contribute to optimization and automation of proteomics sample-preparation workflows, including AssayMAP and/or KingFisher platforms when applicable.
• Organize, interpret, graph, and communicate data clearly and concisely to teams and stakeholders
• Monitor and critically interpret published work to guide research and collaborate with members of other functional areas.

Education Minimum Requirement:

• Candidates must be currently enrolled in a BS/BA or graduate degree program in biology, biochemistry, chemistry, analytical chemistry, bioengineering, neuroscience, pharmacology, computational biology, or a related scientific discipline.

Required Experience and Skills:

• Candidates must have completed at least 2 years toward their degree program by the co-op start date.
• Candidates must be available to work full-time for 6 months beginning in early to mid-2027.
• Hands-on experience with basic biology or chemistry laboratory procedures, including accurate pipetting, solution preparation, sample tracking, and documentation.
• Foundational knowledge of proteins, peptides, enzymatic digestion, chromatography, mass spectrometry, or quantitative bioanalysis.
• Basic familiarity with DIA proteomics and experience analyzing data in at least one relevant software environment, such as Skyline, EncyclopeDIA, Spectronaut, or an equivalent platform.
• Demonstrated ability to perform accurate data analysis, graph results, and prepare clear scientific presentations or reports.
• Ability to work independently with supervision, learn new workflows, and collaborate in a multidisciplinary team environment.

Preferred Experience and Skills:

• Coursework or research experience in proteomics, analytical chemistry, biochemistry, mass spectrometry, bioinformatics, and/or neuroscience.
• Experience with LC-MS/MS sample preparation or DIA analysis using Skyline, EncyclopeDIA, Spectronaut, R, Python, or related tools.
• Experience with automated sample-preparation platforms, especially AssayMAP and/or KingFisher.
• Interest in CNS drug discovery, biomarkers, target engagement, or pharmacokinetic/pharmacodynamic relationships.
• Excellent oral and written communication skills and strong attention to detail.

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 $39,908 - $111,111

FTP2027

RL2027

Required Skills:

Preferred Skills:

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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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