2027 Future Talent Program - Discovery Neuroscience - Co-op
MSD
Summary
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.
Job description
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.
Responsibilities
- 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/PhD 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.
Requirements
- Currently enrolled in a BS/BA/PhD program in biology, biochemistry, chemistry, analytical chemistry, bioengineering, neuroscience, pharmacology, computational biology, or a related scientific discipline
- Completed at least 2 years toward degree program by the co-op start date
- 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
Company overview
MSD, known as Merck Sharp & Dohme outside the United States and Canada, is a global research-intensive biopharmaceutical company headquartered in Rahway, New Jersey. Founded in 1891, the company has established itself as one of the world's leading pharmaceutical corporations with a rich history spanning over 130 years. MSD operates as the international division of Merck & Co., Inc., focusing on the discovery, development, manufacturing, and marketing of innovative medicines, vaccines, biologic therapies, and animal health products. The company's extensive portfolio includes groundbreaking treatments in oncology, infectious diseases, cardiology, diabetes, and vaccines, with notable products such as Keytruda (pembrolizumab) for cancer immunotherapy, Gardasil for HPV prevention, and Januvia for diabetes management. MSD maintains a strong commitment to research and development, investing significantly in scientific innovation to address unmet medical needs worldwide. With approximately 75,000 employees globally, the company operates through four main segments: pharmaceuticals, animal health, healthcare services, and strategic alliances. MSD's mission centers on using leading-edge science to save and improve lives around the world, guided by the principle that medicine is for people, not profits.