2025 University Recruiting- Protein and Structural Chemistry Co-op

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

The Protein and Structural Chemistry team within the Discovery Chemistry Department is searching for a motivated and ambitious Co-op to join our Structural Chemistry group. Our mission is to employ a multidisciplinary approach to design, express, purify, and characterize protein reagents to advance the structure elucidation efforts that are critical to our drug discovery pipeline and ultimately benefit patients around the world.

Position Overview:

As a Co-op in our protein biochemistry lab, you will be at the forefront of supporting structural biology initiatives that play a pivotal role in early-stage drug discovery. This position offers an exceptional opportunity to gain hands-on industry experience while mastering essential laboratory techniques that are integral for generating high-quality protein reagents to support therapeutic research programs.

Key Responsibilities:

• Engage in protein expression using various systems, including bacterial cells and mammalian cells

• Conduct protein purification employing techniques such as FPLC, affinity chromatography, ion exchange, and gel filtration.

• Participate in protein characterization through methods including SDS-PAGE, Western Blotting, analytical size exclusion chromatography (SEC), differential scanning fluorimetry (DSF), and liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry (LC/MS).

• Explore protein crystallization techniques to support structural determination.

• Contribute to departmental and project team meetings, gaining a comprehensive understanding of the drug development process within the pharmaceutical industry.

• Present research findings through both oral and written formats, fostering communication skills and professional development.

Qualifications:

• Currently pursuing a degree in Biochemistry, Molecular Biology, or a related field.

• Strong laboratory background, with a keen interest in protein biochemistry and structural biology.

• Familiarity with molecular biology techniques and laboratory equipment is a plus.

• Excellent attention to detail and organizational skills, particularly in maintaining accurate electronic notebook records.

• Commitment to following safe laboratory practices and maintaining a clean workspace.

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.

Expected salary range:

$39,600.00-$105,500.00

MRL2025

FTP2025

Current Employees apply HERE

Current Contingent Workers apply HERE

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We are an Equal Opportunity Employer, committed to fostering an inclusive and diverse workplace.  All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, age, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, protected veteran status, or disability status, or other applicable legally protected characteristics.  For more information about personal rights under the U.S. Equal Opportunity Employment laws, visit:

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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

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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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