2027 Future Talent Program Neuroscience Discovery Co-op

Merck • Upper Gwynedd Township, PA

9d • $39,908 - $111,111 • Onsite

About The Position

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, pharmacology or bioengineering. The student should have strong interest in neuroscience and learning about Central Nervous System (CNS) drug discovery. Successful candidates will be able to work independently and will be expected to proactively collaborate with colleagues. Primary responsibilities include contributing to the planning and execution of in vitro and/or in vivo experiments that may encompass establishing cell-based model systems, high throughput screening, immunoassays and performing biochemical and immunohistochemical analysis of tissues to support the identification and validation of novel targets to treat CNS diseases. The candidate will be an active participant in the positive and critical scientific dialogue that supports our mission of drug discovery.

Requirements

• Currently enrolled in a BS/BA/MA/PhD degree program in the biological sciences or related disciplines such as biology, chemistry, pharmacy, or health related fields.
• Completed at least two years toward degree program by June of 2026
• Available to work full-time for 6 months beginning in early to mid-2027
• Theoretical knowledge of at least 2 of the following areas: molecular biology techniques, biochemistry, cell culture, neuroscience, functional neuroanatomy, pharmacology, toxicology, fluorescence microscopy, electrophysiology, cell biology and neurological diseases.
• Hands-on experience with basic biology/chemistry lab procedures with at least some of the following: patch-clamp electrophysiology, Western blot, ELISA/biochemical assays, PCR, sterile cell culture with mammalian cell lines, primary neuron culture and human stem cells (iPSCs), calcium imaging and in vivo experience or rodent pain-behaviour testing is highly desirable. Candidates with a strong interest and demonstrated ability to learn these techniques will also be considered
• Strong desire to develop knowledge of neuroscience drug discovery and work in a multidisciplinary team environment.
• Demonstrated ability to perform accurate data collection and analysis and presentation of results.

Nice To Haves

• Previous neuroscience, biochemistry, molecular biology class work.
• Experience with molecular biology assays AND/OR in vitro cell culture techniques AND/OR rodent behaviour, animal handling, dosing procedures, tissue processing.
• Demonstrate interest in conducting experiments to determine efficacy of test compounds, establish dose-response and pharmacokinetic/ pharmacodynamic relationships, investigate biomarker responses and target engagement or modulation in vitro or in vivo.
• Excellent oral and written communication skills, including preparation of lab reports and presentations.
• Strong attention to detail.

Responsibilities

• Design, execute, interpret and report in vitro and/or in vivo experiments.
• Assist in developing, executing, and troubleshooting new in vitro or in vivo assays, protocols and/or imaging methods.
• Communication of data clearly and concisely to teams and stakeholders.
• Monitor, review and critically interpret published work to guide their research.
• Collaborate with members from other functional areas, including medicinal chemistry, in vivo and in vitro pharmacology and genetics.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Intern