2027 Future Talent Program –Retinal and Vascular Biology - 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.

Our Company's Research Laboratories in Cambridge, MA, is an innovation hub dedicated to fostering collaboration among scientists and accelerating the discovery of innovative medicines that improve human health. The Retinal and Vascular Biology group in Cambridge, part of the group based in South San Francisco of the Cardiometabolic Disease Department, is seeking a motivated and creative co-op with hands-on experience in experimental research.

This six-month training opportunity provides an aspiring early-career scientist with valuable hands-on experience working alongside colleagues within the group and department, across Our Research Labs in Cambridge and South San Francisco, and throughout the broader our Company's network. The ideal candidate will be a Master's or Ph.D. student with demonstrated expertise in in vitro assay execution.

EDUCATION MINIMUM REQUIREMENT:

• Currently enrolled in a Master’s or Ph.D. program in Biology, Biotechnology, Biomedical Sciences, Biomedical Engineering, Pharmacology or a related field

SPECIFIC RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Perform in vitro assays to evaluate endothelial barrier function and vascular integrity

• Culture and maintain retinal and vascular cell models used in barrier function assay

• Assess compounds representing diverse mechanisms of action and characterize their effects on endothelial biology

• Analyze, interpret, and present experimental data to project teams

• Contribute to the optimization and advancement of in vitro vascular integrity assays

• Participate in team meetings and scientific discussions related to retinal disease and therapeutic target discovery

• Maintain accurate and detailed records in electronic laboratory notebooks and adhere to safe laboratory practices

REQUIRED SKILLS:

• Prior laboratory experience in cell culture and basic molecular or cellular biology techniques

• Strong organizational skills and attention to detail

• Ability to analyze data and communicate scientific findings effectively

• High level of motivation, curiosity, and passion for scientific research

 PREFERRED SKILLS:

• Familiarity with retinal biology, vascular biology, inflammation, or drug discovery research

• Experience with statistical analysis and scientific data visualization

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

US and Puerto Rico Residents Only:

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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. 

Employee Status:

Intern/Co-op (Fixed Term)

Relocation:

No relocation

VISA Sponsorship:

No

Travel Requirements:

No Travel Required

Flexible Work Arrangements:

Not Applicable

Shift:

1st - Day

Valid Driving License:

No

Hazardous Material(s):

N/A

Job Posting End Date:

10/9/2026

*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.