2021 Computational & Structural Chemistry Intern
Job Description
The Future Talent Program features internships that last up to 12 weeks and will include one or more projects. These opportunities in our Research Labs can provide you with great development and a chance to see if we are the right company for your long-term goals.
The department of Computational & Structural Chemistry is offering internships in the following areas:
Modeling & Informatics (M&I) (Boston, MA; Kenilworth, NJ; Rahway, NJ; West Point, PA; South San Francisco, CA)
The candidate will participate in molecular modeling and cheminformatics research, either in an independent project or as part of a drug discovery team. Prior experience with molecular modeling approaches such as docking, molecular dynamics, protein design, quantum chemical calculations, and machine learning will be beneficial. The candidate will learn how to employ data, models, and methods to drive hypothesis-driven drug discovery and will be exposed to many areas of research relevant to the drug discovery and development process. Potential involvement in a scientific publication may occur as a result of this research.
Structural Sciences (SS) (Boston, MA; Kenilworth, NJ; West Point, PA; South San Francisco, CA)
The Structural Sciences groups use X-ray crystallography and Cryo-electron microscopy to determine structures of drug/target complexes, biologics, and other relevant biological macromolecules to enable structure-based drug discovery. The successful candidate will work to support drug discovery with structural information using some or all of the following methods: protein production in prokaryotic and/or eukaryotic expression systems, preparative protein purification, labeling, characterization using SDS-PAGE, spectroscopic and analytical chromatographic methods, biochemical and biophysical pre-crystallization assays, and crystallization screening and/or sample preparation for Cryo-EM, and structure determination/analysis.
Structural Protein Sciences (SPS) (West Point, PA)
The Structural Protein Sciences group enables crystallography and cryo-EM structural studies by providing high quality, well characterized recombinant proteins throughout our company. The SPS group also develops methods for directed evolution of recombinant proteins with increased stability as well methods for membrane protein stabilization. The successful candidate will be involved in cloning, expression, purification and biophysical characterization of recombinant proteins to support various drug discovery activities. Some molecular biology or protein chemistry lab experience is required for this position.
Interns will be responsible for accurate electronic notebook recording, safe laboratory practices, and presentation of data and their interpretation to a team of scientists. The intern will also attend departmental and team meetings to gain a wider perspective of the drug development process in the pharmaceutical industry.
We are seeking candidates with excellent academic performance, communication skills, teamwork, and the ability to work in a multi-functional environment. Applicants with previous research experience in the listed areas are highly preferred.
**Please note when applying for this position, if the applicant is selected for an interview, the applicant must be prepared to submit letters of recommendation, a brief research statement, and a copy of their transcript.
Required Education and Skills:
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Candidates must be pursuing BS/BA or Master’s/Ph.D. degree in related field with demonstrated interest/experience in research areas relevant to the drug discovery process
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Candidates must be available to work full-time for up to (12) weeks beginning in May or June of 2021.
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Candidates must have completed at least (2) years of studies toward a BS/BA degree or at least (1) year toward a master's / PhD at the time of internship (summer 2021).
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Candidates must have a strong background in chemistry, biochemistry, biophysics, informatics, computer science, or applied mathematics (M&I)
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Candidates must have basic laboratory skills and research experience such as: molecular biology, protein expression and purification, protein characterization using biochemical and biophysical techniques, and safe lab practices (SS and SPS)
Preferred Experience and Skills:
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Candidates should have significant interest in applying modeling/informatics methods towards drug discovery research (M&I)
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Candidates should have programming skills (M&I)
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Candidate should have significant interest in protein structure/function (SS and SPS)
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Candidates should have experience with preparation of challenging biological macromolecules such as membrane proteins and protein complexes (SS and SPS)
We are a research-driven biopharmaceutical company. Our mission is built on the simple premise that if we “follow the science” and that great medicines can make a significant impact to our world. And we believe that a research-driven enterprise dedicated to world-class science can succeed by inventing medicine and vaccine innovations that make a difference for patients across the globe.
Who we are …
Merck & Co., Inc., Kenilworth, New Jersey, USA is known as “Merck” in the United States, Canada & Puerto Rico. We are known as “MSD” in Europe, Middle East, Africa, Latin America & Asia Pacific. We are a global biopharmaceutical leader with a diverse portfolio of prescription medicines, oncology, vaccines and animal health products.
We are driven by our purpose to develop and deliver innovative products that save and improve lives. With 69,000 employees operating in more than 140 countries, we offer state of the art laboratories, plants and offices that are designed to Inspire our employees as we learn, develop and grow in our careers. We are proud of our 125 years of service to humanity and continue to be one of the world’s biggest investors in Research & Development.
What we look for …
In a world of rapid innovation, we seek brave Inventors who want to make an Impact in all aspects of our business, enabling breakthroughs that will affect generations to come. We encourage you to bring your disruptive thinking, collaborative spirit and diverse perspective to our organization. Together we will continue Inventing For Life, Impacting Lives while Inspiring Your Career Growth.
INVENT.
IMPACT.
INSPIRE.
FTP2021
US and Puerto Rico Residents Only:
If you need an accommodation for the application process please email us at staffingaadar@msd.com
For more information about personal rights under Equal Employment Opportunity, visit:
We are an equal opportunity employer, Minority/Female/Disability/Veteran – proudly embracing diversity in all of its manifestations.
Search Firm Representatives Please Read Carefully
Merck & Co., Inc., Kenilworth, NJ, USA, also known as Merck Sharp & Dohme Corp., Kenilworth, 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 Specified
Shift:
Valid Driving License:
Hazardous Material(s):
Number of Openings:
10
Requisition ID:R74934