2027 Future Talent Program - Protein & Structural Chemistry - Intern

About the role

The department of Protein & Structural Chemistry is offering internships in Structural Chemistry. The Structural Chemistry 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.

Responsibilities

• Support drug discovery with structural information using some or all of the following methods: preparative protein purification, characterization using SDS-PAGE, spectroscopic and analytical chromatographic methods, biochemical and biophysical pre-crystallization assays, crystallization screening and crystal optimization, crystal harvesting, grid preparation for Cryo-EM, and data collection, processing, and structure determination and critical analysis of protein-ligand structural data.
• Maintain accurate electronic notebook recording and follow safe laboratory practices.
• Present data and their interpretation to a team of scientists.
• Attend departmental and team meetings to gain a wider perspective of the drug development process in the pharmaceutical industry.

Required qualifications

• Currently pursuing a BS/BA or Master's/Ph.D. degree in a related field with demonstrated interest/experience in research areas relevant to the drug discovery process.
• Basic laboratory skills and research experience such as: structural biology, protein biochemistry, biophysics, BioNMR, mass spectrometry, molecular biology, protein expression and purification, protein characterization using biochemical and biophysical techniques, and safe lab practices.
• Completed at least two years of studies toward BS/BA degree or at least 1 year towards Master's/PhD at time of internship.
• Currently enrolled in an academic program at the time of application and continuing education for at least 1 semester once internship completes.
• Available for full-time employment for 10–12 weeks during the months of June – August 2027.

Preferred qualifications

• Significant interest in protein structure/function.
• Experience with preparation of challenging biological macromolecules such as membrane proteins, or characterizing proteins using functional assays or techniques that measure ligand binding.
• GPA of 3.0 or higher.

Locations

Rahway, NJ; West Point, PA; Boston, MA; South San Francisco, CA

Pay

The salary range for this role is $39,108 through $111,111.

Schedule

This is a paid internship targeted to start in June 2027 and run for 10–12 weeks. Full-time employment, 1st shift.

Benefits

• Access to state-of-the-art lab equipment as necessary to perform the role.
• Laptops provided.
• Potential involvement in a scientific publication may occur as a result of the research undertaken during the internship.