Medicinal Chemistry Fall 2027 Co-op (Undergrad)

Location: Cambridge Crossing - MA - US; Devens - MA - US

At Bristol Myers Squibb, our employees often ask, “Who are you working for?”—a question that fuels collaboration, accountability, and urgency in our work. Our purpose-driven culture inspires us to discover, develop, and deliver innovative medicines to prevail over serious diseases. We offer uniquely interesting and meaningful work, opportunities for growth, and a supportive environment that values inclusion, wellbeing, flexibility, and comprehensive benefits. This is work that transforms the lives of patients, and the careers of those who do it.

Position Summary

At Bristol Myers Squibb we are proud to bring innovative medicines to patients in need. The Medicinal Chemistry Co-op Program is seeking future scientific leaders who want to make an impact on advancing innovative science to ultimately affect human health. Co-ops are challenged with advancing new chemical methodology in our organic chemistry labs that could have broad applications to facilitate innovative drug discovery, and gain valuable industry and functional expertise along the way.

The co-op will lead a synthetic methodology project from initial hit through scope and mechanistic studies, with the goal of a first-author, peer-reviewed publication by the end of the term. Working under the direct mentorship of a medicinal chemist, the co-op will also be integrated into the broader medicinal chemistry team, participating in project meetings and the design-make-test-analyze (DMTA) cycle, with opportunities to contribute to the synthesis of program intermediates and final targets.

Key Responsibilities

Learn the principles and procedures to work safely in a chemistry lab.

Execute reaction discovery and optimization enabled by state-of-the-art analytical equipment (UPLC and NMR).

Synthesize, purify, and fully characterize new compounds (1H/13C/19F NMR, HRMS, IR as appropriate).

Maintain rigorous ELN records sufficient to support SI preparation and reproducibility.

Contribute to manuscript preparation, including figures, schemes, SI compilation, and data tables.

Attend medicinal chemistry project meetings and observe or assist with the synthesis of project compounds as time allows.

Qualifications & Experience

Minimum

Currently pursuing a B.S. in Chemistry or a closely related field.

Minimum GPA of 3.0.

Completion of organic chemistry I/II with lab courses.

Demonstrated hands-on synthetic experience.

Available full-time (40 hrs/week) for 6 months (Jul 12 – Dec 17, 2027).

All candidates must be legally authorized to work in the United States at the time of hire and for the duration of their employment. Please note that visa sponsorship, including for student or temporary work authorization programs, is not available for this role. Candidates must have work authorization that does not require sponsorship now or in the future.

Preferred

Junior or Senior standing.

Familiarity with ChemDraw and Reaxys.

Undergraduate research or industry co-op experience in synthetic chemistry.

Exposure to scientific writing (SI, posters, or manuscripts).

Boston-area resident (university or home within 50 miles).

Core Skills

Fast learner who welcomes feedback and adapts approaches based on data and mentorship

Proficiency or familiarity with core synthetic techniques (Schlenk line/inert atmosphere, anhydrous solvent handling, workup, flash chromatography, crystallization); training in advanced techniques will be provided

Familiarity with interpreting NMR, MS, and chromatographic data

We hire for skills and capabilities, not just credentials – if this role excites you, but doesn’t perfectly match your resume, we encourage you to apply anyway.

Compensation Overview

$24.00 - $30.00

Pay for this internship/co‑op position is provided in accordance with local market practices and applicable laws. Pay may be offered as an hourly rate and/or monthly stipend, or other locally compliant structure. Pay is determined based on objective factors such as academic level, relevant experience, skills, and work location.

Interns and co‑op participants may be eligible for limited benefits depending on program structure, work location, and local requirements. Eligibility and offerings are governed by applicable policies and employment regulations.

This is a temporary, time‑bound position intended for the duration of the internship or co‑op program and does not guarantee continued or permanent employment following program completion.

How We Work

Where you work matters – because collaboration, innovation and patient impact happen in many settings. Our roles are structured across four work models: site-essential, site-by-design, field-based and remote-by-design. The model assigned to this role is based on its core responsibilities. Learn more at https://careers.bms.com/ways-of-working.

Supporting People with Disabilities

BMS is dedicated to ensuring that people with disabilities can excel through a transparent recruitment process, reasonable workplace accommodations/adjustments and ongoing support in their roles. Applicants can request a reasonable workplace accommodation/adjustment prior to accepting a job offer. If you require reasonable accommodations/adjustments in completing this application, or in any part of the recruitment process, direct your inquiries to [email protected]. Visit careers.bms.com/eeo-accessibility to access our complete Equal Employment Opportunity statement.

Candidate Rights

BMS will consider qualified applicants with arrest and conviction records, pursuant to applicable laws in your area.

For roles based in Los Angeles County only:  If you live in or expect to work from Los Angeles County if hired for this position, please visit this page for important additional information: https://careers.bms.com/california-residents/

For roles based in Washington State only: If you live in or expect to work from Washington State if hired for this position, please