Global Discovery Chemistry Intern

Position Summary

Undergraduate summer internship in our San Diego small molecule drug discovery organization. The intern will use organic chemistry to prepare key intermediates and investigate the scope, mechanism, and optimization of chemical transformations that support drug discovery.

Interns are mentored by experienced industry scientists and meet with the groups that make up the drug discovery team. The full-time internship runs June-August 2027.

Key Responsibilities

• Prepare molecules of interest through multi-step organic synthesis.
• Isolate and purify reaction products by standard laboratory methods.
• Characterize reaction products using NMR and LCMS.
• Evaluate literature for proposed reactions and reaction routes.
• Optimize novel chemical transformations.
• Follow proper procedures for maintaining an electronic lab notebook.
• Participate and contribute to scientific discussions, meetings, and presentations.
• Contribute to a research effort that may be amenable to publication or public presentation.

Qualifications & Experience

• Completed 2nd or 3rd year of college and will not hold a bachelor's degree before August 2027.
• Two years of college-level chemistry coursework; organic chemistry I/II required.
• Strong preference for prior research experience in academic or industrial settings.
• Self-motivated to learn and contribute, with demonstrated independent productivity and team-based interpersonal skills.
• Enthusiastic and curious about science, laboratory work, and drug discovery.
• 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.
• Local candidates preferred; relocation assistance is not available.

Core Skills

• Multi-step organic synthesis
• Isolation and purification techniques
• Product characterization by NMR and LCMS
• Literature evaluation of reactions and routes
• Reaction optimization
• Electronic lab notebook documentation
• Scientific communication and presentation
• Independent work and collaboration

Additional information

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.

Data Protection

We will never request payments, financial information, or social security numbers during our application or recruitment process.

Any data processed in connection with role applications will be treated in accordance with applicable data privacy policies and regulations.

If this posting is missing required information required by local law or incorrect, contact BMS at with the Job Title and Requisition number. Do not send application-related inquiries to this email. To check your application status, please login to your Candidate Home Account.

R1608184: Global Discovery Chemistry Intern