2026 U.S Summer Internship Program: Brand-Planning Intern (Neuroscience)

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Job Description

Takeda’s Orexin Franchise is a flagship program aiming at the research, development and commercialization of multiple assets in various phases of their lifecycle management addressing unmet medical needs with the potential of providing improved health outcomes. The Orexin Franchise is a key pillar of the Neuroscience strategy. Takeda is leading the Orexin science with Oveporexton to be potential the first treatment for narcolepsy Type 1. Additional assets are in development for additional sleep wake disorders and in other areas where Orexin plays a role. 

TAK-360 is a next-generation orexin agonist in Phase 2 for Narcolepsy Type 2 and Idiopathic Hypersomnia, an Accelerate program with significant, best-in-class potential in an evolving, increasingly competitive space.  

Brand-Planning Intern supporting development of first Integrated Global Brand Plan for TAK-360 – a key building block for Global Product & Launch organization and critical deliverable ahead of asset Late-Development Entry.

Internship milestones across 12 weeks from June to August 2026 provide a unique immersive experience through critical Brand strategy workstreams, following Phase 2 read-outs in indications of focus:

• Onboarding: Disease area, asset strategy and Brand Planning process and principles (Weeks 1-3)

• Support of Situational analysis & SWOT sessions (Weeks 3-6)

• Support of Strategic Imperatives session (Weeks 6-9)

• Support of Tactical Planning session (Weeks 9-12)

How You Will Contribute:

• Support planning, organizing and optimization of Brand-Planning workshops and sessions (Situational Analysis and SWOT, Strategic Imperatives development and Tactical Planning) to facilitate cross-functional and regional teams engagement and input.                               

• Support integration of Brand Plan with other cross-functional activities and initiatives (Medical Planning and Evidence Planning), leveraging overarching insights (Situational analysis) and strategy (Strategic Imperatives).

• Identifies opportunities to improve Brand Planning process and workshops efficiency – collecting team feedback and pressure-testing suggestions.

• Support internal activities like team meetings in preparation of key program activities.

• Use of AI enabled tools for efficiency in capturing insights and action items.

Internship Development Opportunities:

• Key principles and operating models for Brand Planning – a critical commercial activity and a fundamental Global Product & Launch strategy building block:

• Situational Analysis & SWOT for Brand Planning

• Brand Strategic Imperatives development

• Annual Tactical Planning for a Brand

• Ways of working & operating models of cross-functional collaboration in a global, matrix organization – at the cross-section of commercial strategy & R&D.

• Opportunity to support critical projects that contribute to patient impact and ​commercial strategy

• Opportunity to develop collaboration skills in a professional work environment

• Feedback and evaluation to further their professional and career development 

Job Requirements:

• This position will be Hybrid and require 2-3 days in the Cambridge office per week.

• Must be pursuing a Master’s or PhD in life science/healthcare or Business Administration

• Orientation in healthcare system and key industry trends

• Interests in Neuroscience and the cross-section of commercial strategy and R&D

• Interests in Commercial strategy, Brand planning, new product planning/development and medicines commercialization

• Energy and drive – entrepreneurial spirit 

• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.

• Proactive, eager to learn, and adaptable to changing priorities.

• Excellent interpersonal, communication, and motivational skills.

• Self-motivated with the ability to prioritize/execute multiple concurrent tasks.

Internship Eligibility<