2026 U.S Summer Internship Program: Drug discovery Research Intern

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Job Description

At Takeda, we are a forward-looking, world-class R&D organization that unlocks innovation and delivers transformative therapies to patients. By focusing R&D efforts on three therapeutic areas and other targeted investments, we push the boundaries of what is possible in order to bring life-changing therapies to patients worldwide. The Liver Disease Research Team within the Gastroenterology and Inflammation Drug Discovery Unit (GI² DDU) is dedicated to validating novel therapeutic targets and evaluating drug candidates for the treatment of chronic fibroinflammatory liver diseases.
 

Our division-sponsored program offers students a valuable opportunity to work in an innovative and collaborative environment, where cross-functional research drives the discovery and development of novel therapeutic agents to benefit patients. Participants will gain hands-on experience in a fast-paced setting, contributing to cutting-edge research projects. The program also provides diverse opportunities to collaborate within a matrixed organization and engage with scientists from a wide range of disciplines and backgrounds.
 

How You Will Contribute:

• Apply scientific and technical expertise in cell biology and pharmacology to drive drug discovery programs within our team.  

• Designs and executes relevant target and drug candidate validation studies using contemporary methods and tools (including but not limited to RT-qPCR, ELISA, MSD, and flow cytometry).

• Prepare technical reports, summaries, protocols, and quantitative analyses in written and/or oral form.

• Drive an inclusive, open, and effective culture in a fast-growing drug discovery group.

Internship Development Opportunities:

• The intern will collaborate closely with experienced research scientists to support our innovative pipeline.

• Design and execute functional assays to evaluate the pharmacology of potential drug targets.

• Utilizing either 2D or innovative 3D liver spheroid/organoid ex vivo system to assess the efficacy and/or target engagement of potential drug targets that enables Go/No go decisions.

• Gain practical exposure to Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs).

• Collaborate with cross-functional teams to move project forward in the pipeline.

• Prepare oral presentations to the functional team.
   

Job Requirements:

• Must be pursuing a Master’s or Doctoral Degree in a relevant Field of Study 

• This position is fully onsite: 5 days per week

• Conducts complex experiments within a project scope, exercising judgement to evaluate a variety of technical factors, and obtain optimum solutions.

• Utilizes assigned literature to increase knowledge base and implement improvements.

• Organize time and plan specifics of project related work with oversight from manager or project representative

• A foundational knowledge of cell biology, pharmacology, and biochemistry is preferred.

• This position requires full-time commitment, necessitating five days of on-site work.

• Demonstrated ability to work effectively as a collaborative team member.
   

Internship Eligibility 

• Must be authorized to work in the U.S. on a permanent basis without requiring sponsorship 

• Must be currently enrolled in a degree program graduating December 2026 or later 

• The internship program is 10-12 weeks depending on the two start dates (May 26th-August 14th or June 15th- August 21st)  

• The intern must be able to commit to one of these time frames  

• Able to work full time 40 hours a week during internship dates  

• Takeda does not provide a housing stipend or relocation support for the U.S Summer Internship Program 

 Program Highlights: 

• Hands-on experience with real projects and responsibilities 

• Dedicated mentorship program pairing interns with experienced professionals 

• Networking opportunities with industry professionals and fellow interns