Early-Stage Drug Discovery - Liver Diseases Internship

2w2 weeks ago

Takeda

Cambridge, US · Internship · $42,000 – $92,000

About this role

At Takeda, the LIVER Team within the Gastroenterology Drug Discovery Unit (GI² DDU) advances research on liver diseases, identifying innovative therapies. The summer internship offers hands-on experience in a collaborative environment driving novel therapeutic agents. Participants contribute to cutting-edge preclinical research using advanced technology and data analytics.

Interns work closely with researchers on high-impact projects in early-stage drug discovery for liver diseases. They design in vitro studies to investigate mechanisms of potential drug targets and conduct benchwork under experienced biology team leaders. Daily tasks include analyzing experimental results and participating in small project team discussions.

The program provides exposure to a matrixed organization with scientists from diverse disciplines. Interns collaborate across functions in a fast-paced setting focused on transformative therapies. This bridges industry and academia through impactful, hypothesis-driven experimentation.

Development opportunities include practical exposure to Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) and preparing oral presentations to the functional team. Interns see immediate impact of their work and gain first-hand experience in preclinical research essential for drug discovery. The role fosters skills in technical reporting and quantitative analyses.

Requirements

Pursuing a graduate degree in biology, pharmacology, or a related field with strong interest in liver disease research and drug discovery
Experience with cell culture including immortalized cell lines, primary cell cultures, and multicellular or organoid culture models
Expertise in at least one of the following assay methods: ELISA, Western blot, qPCR, flow cytometry
Full-time commitment requiring five days of on-site work
Demonstrated ability to work effectively as a collaborative team member

Responsibilities

Work closely with researchers on high-impact projects
Gain hands-on experience in preclinical research essential for drug discovery
Design in vitro studies to investigate mechanisms of action of potential drug targets
Conduct benchwork under supervision of experienced biology team leaders
Analyze and interpret experimental results and participate in small project team discussions
Prepare technical reports, summaries, protocols, and quantitative analyses in written or oral form

Benefits

Experience bridging industry and academia through impactful projects
Exposure to dynamic work environment collaborating with scientists from diverse disciplines
First-hand experience in hypothesis-driven experimentation with immediate impact
Practical exposure to Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs)
Opportunity to prepare oral presentation to the functional team