Cardiovascular and Renal Drug Discovery Intern

2w2 weeks ago

Ionis Pharmaceuticals

Carlsbad, US · Internship · $55,000 – $75,000

About this role

Headquartered in Carlsbad, California, Ionis pioneers RNA-targeted medicines revolutionizing drug discovery for serious diseases. We seek a highly motivated 2026 summer intern for Cardiovascular and Renal Drug Discovery. Contribute to in vitro disease model development with hands-on preclinical drug discovery exposure.

The intern gains training in using induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs) for cardiovascular disease models. Learn CRISPR genome editing including gRNA and HDR template design, monoclonal clone isolation, and validation via qPCR and dPCR. Perform RNA and DNA isolation, cell culture, and iPSC clonal expansion.

Ionis cultivates a challenging, motivating environment fostering innovation and scientific excellence. Success results from exceptional talents and dedication of diverse employees. Invest in onsite, hybrid, and remote environments where relationships thrive and culture excels.

Regularly present progress updates and deliver a final presentation to the organization. Participate in professional networking, social events, and interactions with motivated teams. Develop your career while impacting patients with unmet needs through RNA therapies and gene editing.

Requirements

Currently enrolled in a U.S. undergraduate and/or graduate degree program
Not graduating prior to the completion of the Ionis internship
Highly motivated with interest in cardiovascular and renal drug discovery
Available for full duration of summer internship program
Basic understanding of molecular and cellular biology techniques
Ability to handle precise laboratory procedures with iPSCs and CRISPR tools

Responsibilities

Contribute to in vitro disease model development using iPSCs for cardiovascular diseases
Receive training in CRISPR genome editing including gRNA and HDR template design
Isolate monoclonal clones and validate genome-edited cell lines using qPCR and dPCR
Perform RNA and DNA isolation, cell culture, and iPSC clonal expansion
Learn end-to-end workflow for generating CRISPR-engineered iPSC models of dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM)
Establish and characterize monoclonal iPSC lines for DCM disease modeling
Participate in experimental design, data analysis, and scientific discussions within the project team
Present progress updates regularly and prepare a formal final presentation