TAKEDA

2026 Summer Internship Program: Early-stage Drug Discovery – Liver diseases - Internship

Boston, MA Full time

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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 to bring life-changing therapies to patients worldwide. The LIVER Team within the Gastroenterology Drug Discovery Unit (GI² DDU) at Takeda is dedicated to advancing research and development related to liver diseases. Our focus is on identifying and developing innovative therapies to effectively treat various liver conditions.

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 of the summer Internship at Liver team (GI² DDU), will gain hands-on experience in a fast-paced setting, contributing to cutting-edge research projects, conducting preclinical research that leverage cutting-edge technology and data analytics. 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:

As an early-stage drug discovery -Liver diseases- intern, you will have the opportunity to…

Work closely with Takeda researchers on several high-impact projects.

  • Gain hands-on experience in preclinical research essential for drug discovery

  • Learn how to design in vitro studies to investigate the mechanisms of action of potential drug targets

  • Conduct benchwork under the supervision of experienced biology team leaders

  • Analyze and interpret experimental results, and participate in discussions within small project teams

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


Internship Development Opportunities:

Interns will gain:

  • Experience bridging industry and academia by engaging in impactful projects.

  • Exposure to a dynamic work environment, collaborating with scientists from diverse disciplines and backgrounds.

  • First-hand experience of hypothesis-driven experimentation and allow them to see immediate impact of their work.

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

  • Prepare oral presentation to the functional team.
     

Job Requirements:

  • Candidate must be pursuing a graduate degree in biology, pharmacology, or a related field with a 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.

  • 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 

  • Internship events focused on professional and skills development  

  • Exposure to multiple business areas or departments within a Pharmaceutical Organization

Takeda Compensation and Benefits Summary 

We understand compensation may bean important factor as you consider an internship opportunity. We are committed to equitable pay for all employees, and we strive to be more transparent with our pay practices. 

For Location:

Boston, MA

U.S. Hourly Wage Range:

$21.00 - $46.00

The estimated hourly range reflects an anticipated range for this position. The actual hourly wage offered will depend on the candidate’s school year/level to be entered following completion of internship.  The actual hourly wage offered will be in accordance with state or local minimum wage requirements for the job location. 

 

U.S. internship benefits vary by location and may include: 

  •  Paid sick time 

  • Civic Duty paid time off 

  • Participation at company volunteer events  

  • Participation at company sponsored special events  

  • Access to on-site fitness center (where available) 

  • Commuter Benefit: To offset your work-commute expenses, Takeda provides U.S. employees with a fixed monthly subsidy to be used for either public transportation (transit) or parking.  

EEO Statement

Takeda is proud in its commitment to creating a diverse workforce and providing equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, parental status, national origin, age, disability, citizenship status, genetic information or characteristics, marital status, status as a Vietnam era veteran, special disabled veteran, or other protected veteran in accordance with applicable federal, state and local laws, and any other characteristic protected by law.

Locations

Boston, MA

Worker Type

Employee

Worker Sub-Type

Paid Intern (Fixed Term) (Trainee)

Time Type

Full time

Job Exempt

No

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