Job Description
The Neurobiology Group is seeking a skilled candidate to participate in an internship (8-12 weeks) to assist with our drug discovery, target validation, and assay development efforts. The selected candidate will conduct lab-based neuroscience research utilizing in vitro rodent primary neuronal cultures and/or human induced pluripotent stem cell- derived neurons (hiPSCs). The goal of this paid internship is to provide a young scientist with the opportunity to learn and participate in drug discovery research.
The intern will operate both autonomously and collaboratively as part of a multi-disciplinary team to execute an independent project focused on development of in vitro neuronal culture assays to evaluate possible drug candidates. The project encompasses various facets of in vitro research including aseptic technique, assay development and validation, as well as statistical analysis. Primary responsibilities include routine cell culture maintenance, learning and applying essential laboratory techniques, data analysis and data management, active participation in scientific discourse, and preparation of scientific presentations.
Minimum of a 2-month commitment for the internship and must be able to be onsite in Waltham, MA.
Basic Qualifications:
- Enrolled in undergraduate or graduate program in Neurobiology, Neuroscience, or related discipline; completion of at least two years of college/university-level education required.
Preferred Qualifications:
- Hands-on experience with rodent primary neuron cultures and/or human iPSC-derived neuron cultures, as well as general laboratory techniques (e.g. culture maintenance, pipetting, buffer and solution preparation, etc.)
- Ability to quickly learn and apply new techniques
- Commitment to maintaining a high standard of scientific rigor
- Strong attention to detail
Proficient organizational and data management skills
- Excellent oral and written communication skills
While training will be provided for the selected intern, the following skills are highly desirable:
- Experience with common molecular biology techniques (e.g. immunocytochemistry, Western Blot, qPCR)
- Ability to search and interpret scientific literature surrounding CNS disorders and cellular models.
- An understanding of appropriate experimental design and statistical analysis for planning & execution of experiments.
The hourly rate for this position ranges from $23/hr to $27/hr. Exact compensation may vary based on skills, training, knowledge, and experience. Additional details can be found on our careers website: www.alkermes.com/careers#working-here
Why join Team Alkermes?
Alkermes applies its decades of deep neuroscience expertise to develop medicines designed to help people living with complex and difficult-to-treat psychiatric and neurological disorders. A global biopharmaceutical company, headquartered in Ireland with U.S. locations in Massachusetts and Ohio, we seek to make a meaningful difference in the way people manage their diseases. We have a portfolio of proprietary commercial products for the treatment of alcohol dependence, opioid dependence, schizophrenia, bipolar I disorder and narcolepsy, and a pipeline of clinical and preclinical candidates in development for various psychiatric and neurological disorders.
We are proud to have been recognized as an employer of choice by many national organizations. In 2024 and 2025, we were certified as a Great Place to Work in the U.S. and named one of Massachusetts’ Top Places to Work by the Boston Globe, a Best Place to Work in Greater Cincinnati by the Cincinnati Business Courier and recognized as a Best Place to Work in BioPharma by Fortune Magazine.
Alkermes, Inc. is an equal employment opportunity employer and does not discriminate against any qualified applicant or employee because of race, creed, color, age, national origin, ancestry, religion, gender, sexual orientation, gender expression and identity, disability, genetic information, veteran status, military status, application for military service or any other characteristic protected by local, state or federal law. Alkermes also complies with all work authorization and employment eligibility verification requirements of the Immigration and Nationality Act and IRCA. Alkermes is an E-Verify employer.