Job Description

The Translational and Cellular Molecular Neuroscience group is seeking a highly motivated undergraduate level candidate interested in pursuing a career in drug discovery research. The summer intern will contribute to drug discovery efforts, target validation, and assay development in the area or Neuroscience. The intern will work closely with scientists in the lab, gaining hands-on experience in molecular, cellular, and tissue culture techniques. This position is located in our Waltham, MA location. 

Responsibilities

JOB RESPONSIBILITIES:

The selected candidate will work collaboratively with a team of scientist to conduct in vitro cell-based assays in human and rodent neuronal cellular models to evaluate potential drug candidates and mechanism of action.

• Conduct cell-based assays using human induced pluripotent stem cells (hiPSCs) derived neurons cells, or rodent primary neuronal cultures to support target validation and drug discovery efforts
• Operate state of the art laboratory equipment such as automated liquid handlers, EnVision plate reader and QPCR-based expression platforms
• Analyze and interpret data, troubleshoot experiments and accurately record data in Electronic Laboratory Notebooks 
• Prepare study protocols and reports as needed and present findings in team meetings 
• Closely work with members in the TCMN group to support departmental goals
• Assist in inventory reconciliation, and organization 

Qualifications

Basic Qualifications:

Technical skills:

• Practical laboratory experience in Neuroscience or a related field including General laboratory techniques (i.e. pipetting, buffer preparation, etc)
• Preferred hands-on experience with tissue culture, aseptic technique, and assay development.
• Knowledge and experience in the following areas are desirable but not required in which case training will be provided:
  • hiPSCs-derrived neuronal culture or rodent primary neuronal culture.
  • Cell-based assays
  • RNA isolation, QPCR
  • Bioanalytical assays including ELISA, EnVision 
  • Laboratory equipment: automated liquid handlers
  • Proficient with computer software: Microsoft Office; GraphPad Prism experience a plus 

MINIMUM EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE

• Enrolled in bachelor’s university/college program majoring in relevant scientific discipline (Biology, Biochemistry, Molecular Biophysics, Neuroscience, Genetics). 
• Completion of at least two years of college education required.
• Ability to work onsite in our Waltham location

Preferred Qualifications:

Personal skills:

• Passionate about Neuroscience
• Self-driven with curiosity and enthusiasm for problem-solving 
• Quickly learner, adaptable to new techniques 
• Strong attention to detail
• Committed to maintaining high standards in quality of science.
• Excellent oral and written communication skills
• Ability to document work in required formats and to conduct laboratory work safely in accordance with company and departmental guidelines.

About Us

Why join Team Alkermes?

Alkermes applies its deep neuroscience expertise to develop medicines designed to help people living with complex and difficult-to-treat psychiatric and neurological disorders. A fully-integrated, global biopharmaceutical company, headquartered in Ireland with U.S. locations in Massachusetts and Ohio, we are committed to pursuing great science, driven by deep compassion to make a real impact in the lives of patients. Alkermes has a portfolio of proprietary commercial products for the treatment of alcohol dependence, opioid dependence, schizophrenia and bipolar I disorder, and a pipeline of clinical and preclinical candidates in development for various neurological disorders, including narcolepsy.

Beyond our important mission of developing medicines to address unmet patient needs, we actively seek to foster a culture of diversity, inclusion and belonging throughout our business. We strive to ensure that all voices are respected and valued, recognizing that our diversity of thought, background and perspective makes us stronger. We are proud to have been recognized as an employer of choice by many national organizations, including being certified as a Great Place to Work in the U.S. in 2024, honored as a Healthiest Employer in both Ohio and Massachusetts in 2023, a Best Place for Working Parents in 2023, and to have received the Bell Seal at the Platinum level for Workplace Mental Health by Mental Health America for three consecutive years (2021-2023). 

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.