Summer Intern | Pediatric Neurology Research Unit

Position: 2026 Summer Intern | Pediatric Neurology Research Unit
Headquartered in Carlsbad, California, and with offices in Boston, Massachusetts, and Dublin, Ireland, Ionis has been at work for more than three decades discovering medical breakthroughs that have redefined life for people with serious diseases. We're pioneers in RNA-targeted medicines, and our platform continues to revolutionize drug discovery and transform lives for patients with unmet needs. With multiple marketed medicines and a leading pipeline in neurology, cardiology and select areas of high patient needs, we continue to drive innovation in RNA therapies in addition to advancing new approaches in gene editing to provide greater value to patients and are well positioned financially to deliver on our strategic goals.

At Ionis, we pride ourselves on cultivating a challenging, motivating and rewarding environment that fosters innovation and scientific excellence. We know that our success is a direct result of the exceptional talents and dedication of our employees.

With an unprecedented opportunity to change the course of human health, we look to add diverse individuals, skill sets and perspectives to our exceptional team. We continue to invest time, money and energy into making our onsite, hybrid and remote work environments a place where solid and lasting relationships are built and where our culture and employees can thrive.

We're building on our rich history, and we believe our greatest achievements are ahead of us. If you're passionate about the opportunity to have meaningful impact on patients in need, we invite you to apply and join us. Experience and contribute to our unique culture while you develop and expand your career!

Pediatric Neurology Research Unit

PROJECT SUMMARY

The summer intern position will support the Pediatric Neurology Research Unit at Ionis Pharmaceuticals, reporting to a senior scientist. The intern will lead the phenotypic characterization of a human iPSC-derived induced neuron model of a prevalent neurodevelopmental disorder for which no human disease models exist. The intern will be responsible for developing an action plan in tandem with the supervisor, executing experimental milestones, analyzing data, and presenting results at internal scientific and corporate meetings.

BENEFITS OF PROJECT

* Gain experience and learn about Ionis' Ways of Working, culture, and cross-functional research environment

* Hands-on training in culturing and maintaining hiPSC-derived neurons

* Learn to assess neurodevelopmental phenotypes using core techniques including immunostaining, confocal microscopy, and MEA-based functional analysis

* Exposure to the biotech drug discovery pipeline and how cellular disease models are used to evaluate therapeutic strategies

* Develop entrepreneurial and self-driven skills that enhance interpersonal, written, and scientific communication

* Gain project management skills transferable across scientific, biotech, and business settings

* Opportunity to strengthen problem-solving skills and adapt to evolving experimental priorities

RESPONSIBILITIES

* Design and execute a project charter and experimental action plan with guidance from the project team

* Maintain Ngn2-induced iNeurons derived from mutant and control hiPSC lines

* Perform immunohistochemistry and confocal imaging to assess neuronal differentiation, dendritic morphology, and synaptic density

* Conduct functional characterization using MEA recordings to evaluate neuronal network activity

* Analyze and interpret experimental data to identify disease-relevant phenotypes

* Provide regular project updates and present findings to management and the broader research team

QUALIFICATIONS

* MUST be currently enrolled in a U.S. undergraduate degree program

* MUST be able to begin the internship between 6/8 and 8/14/2026

* MUST be able and willing to remain in the program through at least 8/14/2026

* MUST be able and willing to commit to a minimum 40-hour work week

* MUST be able and willing to work onsite in Carlsbad, CA or remotely, as determined by the team

* Previous experience with cell culture procedures and basic computer skills preferred

* Strong interpersonal, written, and verbal communication skills

* Methodical, organized, and detail-oriented mindset

* Flexible, adaptable, and able to adjust priorities as project needs evolve

Program Highlights:

* The program is designed to complement a student's undergraduate and/or graduate studies with relevant, hands-on industry experience

* Ionis offers paid positions

* Weekly stipend (for onsite interns only)

* Professional Networking

* End-of-program project presentations

* Housing/Travel assistance available for eligible, out-of-area interns

* Networking and bonding social events

* Interaction with diverse and motivated teams/departments

Please visit our website,  for more information about Ionis and to apply for this position

The pay scale for this position is $18 to $23 per hour.

NO PHONE CALLS PLEASE. PRINCIPALS ONLY. Final date to receive applications IS April 30, 2026. PLEASE INCLUDE A COVER…