Summer Intern | Lead Identification - NGS group

Position: 2026 Summer Intern | Lead Identification - NGS group
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!

Lead Identification - NGS group

SUMMARY:

We are seeking an enthusiastic and highly motivated undergraduate student who is currently enrolled in a molecular or cellular biology-based program to join the Lead Identification - NGS group as a 2026 summer intern. The intern will work within a fast-paced, highly productive, and collaborative research environment and have the opportunity to make impactful contributions to Ionis' RNA sequencing (RNAseq) workflow in support of drug discovery.

This internship project will focus on implementing and optimizing a new RNAseq assay. The intern will gain hands-on experience with library preparation, lab liquid handlers, and next-generation sequencing. The goal of the project is to compare our current workflow to a new, multiplexed workflow to increase throughput of RNAseq samples while maintaining high data quality.

RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Learn and perform the current RNAseq library preparation protocol to establish a quality benchmark
• Assist in optimizing the multiplexed RNAseq protocol to increase assay throughput
• Support and learn to write protocols on liquid handlers
• Assist with optimization of automation conditions
• Learn to QC RNAseq libraries
• Load sequencers and understand basic QC metrics
• Collaborate with scientists across NGS and automation teams to refine workflows
• Present project results at the end of the internship program.

REQUIREMENTS:

• Must be enrolled in an undergraduate molecular biology, cell biology or other related program
• Must have completed one quarter/semester of biology or chemistry lab-based coursework
• Must be able to commit to full 10 week program
• Must be able to commit to 40 hour work week and work onsite in Carlsbad, CA
• MUST be able to begin internship between 6/8 and 8/14/2026.
• MUST be able and willing to remain in program through at least 8/14/2026.
• MUST be currently enrolled in a U.S. Undergraduate and/or Graduate Degree Program and not graduating prior to the completion of the Ionis internship.

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 LETTER RELEVANT TO THE POSITION APPLYING FOR. THE EVALUATION PROCESS MAY COMMENCE PRIOR TO THIS DEADLINE.

Ionis Pharmaceuticals, Inc. and all its subsidiaries are proud to be EEO employers.

Equal Opportunity Employer

This employer is required to notify all applicants of their rights pursuant to federal employment laws.
For further information, please review the Know Your Rights notice from the Department of Labor.