Summer Intern | Cardiovascular and Renal Drug Discovery

2026 Summer Intern | Cardiovascular and Renal Drug Discovery

Job Category: Research - Ionis

Requisition Number: 2026S003966

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• Posted :
  February 9, 2026
• Full-Time

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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!

Cardiovascular and Renal Drug Discovery

Summary

We are currently seeking a highly motivated summer intern for 2026 to join our Cardiovascular and Renal Drug Discovery team. The intern will contribute to in vitro disease model development and gain hands‑on exposure to preclinical drug discovery. This role offers an opportunity to learn how induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs) are used to generate cardiovascular disease models with training in advanced molecular and cellular biology techniques.

The intern will receive comprehensive training in CRISPR genome editing, including gRNA and HDR template design, monoclonal clone isolation, and validation of genome‑edited cell lines using qPCR and dPCR. Additional techniques include RNA and DNA isolation, cell culture, and iPSC clonal expansion. Throughout the internship, the intern will regularly present progress updates and deliver a final presentation to the broader organization.

Responsibilities

• Learn the end‑to‑end workflow for generating CRISPR‑engineered iPSC models of dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM) from isogenic iPSC lines.
• Establish and characterize monoclonal iPSC lines for DCM disease modeling using CRISPR‑based genome editing.
• Participate in experimental design, data analysis, and scientific discussions within the project team.
• Prepare and present a formal presentation at the conclusion of the 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

Requirements:

• 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
• MUST be able to begin internship between 06/08/25 and 08/14/26
• MUST be able and willing to remain in the program through at least 08/14/26
• MUST be able and willing to commit to a minimum 40‑hour workweek
• MUST be able and willing to work onsite at Carlsbad, CA
• Hands‑on laboratory experience is a plus but not required

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.