Junior Scientist Intern

Job Summary

Otsuka’s internship program, Intern the Otsuka Way (InTOW), offers students a unique opportunity to gain hands-on experience and develop critical skills while contributing to meaningful projects. Interns will work alongside experienced professionals, learn about the complexities of the pharmaceutical industry, and gain insights into potential career paths. By combining practical experience with professional development, our program prepares interns for future success. Our internship program also includes instructor led trainings, a leadership engagement series, as well as insightful lunch and learns.

Application Deadline: Candidates are encouraged to apply within 10 business days of the posting date. The position may remain open past this window until a suitable candidate is selected.

Interviews and offers: February through March 2026.

Duration of internship: June 1, 2026, through August 10, 2026.

Job Description

The Junior Scientist Intern will gain hands-on exposure to the early stages of drug discovery focused on developing novel therapeutics for psychiatric and neurological disorders, including depression, anxiety, schizophrenia, and dementia. By the end of the internship, the Junior Scientist Intern will:

• Gain hands-on experience with core drug discovery workflows and processes.
• Develop practical skills in experimental design, data interpretation, and scientific communication.
• Build a deeper understanding of how novel therapies for psychiatric and neurological disorders progress from early scientific concepts to candidate selection.
• Strengthen collaboration skills through engagement with multidisciplinary discovery research teams.

Key Responsibilities

• Review scientific literature and internal datasets to understand biological pathways relevant to CNS indications.
• Identify potential molecular targets and chemical starting points for therapeutic development.
• Analyze experimental data to evaluate compound potency, selectivity, and potential therapeutic relevance.
• Support data visualization and interpretation to inform scientific conclusions and next steps.
• Work closely with medicinal chemists, biologists, and computational scientists to interpret findings.
• Participate in scientific discussions and contribute to recommendations for follow-up experiments or research directions.
• Summarize research findings in written reports and/or presentations for internal stakeholders.

Minimum Qualifications

• Undergraduate or graduate student graduating in the next 12-24 months, pursuing a degree in Chemistry, Medicinal Chemistry, Pharmaceutical Sciences, Neuroscience, or related scientific discipline.
• Prior academic or hands-on experience in Chemistry and/or Medicinal Chemistry (theoretical or laboratory-based).
• Familiarity with analyzing and working with datasets, including basic data visualization.
• Experience using or exposure to Microsoft Excel and/or basic coding tools for data analysis.
• Authorization to work in the United States for the duration of the internship.
• Can commit to full duration of internship program.

Additional Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Experience using common scientific databases and research platforms, such as: SciFinder, Reaxys, PubMed, Patsnap, Google Patents.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills, including the ability to present scientific concepts clearly.
• Strong curiosity and motivation to learn about the drug discovery and development process.
• Demonstrates behaviors aligned with the Otsuka Corporate Brand including Perseverance, Unconventional Thinking, and Humility.
• Demonstrate ability to work in a team environment.
• Demonstrate ability to think creatively to solve complex problems.
• Exhibits eagerness to learn and ability to learn quickly.

Competencies

• Accountability for Results: Stay focused on key strategic objectives, be accountable for high standards of performance, and take an active role in leading change.
• Strategic Thinking & Problem Solving: Make decisions considering the long-term impact to customers, patients, employees, and the business.
• Patient & Customer Centricity: Maintain an ongoing focus on the needs of our customers and/or key stakeholders.
• Impactful Communication: Communicate with logic, clarity, and respect. Influence at all levels to achieve the best results for Otsuka.
• Respectful Collaboration: Seek and value others’ perspectives and strive for diverse partnerships to enhance work toward common goals.
• Empowered Development: Play an active role in professional development as a business imperative.

Key skills/competency

• Drug Discovery
• Medicinal Chemistry
• Neuroscience
• Data Analysis
• Experimental Design
• Scientific Communication
• CNS Indications
• Molecular Biology
• Research
• Collaboration