Discovery Pharmacology Intern

February 16, 2026
$24 / hour

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Job Description

About Arrowhead Pharmaceuticals, Inc.

Arrowhead Pharmaceuticals, Inc. (Nasdaq: ARWR) is a pioneering clinical-stage biopharmaceutical company dedicated to developing medicines that address intractable diseases by silencing the genes that cause them. Leveraging a comprehensive portfolio of RNA chemistries and efficient delivery methods, Arrowhead’s therapies utilize the RNA interference (RNAi) mechanism to achieve rapid, deep, and durable knockdown of target genes. RNAi is a natural cellular process that inhibits specific gene expression, thereby impacting protein production.

The company focuses on innovative drugs for diseases with a genetic basis, particularly those characterized by the overproduction of disease-involved proteins. Arrowhead’s advanced RNAi technologies offer the versatility to target conditions across virtually any therapeutic area, including those not amenable to small molecules or biologics. They are at the forefront of extending the promise of RNAi beyond liver-based diseases, with a robust clinical pipeline encompassing disease targets in both the liver and lung, complemented by a promising preclinical pipeline.

Headquartered in Pasadena, CA, Arrowhead Pharmaceuticals maintains research and development teams in Madison, WI & San Diego, CA, and operates a state-of-the-art manufacturing facility in Verona, WI. The company prides itself on a culture of nimble, science-driven innovators collaborating to deliver new therapies to patients in need.

The Position: Discovery Pharmacology Intern

Arrowhead Pharmaceuticals is seeking a highly motivated Discovery Pharmacology Intern to support critical research efforts within its early CNS (Central Nervous System) programs. This internship provides an invaluable opportunity for hands-on laboratory experience, focusing on characterizing protein expression in human cell lines and analyzing experimental data to deepen the understanding of biological mechanisms relevant to therapeutic development.

Working closely with experienced scientists, the intern will generate and interpret data, ultimately summarizing their findings in a scientific poster presented at the conclusion of the internship.

This is an intensive 11-week Summer Internship Program, offering a competitive compensation of $24.00 per hour. The role requires full-time, onsite work five days per week at the designated location.

Responsibilities:

• Support experiments aimed at characterizing ATXN1 protein expression in human cell lines, utilizing both healthy and patient-derived models.
• Perform cell culture and aseptic techniques under direct supervision, ensuring high standards of sterility and experimental integrity.
• Conduct various immunoassays, including the use of platforms such as JESS, as appropriate for the research goals.
• Analyze experimental data and systematically organize results using relevant software and tools.
• Maintain detailed and accurate experimental records in accordance with established laboratory standards and protocols.
• Summarize research findings and prepare a professional scientific poster and/or PowerPoint presentation.
• Present project results and findings to the research team towards the end of the internship program.
• Actively collaborate with team members, contributing to group discussions and participating in meetings.

Requirements:

• Currently enrolled as a student at an accredited university or college.
• Majoring in a biology-related field, such as Cell Biology, Molecular Biology, Human Biology, Neuroscience, or a closely related scientific discipline.
• Completion of relevant foundational coursework in biology or life sciences.
• Completion of specific coursework in Molecular Biology, Cell Biology, Neurobiology, and/or Biotechnology.
• Familiarity with techniques for protein expression analysis, immunoassays, or cell-based assays is highly desired.
• Demonstrated interest in translational research or neuroscience-related drug discovery.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office applications (Word, Excel, PowerPoint).
• Possess a strong sense of curiosity and high motivation to learn new laboratory techniques and scientific principles.

Additional Information:

Arrowhead Pharmaceuticals offers competitive salaries and an excellent benefits package.
All applicants must have authorization to work in the US for a company.