Platform Biology Summer Intern

Job Description

Platform Biology Summer Intern

About Arvinas

Arvinas is a clinical-stage biotechnology company dedicated to improving the lives of patients suffering from debilitating and life-threatening diseases. We achieve this through the discovery, development, and commercialization of therapies that degrade disease-causing proteins. Arvinas utilizes its proprietary PROTAC Discovery Engine platform to engineer proteolysis targeting chimeras (PROTAC targeted protein degraders). These innovative therapies are designed to harness the body’s own natural protein disposal system to selectively and efficiently degrade and remove harmful proteins.

Our robust preclinical pipeline is complemented by several investigational clinical-stage programs currently enrolling, targeting critical unmet needs in neurodegenerative disorders and oncology. Recent significant milestones include:

• Three clinical-stage programs: ARV-102 for neurodegenerative disorders, ARV-393 for relapsed/refractory non-Hodgkin Lymphoma, and ARV-806 (a KRAS G12D PROTAC) for solid tumors with KRAS G12D mutations.
• In 2025, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) accepted the New Drug Application (NDA) for vepdegestrant, an investigational, orally bioavailable PROTAC estrogen receptor degrader, as a monotherapy for ER+, HER2-, ESR1-mutated advanced or metastatic breast cancer. Arvinas and Pfizer also announced plans to out-license and commercialize vepdegestrant.
• In 2024, Arvinas entered into a global license agreement with Novartis for the development and commercialization of ARV-766, a clinical-stage PROTAC androgen receptor protein degrader for prostate cancer.

#TeamArvinas is comprised of passionate and curious employees whose diverse thoughts and perspectives are highly valued. We encourage innovation, creative thinking, and a commitment to giving back. Our team is driven by the company’s mission to improve patients’ lives through pioneering therapies developed with our revolutionary PROTAC protein degradation platform. We are excited about the impactful work we do and invite you to learn more about life at Arvinas at www.arvinas.com.

Position Summary

The Platform Biology summer internship position at Arvinas offers a unique opportunity to contribute to the evaluation and development of 3D biology, integrating automation and high-content imaging to support our Oncology and Neuroscience therapeutic areas. This is a laboratory-based role involving core cell biology and biochemical techniques, utilization of automation equipment, and high-content imaging platforms.

The intern will join a collaborative, multi-disciplinary team of biologists, biochemists, biophysicists, and chemists. A primary focus will be to automate the biology and staining processes for 3D spheroids (and potentially organoids), enhancing our understanding and screening capabilities for novel PROTACs. We seek a passionate and highly motivated individual enthusiastic about novel therapeutic applications, such as degraders, and eager to explore new modalities for targeting proteins across neuroscience, oncology, and immune-oncology.

This training opportunity provides invaluable experience in the early drug discovery process within a collaborative and innovative environment. This position reports to a Senior Research Scientist, Platform Biology, and will be located at our headquarters in New Haven, CT.

Principal Responsibilities

Key responsibilities of this role include, but are not limited to:

• Cell culture, including proficient sterile technique for mammalian cell lines.
• Conducting live-cell assays to monitor, image, and analyze 3D spheroids.
• Performing cellular assays involving fixing, permeabilizing, and using immunofluorescence staining to research methods for 3D spheroid marker infiltration, including tissue clearing, while actively working to automate the staining process.
• Developing, running, and analyzing data using high-content imaging instruments.
• Executing various cellular assays to monitor the activity of degrader compounds (e.g., JESS, high-content, luminescence, fluorescence, NanoBRET).
• Data analysis and interpretation, culminating in regular presentations of findings in team meetings.
• Meeting with key stakeholders outside of the project team to devise future experiments for downstream applications.
• Major areas of focus will include utilizing established workflows to guide assay development and technical optimization, evaluating appropriate controls, and troubleshooting.

Qualifications

• The candidate should be a highly motivated fast learner with flexibility and the ability to multi-task, as well as demonstrating strong team player qualities as a good lab citizen.
• Previous oncology or neuroscience experience is preferred.
• Experience in cell culture is required.
• Experience with microscopy and high-content imaging is a plus.
• Knowledge of ubiquitin-based proteasomal degradation is desired, but not a pre-requisite.
• Ability to work full-time (40 hours per week).
• Arvinas will not be providing VISA sponsorship for this position. Candidates must have the ability to work without the need for current or future VISA sponsorship.
• The duties of this role are generally conducted in a lab environment. Employees must be able, with or without an accommodation, to:
  • Lift/carry 15/30 pounds unassisted/assisted.
  • Work comfortably in a controlled environment with and around biological, infectious, and hazardous materials.
  • Gown/degown PPE.
  • Use a computer.
  • Engage in communications via phone, video, and electronic messaging.
  • Engage in problem-solving, analysis, and dialogue.
  • Collaborate with others.
  • Maintain general availability during standard business hours.

Education

• Preference will be given to a Master’s / PhD student currently enrolled in a program with a concentration in cell biology, immunology, pharmacology, biology, or related fields.
• Prior laboratory experience is a plus.

To learn more about Arvinas, please visit www.arvinas.com

Arvinas is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will be considered for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability or protected veteran status.