2026 Summer Internship Program: Vaccine Business Unit Product Operations Assay Development Intern
Boston, MassachusettsVaccines prevent 2 to 3 million deaths each year and have transformed global public health. For the past 70 years, Takeda has supplied vaccines to protect the health of people in Japan. Today, Takeda's global vaccine business is applying innovation to tackle some of the world's most challenging infectious diseases, such as dengue, COVID-19, Zika and norovirus. Takeda’s team brings an outstanding track record and a wealth of knowledge in vaccine development, manufacturing and global access to advance a pipeline of vaccines to address some of the world's most pressing public health needs.
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Job Description
Vaccine Business Unit (VBU) Product Operations Assay Development plays a critical role in vaccine manufacturing by providing analytical methodologies that measure the quality attributes of vaccine products throughout the manufacturing process. Critical quality attributes that are measured include safety, identity, purity and potency, as well as product specific molecular characterization. We collaborate closely with global vaccine quality to deliver analytical methodologies and support analytical testing at GMP quality control laboratories.
Enhanced analytical development is a systematic way of developing and refining knowledge of an analytical procedure and demonstrating procedure understanding. In addition to the minimal approach, an enhanced approach may include conducting an analytical method risk assessment and evaluating prior knowledge to identify the analytical procedure parameters that can impact performance of the procedure, as well as conducting uni- and multi-variate experiments and/or modeling to explore ranges and interactions between identified analytical procedure parameters (ICH Q14 Guideline on analytical procedure development). This project is intended to support enhanced analytical development for one or more analytical methodologies in development supporting the analytical lifecycle management of a commercial vaccine.
How You Will Contribute:
As a VBU Product Operations Assay Development Intern, under the manager’s supervision, you will have the opportunity to…
Plan and execute wet-lab experiments
Analyze data
Interpret and present results and conclusions to the larger development team
Use findings to inform further development strategy and/or finalize analytical procedure operating parameters
Internship Development Opportunities:
Hands on experience across different types of analytical methodologies/technologies (i.e. molecular, immunoassay, cell-based)
Gain real-world experience developing analytical methodologies in a team environment for a commercial vaccine
Mentorship from experienced analytical scientists in the vaccine industry
Job Requirements:
This position will be in person and require 5 days/week in Cambridge, MA
Must be pursuing a Bachelors Degree in biology, chemistry, biochemistry, or another relevant field
Basic experience in a research laboratory, including usage of micropipettes
Willingness to wear appropriate PPE to meet safety requirements while working in a BSL-2 environment
Demonstrated ability to work effectively as a collaborative team member
Internship Eligibility
Must be authorized to work in the U.S. on a permanent basis without requiring sponsorship
Must be currently enrolled in a degree program graduating December 2026 or later
The internship program is 10-12 weeks depending on the two start dates (May 26th-August 14th or June 15th- August 21st)
The intern must be able to commit to one of these time frames
Able to work full time 40 hours a week during internship dates
Takeda does not provide a housing stipend or relocation support for the U.S Summer Internship Program
Program Highlights:
Hands-on experience with real projects and responsibilities
Dedicated mentorship program pairing interns with experienced professionals
Networking opportunities with industry professionals and fellow interns
Internship events focused on professional and skills development
Exposure to multiple business areas or departments within a Pharmaceutical Organization
Applications will be accepted between November 7th- November 30th
Takeda Compensation and Benefits Summary
We understand compensation may bean important factor as you consider an internship opportunity. We are committed to equitable pay for all employees, and we strive to be more transparent with our pay practices.
For Location:
Boston, MAU.S. Hourly Wage Range:
$21.00 - $46.00
The estimated hourly range reflects an anticipated range for this position. The actual hourly wage offered will depend on the candidate’s school year/level to be entered following completion of internship.The actual hourly wage offered will be in accordance with state or local minimum wage requirements for the job location.
U.S. internship benefits vary by location and may include:
Paid sick time
Civic Duty paid time off
Participation at company volunteer events
Participation at company sponsored special events
Access to on-site fitness center (where available)
Commuter Benefit: To offset your work-commute expenses, Takeda provides U.S. employees with a fixed monthly subsidy to be used for either public transportation (transit) or parking.
EEO Statement
Takeda is proud in its commitment to creating a diverse workforce and providing equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, parental status, national origin, age, disability, citizenship status, genetic information or characteristics, marital status, status as a Vietnam era veteran, special disabled veteran, or other protected veteran in accordance with applicable federal, state and local laws, and any other characteristic protected by law.
Locations
Boston, MAWorker Type
EmployeeWorker Sub-Type
Paid Intern (Fixed Term) (Trainee)Time Type
Full timeJob Exempt
NoIt is unlawful in Massachusetts to require or administer a lie detector test as a condition of employment or continued employment. An employer who violates this law shall be subject to criminal penalties and civil liability.Success profile
What makes a successful team member within Vaccines at Takeda?
- Integrity
- Fairness
- Inventive
- Perseverance
- Honesty
- Collaborative
Our leadership
Vaccines represent a new dimension of global impact — successful leadership at Takeda can be encompassed in these four pillars:
Demonstrating strategic enterprise thinking, finding innovative ways to serve patients and build trust, reputation and business
Creating the environment that inspires and enables people to move the organization forward
Focusing on the few priorities and delivers superior results
Elevating the capabilities of the organization for now and the future
Working at Takeda
-
Inclusion
Here, you will feel welcomed, respected, and valued as a vital contributor to our global team. -
Collaboration
A strong, borderless team, we strive together towards our priorities and inspiring mission. -
Innovation
Bold initiatives, continuous improvement, and creativity are at the heart of how we bring scientific breakthroughs from the lab to patients. -
Top Workplace
Recognized for our culture and way of working, we’re one of only 17 companies to receive Top Global Employer® status for 2025. -
Work-Life
Our people-first mission extends beyond patients to include their families, communities, and our own Takeda family. -
Empowerment
Through trust and respect, you will have genuine support from leaders, managers, and colleagues to do your best work.
We're Steadfast In Our Commitment to Four Key Imperatives
Patient
Responsibly translate science into highly innovative medicines and accelerate access to improve lives worldwide.
People
Create an exceptional people experience.
Planet
Protect our planet.
Data & Digital
Transform Takeda into the most trusted, data-driven, outcomes-based biopharmaceutical company.
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