Chemistry Research Intern
IBRI: Unique. And Uniquely Successful.
The Indiana Biosciences Research Institute (IBRI) stands alone in the life sciences ecosystem — a first-in-class translational medicine institute built to transform how discoveries move from the lab bench to the patient bedside.
Unlike traditional research organizations or commercial biotech accelerators, IBRI was designed from inception to unite what others have long kept apart: academic research, early-stage biotech, and industry execution. We are the connective tissue between inquiry and impact — a collaborative engine accelerating cures and reshaping how innovation happens.
Backed by industry leaders, investors, and philanthropic partners, IBRI curates and supports emerging biotech ventures with the capital, talent, and infrastructure they need to move faster and think bolder. Our home in Indiana offers a powerful advantage — the ability to direct more resources to science, not overhead — accelerating progress while lowering barriers to discovery.
Our labs work at the frontiers of diabetes, metabolic disease, Alzheimer’s, and rare pediatric conditions — fields where unmet need demands both rigor and imagination. IBRI’s public–private model creates a fertile space where great science can mature without the premature commercial pressures that often derail true breakthroughs.
And those breakthroughs are happening here.
When IBRI innovations reach clinical readiness, intellectual property is spun out or sold back to industry, creating a continuous revenue stream that fuels the next wave of discovery. The model sustains itself — rewarding scientists, investors, and donors alike while delivering what matters most: therapies that change lives.
After a decade of measurable progress, IBRI’s model has proven what’s possible when collaboration, creativity, and capital converge with purpose. We are not simply advancing translational medicine — we are redefining it. IBRI is more than a research institute. It’s a movement — one uniquely successful in transforming the way science becomes solutions, and solutions become cures.
The Opportunity:
The IBRI is seeking motivated undergraduate or graduate students for our Summer Internship Program. Interns will gain hands-on experience in a dynamic research environment, working alongside scientists and professionals on active projects that contribute to real-world scientific advancement.
The Summer Internship Program runs from May 18, 2026, through August 7, 2026.
Responsibilities:
- Assist in Laboratory Experiments, Data Collection, and Analysis
- Conduct Literature Reviews and Contribute to Research Documentation
- Review current scientific literature to support experimental design and contextualize findings.
- Summarize key insights and trends in disease pathways, therapeutic targets, or enabling technologies.
- Assist in drafting internal reports, research summaries, and poster presentations.
- Participate in Team Meetings and Present Findings or Progress Updates
- Attend regular lab and project meetings to discuss goals, challenges, and progress.
- Prepare and deliver short presentations or visual data summaries to peers and mentors.
- Engage in scientific discussions and receive constructive feedback to refine research approaches.
- Maintain Accurate Records and Follow Safety and Ethical Guidelines
- Document procedures, observations, and results in accordance with institutional standards.
- Adhere to biosafety protocols, chemical handling procedures, and ethical research practices.
- Participate in lab audits and contribute to maintaining a safe and organized research environment.
- Support Data Management and Visualization Efforts
- Organize and clean datasets for analysis.
- Use software tools (e.g., Excel, GraphPad, R, Python) to generate graphs, charts, and statistical summaries.
- Assist in preparing figures for presentations or publications.
- Collaborate Across Disciplines
- Work with scientists from different focus areas such as molecular innovation, integrated data sciences, and enabling technologies.
- Contribute to cross-functional projects that integrate biology, chemistry, and computational approaches.
- Participate in Seminars and Trainings on Professional and Scientific Topics
- Attend workshops on drug discovery, translational science, data analytics, and career development.
- Engage with guest speakers from academia, industry, and nonprofit sectors.
- Explore career pathways in biosciences through networking and mentorship opportunities.
- Contribute to Outreach and Science Communication Efforts
- Assist in preparing educational materials or public-facing content about IBRI research.
- Support community engagement initiatives or STEM outreach events if applicable.
- Prepare reagents, samples, and equipment for experiments.
- Conduct assays, cell culture, molecular biology techniques, or biochemical analyses depending on the assigned project.
- Collect and record data using lab notebooks and digital tools, ensuring accuracy and reproducibility.
- Perform preliminary data analysis and contribute to interpretation of results.
Qualifications:
- Enrolled in (or recently graduated from) an Indiana university undergraduate and/or graduate program OR having graduated from an Indiana High School.
- Degree in a field related to biology and/or chemistry.
- Strong interest in scientific research.
- Excellent organizational and communication skills.
- Ability to work independently and collaboratively in a team setting.
- Interested in pursuing graduate studies or a career in research or science policy.
- Commitment to the full duration of the internship.
- Familiarity with software such as Excel, R, Python, or statistical tools (preferred).
- Basic understanding of laboratory techniques and data analysis tools (preferred).
How to Apply:
Submit the following materials to the online application by December 31st, 2025:
- Resume or CV
- Cover letter detailing your interest and relevant experience
- Academic transcript (unofficial is acceptable)
- Letter(s) of recommendation (optional but encouraged)
Compensation:
Earn a stipend of $9650 for the Summer Internship Program to help cover living and work-related expenses while earning hands-on experience and training.
Equal Employment Opportunity:
The IBRI provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants and does not discriminate based on age, race, color, religion, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, national origin, protected veteran status, disability, or any other legally protected status.