2026 Summer Intern | Evaluation of CNS cell-specific efficacy of oligonucleotides by systemic delivery

Ionis•Carlsbad, CA

26d•$18 - $23•Hybrid

About The Position

Headquartered in Carlsbad, California, and with offices in Boston, Massachusetts, and Dublin, Ireland, Ionis has been at work for more than three decades discovering medical breakthroughs that have redefined life for people with serious diseases. We’re pioneers in RNA-targeted medicines, and our platform continues to revolutionize drug discovery and transform lives for patients with unmet needs. With multiple marketed medicines and a leading pipeline in neurology, cardiology and select areas of high patient needs, we continue to drive innovation in RNA therapies in addition to advancing new approaches in gene editing to provide greater value to patients and are well positioned financially to deliver on our strategic goals. At Ionis, we pride ourselves on cultivating a challenging, motivating and rewarding environment that fosters innovation and scientific excellence. We know that our success is a direct result of the exceptional talents and dedication of our employees. With an unprecedented opportunity to change the course of human health, we look to add diverse individuals, skill sets and perspectives to our exceptional team. We continue to invest time, money and energy into making our onsite, hybrid and remote work environments a place where solid and lasting relationships are built and where our culture and employees can thrive. We’re building on our rich history, and we believe our greatest achievements are ahead of us. If you’re passionate about the opportunity to have meaningful impact on patients in need, we invite you to apply and join us. Experience and contribute to our unique culture while you develop and expand your career! Evaluation of CNS cell-specific efficacy of oligonucleotides by systemic delivery Summary: We are actively working on targeting CNS after systemic delivery with oligonucleotides. Targeting the relevant cell types in the CNS is crucial to the treatment of neurological diseases. Therefore, the proposed project will focus on evaluating the level of target engagement in specific cell types in the CNS after the systemic delivery of oligonucleotides using single cell sequencing in vivo. The intern involved in this project will learn: RNA technologies and fundamental neuroscience Anatomical localization and dissection of distinct CNS regions in vivo RNA extraction and quantitative PCR Single cell RNA sequencing (scRNA-seq) Skills and Requirements: Interest and basic understanding of neuroscience Experience in general lab techniques Understanding the basics of RNA extraction and RT-PCR Experience handling mouse Program Highlights: The program is designed to complement a student’s undergraduate and/or graduate studies with relevant, hands-on industry experience Ionis offers paid positions Weekly stipend (for onsite interns only) Professional Networking End-of-program project presentations Housing/Travel assistance available for eligible, out-of-area interns Networking and bonding social events Interaction with diverse and motivated teams/departments Requirements: MUST be currently enrolled in a U.S. Undergraduate and/or Graduate Degree Program and not graduating prior to the completion of the Ionis internship. MUST be able to begin internship between 6/8 and 8/14/2026. MUST be able and willing to remain in program through at least 8/14/2026. MUST be able and willing to commit to a minimum 40-hour work week. Please visit our website, http://www.ionis.com The pay scale for this position is $18 to $23 per hour. NO PHONE CALLS PLEASE. PRINCIPALS ONLY. APPLICATION DEADLINE IS April 30, 2026. PLEASE INCLUDE A COVER LETTER RELEVANT TO THE POSITION APPLYING FOR. THE EVALUATION PROCESS MAY COMMENCE PRIOR TO THIS DEADLINE. Ionis Pharmaceuticals, Inc. and all its subsidiaries are proud to be EEO employers.

Requirements

Interest and basic understanding of neuroscience
Experience in general lab techniques
Understanding the basics of RNA extraction and RT-PCR
Experience handling mouse
MUST be currently enrolled in a U.S. Undergraduate and/or Graduate Degree Program and not graduating prior to the completion of the Ionis internship.
MUST be able to begin internship between 6/8 and 8/14/2026.
MUST be able and willing to remain in program through at least 8/14/2026.
MUST be able and willing to commit to a minimum 40-hour work week.