2026 Summer Internship Program: Structural Characterization Intern

Takeda • Boston, MA

51d • $21 - $46 • Onsite

About The Position

The Analytical Development Synthetic Molecules Structural Characterization (ADSMUS-SC) team is responsible for providing an understanding of the structure of drug molecules and impurities, degradants and other components of interest that may be present during the preparation of drug substances and drug products. The team utilizes advanced analytical technologies (NMR, MS, HPLC, etc) to determine the molecular structure of these compounds to assist in process optimization, method development, and regulatory filing. The individual selected for this position will explore the use of miniaturized analytical instruments to assist in the characterization of a range of different types of molecules from the Takeda pipeline. These include miniaturized LC and MS instruments, benchtop NMR, as well as their full-size counterparts. The improvement to the environmental impact of these miniaturized instruments will also be assessed to gain an understanding of their impact on the company’s carbon footprint.

Requirements

• This position will be Fully On-Site at the Cambridge, MA - Kendall Square location.
• The candidate must be currently pursuing a bachelor’s degree in chemistry, Biochemistry, Chemical Engineering or a closely related discipline.
• Completion of coursework in Analytical Chemistry (with lab) and Organic Chemistry (with lab) or the equivalent are required.
• 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
• Applications will be accepted between November 7th - November 30th

Nice To Haves

• Experience using advanced instrumentation (NMR, MS, LC, etc) for structural characterization is highly desired.
• Experience with computer programming in a modern programming language is also highly desired.

Responsibilities

• Use cutting-edge LC-MS and NMR technology for structural characterization as well as process analytical technology for reaction monitoring.
• Configure an interface between a miniature LC and an MS detector, including the fluidic transfer lines and control software. The interface should enable fluid transfer from the mini-LC to the MS for structural characterization and offline reaction monitoring and allow for trigger concurrent data acquisition.
• Collaborate with process chemists to apply the mini-LC-MS system to reaction monitoring for the quantitation of byproducts/impurities in complex reaction mixtures, with UV and/or MS2 quantification.
• Compare UV and MS based quantification with that provided by NMR.
• Collaborate with process chemists to build a sampling system with commercially available components such as externally controlled valves. The sampling system should feed (in mL/min flow rate) the reaction mixture to the MS and/or NMR alone for online reaction monitoring.
• Develop data processing tools to integrate the LC, MS, and NMR data into a single file and store to an appropriate database for future reference/recall.

Benefits

• 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.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Intern
• Number of Employees: 5,001-10,000 employees