Part-Time Open Innovation Intern (Summer 2026)

Kyowa Kirin is a fast-growing global specialty pharmaceutical company that applies state-of-the-art biotechnologies to discover and deliver novel medicines in four disease areas: bone and mineral; intractable hematologic; hematology oncology; and rare disease.  A Japan-based company, our goal is to translate science into smiles by delivering therapies where no adequate treatments currently exist, working from drug discovery to product development and commercialization. In North America, we are headquartered in Princeton, NJ, with offices in California, North Carolina, and Mississauga, Ontario.

The Open Innovation Department is dedicated to identifying, evaluating, and securing external opportunities for research collaborations and partnerships. Our mission is to grow Kyowa Kirin’s internal project pipeline by sourcing innovative assets, technologies, and expertise from biotech companies, academic institutions, and other external partners. We drive the integration of external innovation with our internal Research and Development (R&D) efforts to accelerate the discovery and development of breakthrough medicines and technologies.  
The Open Innovation Intern will play a key role in supporting the department’s efforts to scout, evaluate, and execute external collaboration opportunities. This internship offers hands-on experience at the intersection of science and business, providing exposure to strategic decision-making, partnership development, and the pharmaceutical innovation ecosystem.

This position is a paid, temporary internship eligible to rising juniors or rising seniors within a commutable distance of La Jolla, CA. This role is a part-time internship (15-20 hours per week).

Key Responsibilities:

• Support the search and evaluation of external opportunities, including new technologies, assets, and partnership prospects in biotech and academia.
• Conduct scientific and business landscape analyses to identify trends, unmet needs, and potential collaborators.
• Participate in partnership meetings, assist in preparing meeting materials, and document outcomes and next steps.
• Evaluate external opportunities by integrating scientific merit, strategic fit, and business considerations.
• Perform database searches and maintain up-to-date records of potential opportunities and ongoing projects.
• Support integration of AI-based technologies and services into the Open Innovation processes
• Develop and refine search and evaluation strategies in collaboration with the Open Innovation team.
• Prepare presentations and reports for internal stakeholders to facilitate decision-making.
• Assist with other related activities to support the department’s objectives.

Qualifications/Requirements:

• Currently pursuing an undergraduate degree in chemistry, biology, biotechnology, or a related scientific field required.
• Previous internship or project experience in biomedical research or drug development in cell/gene therapy or antibody immunotherapies or familiarity with related technologies preferred
• Familiarity with concepts and applications of AI/ML-based technologies is preferred
• Proficient in MS Office Suite.
• Demonstrated ability to organize, prioritize, meet deadlines, make decisions, and change course of action quickly.
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills. Strong work ethics are required. Detail oriented and excellent follow through.
• Interns are preferred to be able to work from May 26th, 2026 to August 19th, 2026 but this is flexible based on students’ availability
• Candidates must have a minimum GPA of 3.0
• Candidates must live within a commutable distance to La Jolla, CA and be able to work hybrid or onsite as needed
• This position requires that candidates be able to work in the United States on a permanent and ongoing basis without sponsorship

The anticipated hourly rate for this position will be $21.00 to $23.00 per hour.  The actual hourly rate offered for this role at commencement of employment may vary based on several factors including but not limited to relevant experience, skill set, qualifications, education (including applicable licenses and certifications, job-based knowledge, location, and other business and organizational needs.

KKNA and all of its employees have an obligation to act in accordance with the law and with integrity in all our operations and interactions

It is the policy of Kyowa Kirin North America, Inc. to provide equal employment opportunity to all qualified persons without regard to race, religion, creed, color, pregnancy, sex, age, national origin, disability, genetic trait or predisposition, veteran status, marital status, sexual orientation or affection preference or citizenship status or any other category protected by law.

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