Part-Time Open Innovation Intern (Summer 2026)

Kyowa Kirin is a fast-growing global specialty pharmaceutical company dedicated to delivering novel medicines. The Open Innovation Intern will support the department in scouting, evaluating, and executing external collaboration opportunities, gaining hands-on experience at the intersection of science and business.

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

Skills

• Currently pursuing an undergraduate degree in chemistry, biology, biotechnology, or a related scientific field required
• 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
• 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
• 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
• Interns are preferred to be able to work from May 26th, 2026 to August 19th, 2026 but this is flexible based on students' availability

Company Overview