Internship - Platform Innovation

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Novo Nordisk's Internship - Platform Innovation in Lexington, MA is a 10-week, onsite program from June 1 to August 14, 2026, where you join a multidisciplinary R&D team focused on oligonucleotide therapies and siRNA. You'll gain hands-on lab experience with gene expression analysis (PCR/qPCR), contribute to biomarker discovery, and analyze data for translational insights while collaborating across research, development and innovation groups. Ideal candidates are current undergrads or grads in Biology or Biochemistry with a 3.0+ GPA, strong organizational skills, multi-tasking ability, and proven initiative. Tips: tailor your resume to highlight relevant molecular biology, data analysis, and teamwork; demonstrate adaptability and prior lab exposure; confirm eligibility and visa status; apply early and showcase alignment with Novo Nordisk’s patient-focused mission and commitment to innovation. Note: internship is temporary, not eligible for company benefits; no visa sponsorship is available.

About the Department

Our Research & Development organization brings together the best minds in life science innovation. The teams located in facilities in Lexington, Watertown, Cambridge and Plainsboro reflect the full R&D continuum, from early research through late-stage clinical development. Here, we are building for the future, creating a distinct R&D community based on collaboration, partnerships, and cutting-edge research across multiple modalities and therapeutic areas. We recognize that improving human health starts here and that patients rely on us. Our R&D hub merges biotech speed and agility with large pharmaceutical company quality, resources, and stability, uniting the best of both worlds to develop new medicines for patients

The Program

At Novo Nordisk, interns will have the opportunity to work closely with experienced industry professionals and gain valuable, hands-on, full-time work experience. For ten working weeks, interns will be immersed in the environment of a global pharmaceutical company and contribute to the line of business by providing sustainable and meaningful project work. Our internship program also includes instructor led trainings, a leadership engagement series, and a guided mentorship program to offer professional and personal development.

Program Start: June 1st, 2026

Program End: August 14th, 2026

Scope of Position

As the Platform Innovation intern, you will collaborate with a dynamic, multidisciplinary team of scientists dedicated to the advancement of oligonucleotide-based therapeutics, such as small interfering RNA (siRNA). You will gain hands-on experience in developing and optimizing new platform technologies that enable targeted gene silencing in selected tissues. This project merges fundamental molecular biology with translational research, bridging lab discoveries to future clinical solutions. Some key responsibilities include; Conduct molecular biology experiments: Perform gene expression analysis using techniques such as PCR/qPCR to quantify mRNA levels following siRNA treatment. Support biomarker discovery efforts: Contribute to the identification and characterization of potential biomarkers that report on therapeutic efficacy and safety. Engage in data analysis & interpretation: Analyze experimental data and draw meaningful conclusions, collaborating with platform scientists to solve real-world research problems. Participate in cross-functional teamwork: Present results and collaborate with research, development, and innovation groups focused on nucleic acid therapeutics. From this role, you will gain; A comprehensive understanding of siRNA mechanisms and therapeutic applications. First-hand experience using state-of-the-art molecular biology platforms and assay technologies. Professional development working closely with industry experts in a fast-paced, research-driven environment. The opportunity to contribute to reports and presentations.

Physical Requirements

0% overnight travel required.

Qualifications

• Must be a current student enrolled at an accredited college or university pursuing at least a bachelor’s degree
• An in progress undergraduate or graduate degree in Biology, Biochemistry, or a related discipline preferred
• Strong academic record with a preferred cumulative GPA of 3.0 or higher
• Conscientious self-starter with good organizational skills, project management skills and attention to detail
• Ability to balance multiple projects and priorities, must be able to multi-task
• Strong interpersonal communication and ability to collaborate with teams; must effectively operate independently, across functional lines, and with internal customers
• Demonstrated personal initiative, self-motivation, flexibility, adaptability and willingness to learn
• Proficient in Microsoft Office Tools including Word, Excel, PowerPoint, etc.

At this time, Novo Nordisk is not currently hiring individuals for this position who now or in the future would require sponsorship for employment visa status.

The base compensation range for this position is $52,000 to $89,000 on an hourly basis. Due to the temporary nature of this program, this position is not eligible to participate in any of the Company's benefit plans and will not be entitled to any paid time off unless otherwise required by applicable law.

We commit to an inclusive recruitment process and equality of opportunity for all our job applicants.

At Novo Nordisk, we're not chasing quick fixes – we're creating lasting change for long-term health. For over 100 years, we've been driven by a single purpose: to defeat serious chronic diseases and help millions of people live healthier lives. This dedication fuels our constant curiosity and inspires us to push the boundaries of what's possible in healthcare. We embrace diverse perspectives, seek out bold ideas, and build partnerships rooted in shared purpose. Together, we're making healthcare more accessible, treating and defeating diseases, and pioneering solutions that create change spanning generations. When you join us, you become part of something bigger – a legacy of impact that reaches far beyond today.

Novo Nordisk is an equal opportunity employer. Qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, ethnicity, color, religion, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, national origin, disability, protected veteran status or any other characteristic protected by local, state or federal laws, rules or regulations.

If you are interested in applying to Novo Nordisk and need special assistance or an accommodation to apply, please call us at 1-855-411-5290. This contact is for accommodation requests only and cannot be used to inquire about the status of applications.