Alkermes→
Intern, Medicinal Chemistry at Alkermes in Waltham, MA
Skills
Job Description
As a chemistry intern, you will have opportunity to learn about the pharmaceutical industry, interact and have exposure to our organizational leaders and their teams. Additionally, you will gain hand on experience in the area of drug candidate synthesis, purification and characterization by working alongside experienced chemists.
Responsibilities
As a member of the Alkermes medicinal chemistry group, the intern will be responsible for:
- The synthesis, purification and characterization of molecules in support of a particular research project.
- She/he will conduct multi-step syntheses, which may include utilization of specialized organic chemistry techniques such as handling air- and moisture-sensitive reagents, solid phase organic synthesis and use of laboratory automation.
In addition, the candidate will also investigate new synthetic methodologies described in the literature to help validate these new chemistries for future molecules inside of projects.
- She/he will also be expected to isolate and purify compounds from complex mixtures, and to characterize purified compounds using modern spectroscopic techniques such as NMR and HPLC/MS.
- Responsibility for comprehensive and accurate documentation of all laboratory work is an integral part of the job, as is the organization and communication, both orally and in written form, of all results obtained from research work.
Qualifications
Basic Qualifications:
Enrolled in an undergraduate or graduate program
Majors in the following backgrounds: Chemistry or Biochemistry
Preferred Qualifications:
- Organic chemistry laboratory skills Organic chemistry knowledge
- Tenacity
- Analytical thinking
- Flexibility
- Concern for standards (Quality)
The hourly rate for this position ranges from $23/hr to $27/hr. Exact compensation may vary based on skills, training, knowledge, and experience. Additional details can be found on our careers website: www.alkermes.com/careers#working-here
Company
Why join Team Alkermes?
Alkermes applies its decades of deep neuroscience expertise to develop medicines designed to help people living with complex and difficult-to-treat psychiatric and neurological disorders. A global biopharmaceutical company, headquartered in Ireland with U.S. locations in Massachusetts and Ohio, we seek to make a meaningful difference in the way people manage their diseases. We have a portfolio of proprietary commercial products for the treatment of alcohol dependence, opioid dependence, schizophrenia, bipolar I disorder and narcolepsy, and a pipeline of clinical and preclinical candidates in development for various psychiatric and neurological disorders.
We are proud to have been recognized as an employer of choice by many national organizations. In 2024 and 2025, we were certified as a Great Place to Work in the U.S. and named one of Massachusetts’ Top Places to Work by the Boston Globe, a Best Place to Work in Greater Cincinnati by the Cincinnati Business Courier and recognized as a Best Place to Work in BioPharma by Fortune Magazine.
Alkermes, Inc. is an equal employment opportunity employer and does not discriminate against any qualified applicant or employee because of race, creed, color, age, national origin, ancestry, religion, gender, sexual orientation, gender expression and identity, disability, genetic information, veteran status, military status, application for military service or any other characteristic protected by local, state or federal law. Alkermes also complies with all work authorization and employment eligibility verification requirements of the Immigration and Nationality Act and IRCA. Alkermes is an E-Verify employer.