Summer Intern, Computational Discovery Chemistry

The Position

The Computational Discovery Chemistry Intern will join Arrowhead Pharmaceuticals’ Discovery Research organization and play an active role in contributing to the expansion of data infrastructure and computational tools within the Computational Chemistry Core. This this role will focus on database development, data analysis, and coding of new tools that support in-silico drug design and AI/ML-driven discovery efforts. The intern will work under the guidance of senior scientists and computational leaders, gaining exposure to applied data science, bioinformatics, and machine learning within a pharmaceutical research environment.

This is an 11-week Summer Internship Program paying $21.00 per hour and requires full-time, onsite work five days per week at the designated location.

Responsibilities

• Expand and maintain databases supporting computational chemistry and discovery research initiatives.
• Program new tools for automated data extraction to support both new and existing databases.
• Develop tools for quality control (QC) analysis of biological efficacy data and apply them to collected datasets.
• Create tools for streamlined processing of in-silico–generated data.
• Contribute to ongoing discovery efforts, including:
  • Development of generative AI / machine learning models for physicochemical and structural prediction of drug molecules.
  • Development of models integrating biological, bioinformatic, and in-silico calculated data.
• Assist with data analysis, visualization, and interpretation to support applied drug discovery efforts.
• Collaborate with computational chemists, data scientists, and discovery stakeholders.
• Present project updates in weekly group meetings.
• Prepare final deliverables, including a scientific poster and a ~20-minute presentation summarizing project objectives, results, and learning.

Requirements:

• Currently enrolled in a bachelor’s degree program at an accredited university or college and majoring in computer science or a related field.
• Basic command-line experience (Bash/Shell) in Unix and/or Linux environments.
• Experience coding in Python (preferred), or demonstrated proficiency in Julia, JavaScript/TypeScript, or R.
• Experience with relational databases and query languages such as SQL.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills, including comfort presenting in group settings.
• Strong problem-solving and organizational skills.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office applications.
• Ability to lift up to 40 lbs.
• Willingness and ability to spend 25% of the workday walking the facility and 75% at a desk.

Preferred:

• Exposure to applied bioinformatics, including HTC/HPC environments and/or HT-seq analysis.
• Interest in AI/ML applications within drug discovery and computational chemistry.
• Strong curiosity, initiative, and eagerness to build scalable tools in a scientific research setting.