R&D Intern

Industry Placement Studentship opportunity with Eisai: September 2025 to August 2026

Target and drug discovery for neurodegenerative diseases

Main purpose of the job

Eisai is a global, research-based pharmaceutical company working in the neurology and oncology therapeutic areas. Our corporate concept is to give first thought to patients and those close to them, increasing the benefits that health care provides to them, and to meet the diverse healthcare needs worldwide. Eisai calls this the “human health care (hhc)” concept – putting patients first. The hhc concept is the common purpose of all our people at Eisai many of whom come from different backgrounds and work across a wide variety of roles. Our people are what makes Eisai the company we are. By joining Eisai, in any function, you will be part of an organisation with teamwork, positive energy and resilience at the heart of everything we do.

Emerging Talent is a key focus for the team at Eisai, with many of our current workforce starting or building their career as an Apprentice, Intern or Graduate. You will join a tight-knit community and be provided with a Buddy, Line Manager and access to our Emerging Talent Team to ensure you are well supported. You will join a well thought out training programme that will support your soft skills, alongside building your technical skills in your role. You will be given real responsibilities from day one, which gives you the opportunity to learn from highly experienced team members and colleagues.

Role information

Role: R&D Intern
Location: Eisai Europe Limited, Mosquito Way, Hatfield, Hertfordshire, AL109SN
Salary: £22,308 Per Annum
Working arrangement: 100% Office based

Job Details

Eisai is offering an exciting opportunity for students to spend a year contributing to cutting-edge drug-discovery research in a neurology-focused industry laboratory.

The UK preclinical drug discovery group is based within Eisai’s European Knowledge Centre located approximately 20 miles north of London in Hatfield, Hertfordshire. It consists of a group of biological scientists that are responsible for a portfolio of drug discovery projects targeting neurodegenerative diseases. The team has expertise in molecular and cell biology, biochemistry, assay development and pharmacological profiling, and works closely with both internal and external collaborators with complementary expertise.

Techniques that an Industrial Placement student may learn include molecular biology (DNA constructs, mutagenesis etc.), protein production, assay development, small molecule drug testing, antibody generation and characterisation, and cell culture techniques using advanced (e.g., gene-edited iPSC-derived neurons) cell-based systems to model human disease biology. These techniques are highly transferrable to a variety of bioscience research settings. There will also be opportunity to innovate and improvise as projects progress. The IP students will gain exposure to the drug discovery process, especially the earlier stages required to initiate new activities, and will be expected to make contributions to on-going drug discovery projects. If you want to get involved in research aiming ultimately for the discovery of novel therapeutics with clinical impact, please liaise with your Industry Placement (Year in Industry) university administrator and apply following the process described below.

In addition, Eisai invest in the learning and development of all employees in the context of a supportive, collaborative, and enthusiastic team environment. Placement students at Eisai benefit from training and learning how to work safely in a modern research laboratory environment.

Role Requirements

Knowledge of bioscience (pharmacology, biochemistry etc.) as the role relates to cell biology, mechanisms of disease and drug development. Some practical experience of wet work in a laboratory will be highly favoured, especially if in the context of a laboratory placement (e.g., university or industry lab) with actual hands-on work on a project.

Recruitment process

1. Step one: Apply. The first thing to do is to apply as an R&D Intern. You will upload a CV & Cover Letter and fill in some personal details so we can be in touch. We will review your application and ensure that you are fully eligible for the programme you have applied for. Our application process opens on 13th January and closes on 10th February.
2. Step two: Video Interview. If you are successful at the first stage, you will be invited to take part in a one-way video interview process. This allows you to showcase yourself at a time and pace that suits you. We will be transparent in the process about the questions you will answer to allow you time to put your best foot forward. All video interviews will be assessed by 14th February.
3. Step three: Face to face interview. It’s as important to us as it is to you to make sure we find the correct fit, so any successful applicant will be invited to our Hatfield site for a two-hour interview. We want you to see the site you will be working in, so we will offer you a tour alongside a face-to-face interview and an opportunity to meet the wider team. This sounds very daunting, but the Emerging Talent Team will guide you through this process so you will know what you need to prepare ahead of the day. Our interviews will take place across w/c 3rd March and w/c 10th March. If reasonable expenses are incurred during travel to and from our site, they will be reimbursed.
4. Step four: Offer. Any successful candidate will be offered the vacancy they have applied for. Unsuccessful candidates will receive full feedback if they have completed the interview stage, with ideas and tips of where they can improve for future applications.

We aim to get back to you at each stage within seven working days, however, please note in busy periods this may increase. Please do not worry if you have not heard from us within our allocated time frame, we will endeavour to get back to you as soon as possible. All offers and contracts will be sent by 17th March 2025. Should you be successful, you will be invited to an in-person event on the 24th April 2025 which will allow you to meet your fellow cohort and find out more about Eisai.