Intern, Molecular Modeling & Informatics
Alkermes
This position will support ongoing efforts within Research to advance the integration of modern machine learning models into Alkermes’ broader modeling and informatics architecture. The role is focused on building, evaluating, and improving predictive models trained on chemical assay data, with an emphasis on robust performance characterization and decision-making in chemically relevant space. The individual will work closely with Modeling & Informatics scientists to develop reproducible, interpretable machine learning workflows that directly support medicinal chemistry programs.-making in chemically relevant space. The individual will work closely with Modeling & Informatics scientists to develop reproducible, interpretable machine learning workflows that directly support medicinal chemistry programs.
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.
Basic Qualifications:
- Enrollment in, or recent completion of, a degree program in computer science, data science, statistics, computational chemistry, cheminformatics, chemical engineering, or a related quantitative discipline.
Preferred Qualifications:
- Fundamental understanding of machine learning concepts, including model training, validation, and evaluation.
- Experience working with Python for data analysis or modeling.
- Familiarity with structured scientific datasets and basic data cleaning / preprocessing.
- Ability to reason about uncertainty, error, and limitations in data‑driven models.
- Strong analytical thinking skills and attention to detail.
- Ability to communicate technical ideas clearly in written and verbal form.
- Hands‑on experience building machine learning models using ChemProp, scikit‑learn, or similar frameworks.
- Experience using RDKit or related cheminformatics libraries for molecular featurization and analysis.
- Strong Python coding skills, including experience writing modular, testable, and maintainable code.
- Experience developing reproducible modeling pipelines, including version control, parameter tracking, and evaluation workflows.
- Familiarity with experimental assay data, experimental variability, or model error analysis in scientific or engineering contexts.
- Exposure to software engineering best practices such as unit testing, code reviews, and documentation.
- Interest in applying machine learning to real‑world scientific decision making rather than purely theoretical modeling.
Working Conditions:
- Office‑based role with day-to-day work onsite at 900 Winter Street in Waltham
- Standard office environment with extensive computer‑based work.
- Regular interaction with scientists and technical staff within Research.
- Ability to sit for extended periods while working at a computer.
- Ability to use standard office equipment (computer, keyboard, monitor).
- No special physical demands beyond typical office work.
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
- Build and evaluate machine learning models using chemical structure and assay data, with an emphasis on regression and classification tasks relevant to drug discovery.
- Apply modern cheminformatics and ML toolkits including ChemProp, scikit-learn, and RDKit to generate molecular representations and predictive models.
- Characterize model performance using appropriate validation strategies, including assessment of experimental error, noise, and upper bounds on achievable performance.
- Analyze internal assay datasets to understand data quality, variance, and implications for model reliability.
- Use model outputs to help inform decisions around potentially relevant chemical space and compound prioritization.
- Communicate results clearly through written summaries, figures, and presentations to technical stakeholders.
- If suitable this position will also contribute to the development of reusable, well documented modeling components that can be integrated into existing internal platforms and workflows.
