RIKEN Center for Integrative Medical Sciences (IMS) Internship 2026

RIKEN Center for Integrative Medical Sciences (IMS) Internship 2026

Organization: RIKEN IMS

Location: Yokohama, Japan

Duration: 1 to 3 Months

Target: Master’s, PhD, Medical Students, and Postdocs

Deadline: Rolling (at least 4 months before your start date), final cutoff September 2026.

Program Overview

The RIKEN IMS Internship Program is a prestigious opportunity for young international scientists to engage in high-level research at one of Japan’s leading centres for medical science. Established to bridge the gap between basic biology and clinical medicine, RIKEN IMS focuses on Integrative Medical Sciences—a field that combines genomics, immunology, and bioinformatics to solve complex human health challenges.

Research Areas

Interns can propose research within several interdisciplinary domains at the Yokohama campus

• Genome-wide Medical Science: Investigating genetic variations and their links to diseases.

• Immunology and Physiology: Studying the body’s defense mechanisms and functional biological systems.

• Bioinformatics: Utilizing computational tools to analyze massive biological datasets.

• Molecular and Biochemical Sciences: Exploring life at the cellular and atomic levels.

Support Categories & Benefits

The program provides significant financial support to ensure interns can focus entirely on their research.

*Note: Lodging rates decrease slightly for stays exceeding 30 and 60 days.

Eligibility Requirements

• Nationality: Open to all citizens worldwide.

• Academic Status: * Students: Must be currently enrolled in a Master’s, PhD, or Medical program.

  • Postdocs: Must be within three years of obtaining their PhD.

• Enrollment: You must remain enrolled at your home institution for the entire duration of the internship.

Step-by-Step Application Process

1. Laboratory Selection

Visit the RIKEN IMS Laboratory List and identify a team whose research aligns with your interests. You must contact the laboratory directly to secure a host.

2. Research Proposal

Once a Team Leader agrees to host you, collaborate with them to define a specific research topic. Your proposal must be compatible with the laboratory’s current equipment and ongoing projects.

3. Document Preparation

Gather the following (all in English):

• Curriculum Vitae (CV)

• Statement of Purpose (Why RIKEN IMS?)

• Research Background (Your previous work)

• Recommendation Letter from your current supervisor.

4. Submission

Submit your completed package via email directly to the Team Leader of your host laboratory.