Open Research Biopharmaceutical Internships Support (ORBIS)

What Is ORBIS?

Open Research Biopharmaceutical Internships Support (ORBIS) is a globally coordinated effort funded by a consortium of pharmaceutical firms, academic institutions, and nonprofit foundations. Its core mission is to provide highquality, handson research opportunities for undergraduate, graduate, and postdoctoral trainees who are eager to work on realworld drug discovery projects.

Unlike traditional summer placements that often involve routine lab tasks, ORBIS internships are embedded within active research programs. Interns work sidebyside with senior scientists on projects ranging from target validation and assay development to computational modelling and earlystage clinical trial design.

All internships follow an openresearch ethos: data generated is shared openly, results are published in preprint servers, and intellectual contributions are acknowledged through coauthorship whenever appropriate.

Key Benefits for Interns

• Stipended Salary: Competitive remuneration that covers living expenses and travel.
• Mentorship: Dedicated mentors with a minimum of 10hours of direct guidance per week.
• Professional Development: Workshops on scientific communication, project management, and regulatory affairs.
• Publication Opportunities: Interns can become coauthors on peerreviewed papers and openaccess datasets.
• Network Expansion: Access to a global community of peers, alumni, and industry leaders through virtual conferences and regional meetups.
• Career Pathways: Preferred consideration for fulltime roles at participating companies after graduation.

Who Can Apply?

ORBIS welcomes applicants from a broad range of scientific backgrounds. Eligibility criteria include:

• Enrollment in an accredited university program (undergraduate, masters, Ph.D., or postdoctoral).
• Strong academic record (minimum GPA3.0 on a 4.0 scale or equivalent).
• Demonstrated interest in biopharmaceutical research (relevant coursework, lab experience, or publications).
• Ability to work legally in the host country for the duration of the internship (visa support is provided when required).
• Commitment to the openresearch principles that ORBIS promotes.

We strongly encourage applications from underrepresented groups, including women, minorities, and individuals from low and middleincome countries.

Application Process

The ORBIS application cycle runs twice a year, aligning with the spring and fall semesters. Follow these steps to submit a complete application:

1. Register Online: Create a profile on the ORBIS portal and verify your email address.
2. Upload Documents: Provide a CV, an unofficial transcript, and a concise (max500words) statement of interest describing your research goals and why you want to join ORBIS.
3. Choose a Project: Browse the publicly listed projects and select up to three that match your expertise. Each project listing includes a brief description, required skills, and the name of the host research team.
4. Secure References: Supply contact information for two academic references who can speak to your research abilities and work ethic.
5. Submit Application: Complete the online form and click Submit. You will receive an automatic confirmation email.

All applications are reviewed by an independent selection committee that evaluates scientific potential, alignment with the project, and diversity considerations. Shortlisted candidates are invited to a 30minute virtual interview.

Successful applicants receive an official offer letter, a detailed onboarding guide, and a stipend agreement. Internships typically last12weeks, but flexible start dates are available for some partner institutions.

What Past Interns Say

Contact Us

For general inquiries, please email info@orbis.org or call +18005550123. Follow us on social media for updates on new projects and upcoming webinars.