The RIKEN Center for Integrative Medical Sciences (IMS) is now accepting applications for the IMS Internship Program. This prestigious research internship in Japan is designed for talented international students and early-career postdoctoral fellows who wish to gain hands-on research experience in one of Japan’s leading biomedical research centers.
Established in 2013, RIKEN IMS focuses on advancing innovative medical science to improve human health through interdisciplinary research in genomics, immunology, physiology, bioinformatics, molecular biology, and quantitative sciences. The internship grant program, originally launched in 2018 and resumed in 2024, offers short-term research opportunities in IMS laboratories.
Program Overview
Host Institution: RIKEN Center for Integrative Medical Sciences (IMS), Japan
Program Duration: 1 to 3 months
Number of Positions: Approximately 8
Location: Yokohama City, Kanagawa, Japan
Interns will conduct research under the supervision of a host laboratory at IMS.
Internship Categories and Benefits
Category 1 – Students
Eligible for:
Lodging support
Travel expenses
Internship allowance of 3,000 yen per working day
Category 2 – Young Postdoctoral Fellows
Eligible for:
Lodging support
Travel expenses
No daily allowance
Lodging Support Rates
Up to 11,600 yen/day (1–30 days)
Up to 10,440 yen/day (31–60 days)
Up to 9,280 yen/day (61 days and beyond)
Note: No salary is provided under this program.
Eligible Fields of Research
The internship supports research aligned with IMS focus areas, including:
Genome-wide medical science
Immunology
Physiology
Bioinformatics
Molecular and biochemical sciences
Quantitative life sciences
Applicants must propose a research topic that matches the expertise of the selected host laboratory.
Eligibility Criteria
Category 1 (Students)
Must be enrolled in a Master’s or PhD program
Medical students at a level equivalent to a Master’s student in Japan may apply
Must remain enrolled at an academic institution during the internship period
Category 2 (Young Postdocs)
Must be within three years of obtaining a PhD
Must be affiliated with an academic institution during the internship period
Additional Requirements:
Internship duration must not exceed 90 days (not eligible for long-stay visa)
Applicants must demonstrate that participation in this program is essential for their research and career development
Selection Criteria
Applications are evaluated based on:
Motivation to develop research skills in a new academic environment
Contribution of the internship to the applicant’s career development
Relevance of the proposed research topic to IMS laboratories
Necessity of financial support to conduct the internship
Application Process
Step 1: Identify a Host Laboratory
Review the list of participating IMS laboratories and select one that aligns with your research interests.
Step 2: Prepare Research Proposal
Develop a research topic suitable for the chosen host laboratory.
Step 3: Submit Application by Email
Send your application in English to:
ims_intern_apply@ml.riken.jp
Subject line format:
“Your Name (Affiliation) / Host Lab Name”
Example: John Tanaka (University Name) / Lab for Skin Homeostasis
Required Documents
Curriculum Vitae
Purpose statement (1 A4 page, including proposed research topic)
Research background (1 A4 page)
Signed agreement form (Agreement_IMS-Internship_2026.docx)
GDPR consent form (EU and UK residents only)
Recommendation letter sent directly by supervisor to the same email address
The recommendation email subject should be:
“Recommendation_Applicant Name”
Applications must be submitted at least four months before the intended start date.
Important Notes
Applicants must remain enrolled at their academic institution during the internship.
This program does not support stays longer than 90 days.
No modifications can be made to submitted documents.
Participants are responsible for any cancellation fees related to travel or accommodation.
Intellectual property matters are handled according to RIKEN regulations.
Why Apply for the RIKEN IMS Internship?
The RIKEN IMS Internship Program offers young researchers the opportunity to work in a world-class biomedical research environment in Japan. With strong interdisciplinary collaboration, cutting-edge facilities, and global research impact, RIKEN IMS provides an ideal platform for academic growth and international research exposure.
Students and early-career postdoctoral researchers aiming to strengthen their research profiles and gain experience in Japan are encouraged to apply well in advance of their desired start date.
Official Call: https://www.ims.riken.jp/english/jobs/internship.php
