Your First Step into Biopharmaceutical Manufacturing
Process Development Intern | Manufacturing Sciences | Takeda Singapore
You've learned the theory. You've passed the exams. You've read about bioreactors and purification steps in textbooks.
Now it's time to see how it actually works.
At Takeda Singapore, we're offering a Process Development Internship that gives you hands-on experience in a real GMP manufacturing environment. Not making coffee. Not filing papers. Actually supporting the scientists and engineers who make the medicines that patients depend on.
This is a paid, full-time internship based in Woodlands, Singapore. If you're studying chemical engineering, biochemistry, biotechnology, or a related field—and you're curious about how drugs are really made—keep reading.
What This Internship Is (And Isn't)
This is NOT:
- A data entry role disguised as an internship
- Sitting in meetings wondering why you're there
- Making copies and hoping someone notices you
This IS:
- Hands-on work in a real development laboratory
- Supporting actual process studies
- Learning from subject matter experts who do this every day
- Getting your hands dirty (sometimes literally) in process science
What You'll Actually Do
Support the Lab Every Day
You'll be part of the Manufacturing Sciences team, helping with day-to-day laboratory and process activities. Whatever needs doing—within reason—you'll be there to support it.
Learn From Experts
You'll work alongside process development engineers and scientists who've been doing this for years. They'll explain not just what to do, but why it matters. Ask questions. Lots of them.
Execute Small-Scale Studies
You'll help plan and run small-scale studies that inform how processes work at commercial scale. You'll see how development thinking translates into manufacturing reality.
Work With Data
You'll use statistical tools to help interpret results. You'll contribute to reports and readouts that actual decision-makers will use. Your analysis will matter.
See Both Sides: Purification AND Cell Culture
You'll get exposure to both upstream (cell culture) and downstream (purification) operations. You'll understand how the pieces fit together—not just one silo.
Spot and Solve Problems
When things don't work as expected, you'll help figure out why. You'll assist in detecting issues and supporting resolution. This is where real learning happens.
Support Process Improvements
You'll help implement projects that make processes better—more efficient, more consistent, more robust. You'll see improvement in action.
Learn About Technology Transfer
You'll assist in bringing new technologies or processes into the facility. You'll see what it takes to move something from development into manufacturing.
Contribute to Validation
You'll support process validation programs through data collection and execution of sampling plans. You'll understand why validation matters for patient safety.
Work Safely, Always
You'll learn and follow EHS requirements. In biopharma, safety isn't optional—and you'll see how seriously we take it.
Who This Is For
You're studying:
- Chemical Engineering
- Biochemistry
- Biotechnology
- Pharmaceutical Sciences
- Or a related field
You're curious about:
- How biologics are actually manufactured
- What happens in a GMP facility
- The difference between lab-scale and commercial-scale
- How science turns into medicine
You're ready to:
- Show up every day ready to learn
- Ask questions when you don't understand
- Take direction and run with it
- Work safely and carefully
- Be part of a team, not just an individual contributor
What You'll Gain
Real Experience
Not "internship experience" on your resume. Actual, verifiable, hands-on work in a biopharmaceutical manufacturing environment.
Technical Knowledge
You'll understand cell culture and purification at a deeper level than any textbook can teach. You'll see the equipment. You'll watch the processes. You'll learn from people who've solved problems you haven't even imagined yet.
Professional Skills
How do you document work in a regulated environment? How do you communicate technical information clearly? How do you work safely when things get busy? You'll learn all of this.
Network
You'll meet scientists, engineers, and professionals who can become mentors, references, and future colleagues. The connections you make here matter.
Confidence
When you finish this internship, you'll know—really know—whether this is the career path for you. And if it is, you'll have a head start on the skills you'll need.
A Few Questions to Ask Yourself
☐ Am I genuinely curious about how medicines are made?
☐ Am I comfortable not knowing things—and asking for help?
☐ Can I work carefully and follow instructions exactly?
☐ Am I ready to be in a real workplace, not a classroom?
☐ Do I want to know if biopharma is right for me before I graduate?
If you answered yes, this internship might be exactly what you need.
The Practical Details
📍 Location: Woodlands, Singapore
📋 Department: Manufacturing Sciences
🧪 Focus Areas: Cell Culture | Purification | Process Development
📅 Duration: Fixed-term paid internship (full-time)
👥 Reports to: Process Development Supervisor or Engineer
🔬 Start: To be confirmed with successful candidate
Why Takeda Singapore
🌏 Global Leader – Part of a top biopharmaceutical company with presence in 80+ countries
🏭 Woodlands Facility – One of Singapore's key biopharma manufacturing sites
🧠 Learning Environment – We're committed to developing the next generation of talent
🤝 Supportive Culture – You'll be mentored, not just managed
📈 Career Foundation – Many of our full-time scientists started as interns
What We're Looking For
Essential:
- Currently pursuing a degree in Chemical Engineering, Biochemistry, Biotechnology, or related field
- Genuine interest in biopharmaceutical manufacturing
- Ability to follow instructions carefully and work safely
- Good communication skills
- Team-oriented mindset
Preferred:
- Some laboratory experience (academic is fine)
- Basic understanding of cell culture or purification concepts
- Familiarity with data analysis and basic statistics
- Previous internship or industrial experience (not required, but nice)
The Right Attitude:
- Curious—you ask "why" and actually want the answer
- Careful—you understand that mistakes have consequences
- Reliable—if you say you'll do something, you do it
- Respectful—you treat everyone, from operators to executives, with the same courtesy
What Happens After You Apply
- You submit your application
- We actually read it (yes, really)
- If there's a potential fit, we'll contact you for an initial conversation
- We'll meet (virtually or in person) to learn more about you and answer your questions
- If it feels right for both sides, we'll make an offer
We respond to every applicant. We know what it's like to wait and wonder.
Still Reading?
Good. That means you're seriously considering whether this could be your first real step into biopharma.
Here's what we suggest:
- Update your resume. Include any relevant coursework, projects, or lab experience.
- Think about why you're interested in manufacturing sciences specifically. (Hint: "I need an internship" is not the answer we're looking for.)
- Be ready to ask us questions too. A good interview is a conversation, not an interrogation.
Ready to See How Medicines Are Really Made?
If you're a student ready to move from theory to practice—and you want to spend your internship actually learning, not just observing—apply now.
Join Takeda Singapore as a Process Development Intern.
Your first step into biopharma starts here.
Takeda is an equal opportunity employer. We welcome applicants from all backgrounds and are committed to creating an inclusive environment where everyone can thrive. If you need accommodations during the application process, please let us know.
