Are you a student or young researcher dreaming of pursuing cutting-edge medical science research in Japan? Here is some good news! The RIKEN IMS Internship Program 2025 offers an exceptional, fully funded opportunity to study and work at one of Japan’s most prestigious research institutes — the RIKEN Center for Integrative Medical Sciences (IMS).
Whether you’re a Master’s/PhD student or a fresh postdoc aiming to strengthen your academic portfolio, this international internship will give you an exceptional opportunity to study in biomedical and life sciences research.
It’s more than just an internship; rather, it will give you a wonderful opportunity in to work in a high-tech laboratory in various interdisciplinary subjects like genome-wide medical science, immunology, physiology, and bioinformatics, converging to solve real-world health challenges.
Interested candidates can fill out the online application form before the last date of application. Though the last date is not mentioned!
In this article, you’ll find everything you need to know from eligibility and benefits to application steps.
About RIKEN IMS Internship Program 2025
The RIKEN Center for Integrative Medical Sciences (IMS) is a world-renowned institute established in 2013, dedicated to innovative medical research aimed at improving human health. The RIKEN IMS Internship Program is open for FY2025 and invites international students and young postdoctoral researchers to participate in advanced, interdisciplinary research across various medical science fields.
Here are some important information:
| Internship Name | RIKEN IMS Internship Program 2025 |
| Host Organization | RIKEN Center for Integrative Medical Sciences (IMS) |
| Location | Japan (varies by host laboratory) |
| Internship Duration | 1 to 3 months |
| Internship Type | Fully Funded, Paid Internship |
| Academic Requirement | Must be enrolled in an academic institution during the internship |
| Research Areas | Medical Science, Immunology, Bioinformatics, Molecular Biology, Biochemistry |
| Number of Internships Available | Approx. 8 internships |
| Application Deadline | Not fixed; apply at least 4 months before your desired start date |
| Official Website | RIKEN IMS Website |
Research Fields Covered
Interns will have the opportunity to work in laboratories focused on:
- Bioinformatics
- Integrative Medical Sciences
- Molecular Biology
- Quantitative Sciences
- Immunology
- Genome-wide Medical Science
- Physiology
- Biochemistry
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Eligibility Criteria
The program is open to international applicants and divided into two categories:
Category 1: For Students
- Must be enrolled in a Master’s or PhD program, or be a medical student at a level equivalent to a Master’s student in Japan.
Category 2: For Young Postdocs
- Must have earned their PhD within the last three years.
Common Requirement:
- Must be enrolled in an academic institution at the time of the internship.
Selection Criteria
To be selected for this prestigious internship, applicants should:
- Show strong motivation to conduct research in a new environment.
- Demonstrate how the internship will contribute to their career growth.
- Align their proposed research topic with the focus areas of RIKEN IMS.
Internship Benefits
The RIKEN IMS Internship Program 2025 is fully funded and provides generous support:
For Category 1 (Students):
- Lodging/Accommodation
- Travel Expenses
- Daily Allowance: ¥3,000 per working day
For Category 2 (Postdocs):
- Lodging/Accommodation
- Travel Expenses
- (No daily allowance)
Accommodation Support (Based on Duration):
- 1–30 days: Up to ¥11,600/day
- 31–60 days: Up to ¥10,440/day
- More than 60 days: Up to ¥9,280/day
Why Choose RIKEN IMS?
Here is the most prominent cause why you should opt RIKEN IMS internship in Japan.
- Work with world-class researchers in Japan
- Gain hands-on lab experience in advanced medical science
- Immerse yourself in a multicultural research environment
- Strengthen your academic and professional profile
- Explore career opportunities in Japan and globally
Required Documents
Prepare the following documents to apply:
- Recommendation Letter (To be sent directly from your supervisor to your chosen host lab’s team leader)
- GDPR Consent Form (Only for EU and UK residents)
- Research Background (1 page, A4)
- Purpose Statement (1 page, A4) – Your research interests at RIKEN IMS
- Desired Internship Duration (1–3 months)
- Curriculum Vitae (CV)
How to Apply for RIKEN IMS Internship 2025
Follow these steps to successfully apply:
- Firstly, identify a host laboratory at RIKEN IMS that aligns with your research interests.
- After that, mail the team leader of your chosen lab with your CV and research proposal.
- Discuss your research topic and preferred dates with the lab.
- Submit all documents at least four months before your preferred start date.
FAQ
What is the duration of the internship?
The internship duration ranges from 1 to 3 months, depending on mutual agreement between the intern and the host lab.
How many internship spots are available?
RIKEN IMS is offering around eight (8) internship positions for the 2025 cycle.
Do I need to know Japanese to apply?
No. English is widely used in the labs, and Japanese language skills are not mandatory.