Are you a student or early-career researcher seeking a fully funded research internship in Japan? The RIKEN IMS Internship Program 2025 offers an exceptional opportunity for international students and young postdoctoral fellows to gain hands-on experience in advanced biomedical and scientific research.
Organized by the RIKEN Center for Integrative Medical Sciences (IMS), this program supports emerging researchers by providing access to world-class laboratories, a collaborative research environment, and generous financial support.
Program Overview
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Location in: RIKEN Center for Integrative Medical Sciences, Japan
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Duration: 1 to 3 months
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Funding: Fully Funded
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Eligibility: Open to applicants worldwide
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Application Deadline: Rolling basis — apply at least 4 months prior to your preferred start date
Internship Categories
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Category 1: Master’s, PhD, or medical students
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Category 2: Young postdoctoral researchers (within 3 years of completing PhD)
Eligible Fields
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Medical Sciences
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Genomics
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Molecular Biology
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Immunology
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Physiology
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Bioinformatics
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Biochemistry
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Quantitative Sciences
Financial Support
For Students (Category 1):
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Complimentary accommodation
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Full travel reimbursement
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Daily stipend of ¥3,000 (for working days)
For Postdocs (Category 2):
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Complimentary accommodation
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Full travel reimbursement
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Accommodation support based on duration:
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¥11,600/day (1–30 days)
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¥10,440/day (31–60 days)
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¥9,280/day (61+ days)
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Additional Benefits:
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Access to cutting-edge research facilities
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Mentorship from leading scientists
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Involvement in interdisciplinary, high-impact projects
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Collaboration with a diverse international research community
Eligibility Requirements
To qualify, applicants must:
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Be currently enrolled in, or affiliated with, a recognized academic or research institution.
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Meet the category-specific criteria:
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Category 1: Currently pursuing a Master’s, PhD, or medical degree program (equivalent to a Japanese Master’s level).
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Category 2: Hold a PhD awarded within the past 3 years
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Show a strong interest in research aligned with RIKEN IMS’s mission
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Submit a clear and relevant research proposal
Required Documents
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Curriculum Vitae (CV)
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Statement of Purpose (1 A4 page) – explain your research interests at RIKEN IMS
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Research Background (1 A4 page)
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Preferred internship duration (1–3 months)
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GDPR Consent Form (for EU/UK applicants only)
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Recommendation Letter – must be sent directly by your supervisor to the team leader of the host laboratory.
Application Process
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Confirm your eligibility based on academic or research level
- Identify a lab relevant to your interests and contact the lab’s team leader
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Discuss and align your research proposal
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After confirmation, submit your full application and documents via email
Why Choose Japan for Your Internship?
Japan is globally respected for its scientific innovation, research excellence, and cultural richness. The RIKEN IMS Internship offers a unique chance to conduct advanced research, build international collaborations, and immerse yourself in Japanese culture—all at no cost.