2026 Summer Intern – Government Affairs at Acadia Pharmaceuticals

Washington, District of Columbia, United States

Acadia Pharmaceuticals Logo
Not SpecifiedCompensation
InternshipExperience Level
InternshipJob Type
UnknownVisa
Biopharmaceutical, HealthcareIndustries

Requirements

  • Must be pursuing an undergraduate (Bachelor's) degree - major/interest in Political Science, Health Policy, Public Health or similar areas of studies (rising junior or rising senior preferred)
  • Proficient in Microsoft Office Suite
  • Experience in conducting research and analysis
  • For Washington, D.C. Based Roles: Expected to work no less than 4 days at the office in Washington, D.C., on days in conjunction with assigned team; may work 1 day per week remotely
  • Ability to complete the entire 10-week program (from May 26, 2026 to July 31, 2026) and commit to 37.5 hours per week
  • Cumulative 3.0 GPA or above; college transcript required (must mail official transcript by application deadline to specified address)
  • Currently enrolled in an accredited U.S. based college or university
  • Enrolled in either an undergraduate (Bachelor’s), graduate, MBA, JD, PharmD, or PhD program
  • Legally authorized to work in the U.S. without a need for sponsorship/CPT/OPT now or in the future
  • At least 18 years of age prior to the scheduled start date
  • Must be available to complete virtual interviews with HR and hiring manager
  • Must successfully pass a drug screen and background check prior to start date
  • Must complete a final presentation at the end of the 10-week program (mandatory)
  • Application deadline is January 9, 2026

Responsibilities

  • Support the Government Affairs team in outreach to lawmakers, developing policy and background materials, and working with the Ferring business to understand policy priorities
  • Project: Conduct policy research on specific challenge facing patients and develop recommendations to address it

Skills

Key technologies and capabilities for this role

Microsoft Office SuiteResearchPolicy AnalysisGovernment AffairsOutreach

Questions & Answers

Common questions about this position

What are the location requirements for this internship?

This role is based in Washington, D.C., requiring no less than 4 days per week in the office, with the option to work 1 day per week remotely.

What education and skills are required for this Government Affairs internship?

Candidates must be pursuing an undergraduate degree in Political Science, Health Policy, Public Health or similar, with proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite and experience in research and analysis. A cumulative 3.0 GPA or above is required.

What is the duration and time commitment for the internship?

The program runs for 10 weeks from May 26, 2026 to July 31, 2026, requiring 37.5 hours per week.

What does the company culture at Ferring emphasize?

Ferring cultivates an entrepreneurial spirit, long-term perspective, and 'people first' philosophy, and is recognized as Great Places to Work® Certified.

Is compensation mentioned for this summer internship?

This information is not specified in the job description.

Acadia Pharmaceuticals

Develops therapies for neurological disorders

About Acadia Pharmaceuticals

Acadia Pharmaceuticals develops therapies for neurological disorders, focusing on conditions like Parkinson's disease, schizophrenia, and Rett syndrome. The company conducts extensive research and clinical trials to create drugs that are safe and effective, seeking approval from regulatory bodies like the FDA before bringing them to market. Acadia differentiates itself by targeting areas with significant unmet medical needs, ensuring that their products address critical health challenges. Their goal is to improve the quality of life for patients suffering from these disorders while also promoting diversity, equity, and inclusion within their operations.

Dallas, TexasHeadquarters
1993Year Founded
$813.4MTotal Funding
ACQUISITIONCompany Stage
Biotechnology, HealthcareIndustries
501-1,000Employees

Benefits

Health Insurance
Dental Insurance
Vision Insurance
401(k) Retirement Plan
401(k) Company Match
Employee Stock Purchase Plan
Paid Vacation
Paid Holidays
Paid Sick Leave
Paid Parental Leave
Tuition Reimbursement

Risks

Increased competition in CNS drug market may impact Acadia's market share.
Potential clinical trial delays could affect drug approval timelines.
Dependence on partnerships poses risks if collaborations face challenges or dissolve.

Differentiation

Acadia focuses on CNS disorders with unmet medical needs, like Parkinson's and Rett syndrome.
The company has a strong R&D foundation, developing innovative small molecule drugs.
Acadia's strategic partnerships enhance its research capabilities and market reach.

Upsides

Acadia's collaboration with Saniona expands its portfolio with SAN711 for neurological disorders.
Health Canada's approval of Daybue boosts Acadia's presence in the Canadian market.
The rise of personalized medicine aligns with Acadia's targeted therapy approach.

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