Remote (online)
Computational Drug Discovery Internship
Work on a structure- or ligand-based drug-discovery project with the validation steps that make results credible: redocking, decoy enrichment, cluster-aware QSAR validation and replicate simulations.
About this internship
Projects target public protein structures and bioactivity data, so that results can be shared. Every project includes a validation step before any new prediction is made, because that is what separates publishable work from docking scores.
Interns meet weekly with their mentor, present at a fortnightly group session and finish with a written report and presentation.
Example projects
Retrospective validation of docking protocols for a kinase target, with decoy enrichment
A QSAR model for a ChEMBL target with scaffold-split validation and an applicability domain
Replicate molecular-dynamics simulations to test a docked binding pose
A ligand-based virtual screen combining fingerprints and pharmacophores
Eligibility
- Students in the final year of B.Pharm., M.Pharm., B.Sc., M.Sc., B.Tech. or M.Tech. in pharmacy, chemistry, biotechnology or bioinformatics; recent graduates and PhD students are welcome
- Basic organic chemistry and protein biochemistry
- Willingness to work on the command line (taught in week one if needed)
Selection criteria
- Academic record and relevant coursework (no minimum percentage is applied mechanically; the whole application is read)
- A statement of purpose of 150–300 words: what you want to learn, why this track and what you hope to do next
- Evidence of initiative: projects, coursework, code, posters or laboratory experience, if you have any
- Performance in a short, track-specific task (sent after screening)
- A 20-minute online interview on your motivation and reasoning, not on memorised facts
Application procedure
Apply online
Complete the application form with your academic details, track and duration, and a statement of purpose. It takes about ten minutes.
Screening
An admissions reviewer reads every application and replies within five working days, by e-mail.
Short task
Shortlisted applicants receive a track-specific task: a small analysis, a reading-and-reasoning exercise or a protocol question. It is designed to take two to three hours.
Interview
A 20-minute online conversation about your motivation, your task and how you approach problems.
Offer and onboarding
Successful applicants receive an offer letter with the start date, mentor, project area and fee. Your place is confirmed when the fee is paid.
Internship and review
Weekly mentor reviews, a mid-point check and a final presentation, followed by your certificate.
Duration and fees
| Duration | Fee | Including 18% GST |
|---|---|---|
| 4 weeks | ₹6,999 + GST | ₹8,259 |
| 8 weeks | ₹12,999 + GST | ₹15,339 |
| 12 weeks | ₹17,999 + GST | ₹21,239 |
| 24 weeks (dissertation length) | ₹32,999 + GST | ₹38,939 |
Time commitment: About 20 hours a week, flexible around classes. Start dates are offered monthly and confirmed in your offer letter. Fees are payable after selection; see the refund policy.
Learning outcomes
- Prepare targets and ligands and validate a docking protocol
- Build and validate QSAR models without leakage
- Run and analyse molecular-dynamics simulations
- Report computational drug-discovery results with their limits
Mentorship
- A named mentor with research or industry experience in the track
- A weekly one-to-one review of progress, code and results
- Code review on every substantial change, through Git
- A fortnightly group journal club and work-in-progress session
- Written feedback at the mid-point and at the end
Deliverables
- A project report in the format of a short research paper
- Your code repository or laboratory notebook, reviewed by your mentor
- A final presentation to the mentor panel
- A Vedicgen internship certificate with a unique verification ID
- A letter of recommendation for interns whose work merits one
Tools you will use
Apply for this internship
Vedicgen training internships are fee-based and do not pay a stipend. The fee covers mentorship, computing or laboratory resources, materials and the certificate. Fees are listed on this page and are exclusive of 18% GST.
Applications are reviewed on a rolling basis. Start dates are offered in the first week of each month, subject to mentor availability, and confirmed in your offer letter. Apply at least three weeks before you want to start.
Yes. Interns who complete the project and the final presentation receive a Vedicgen internship certificate, issued by Vivofold, with a unique ID that anyone can check on the verification page.
Many universities accept it. On request we provide a joining letter, a weekly attendance and progress record, and a completion letter in your institution’s format. Check your university’s requirements before applying.
Publication is never promised. Where a project produces a result worth publishing, your mentor will discuss authorship and next steps openly with you.
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