Analyst Intern Program
About Proxima
Proxima (formerly VantAI) is advancing an AI-native approach to drug discovery by making protein interactions programmable. Our platform brings together foundation-model machine learning, a scalable data generation engine, and a partnership track record exceeding $5B in collaborations across the world’s leading biopharma and tech organizations. We’ve recently closed an oversubscribed seed round partnering us with an elite group of sophisticated and dedicated VCs including DCVC, Nvidia’s Nventures, AIX, Yosemite among others.
Neo-1 is our all-atom foundation model that combines state-of-the-art structure prediction and molecular generation in a single system. Neo-1 enables rapid exploration of chemical and structural space for high value, previously intractable targets, and in particular unlocks small molecule proximity therapeutics like molecular glues with AI for the first time.
In parallel, we are developing an advanced structural interactomics platform built on proprietary XLMS technology and a lab equipped with next-generation mass spectrometry instrumentation. This platform produces proteome-scale maps of protein interactions and helps identify small molecules that modulate proximity. Together with Neo-1, it creates an integrated system capable of co-folding protein complexes while generating candidate small molecules to influence those interactions.
Proximity-based therapeutics represent one of most promising frontiers in modern drug discovery with the potential to treat previously intractable diseases and target ‘undruggable’ proteins. Our technology combines proteome-scale structural data with state-of-the-art generative AI foundation models, and coupled with our talented team of scientists and engineers we are uniquely well-positioned to discover and develop a new class of medicines.
About The Analyst Intern Program
Our Analyst Intern Program runs for 4 - 6 months (duration is case by case) and typically begins at the beginning of Summer, Fall or Spring semesters. It offers students (BS, MS and PhD) the opportunity to work across different teams and functions, including Computational Biology & Chemistry, AI Science, Software Engineering, Target Prioritization, Business Development & Partnerships and Internal R&D. The aim of this program is to attract and develop future leaders, scientists and innovators at Proxima by accelerating the development of talent. From day one, analysts will own projects and have opportunities to make a meaningful impact on Proxima’s innovative science and technology. Team placements are made based on business need and analyst skillset. Multiple roles available - high mobility, deep science, real tech, meaningful impact.
Sample Projects Include
Target Prioritization: Utilizing systems biology (e.g. analyzing gene/protein expression data and interactome data from NeoLink) and structural biology (e.g. structural compatibility analysis using Neo-1) approaches to prioritize targets; Integrate competitive intelligence by assessing investor sentiment, market opportunity and commercial viability against competitor pipelines; Target evaluation and due diligence of novel targets.
NeoLink: Overlay our proprietary NeoLink data with public resources (BioGRID/IntAct/STRING, DepMap, OpenTargets, gnomAD constraint, GTEx) to find “known vs new-to-science” and high-value gaps, designing an automated way to leverage LLMs to retrieve relevant information in the literature (e.g., protein-protein interactions experimentally verified by academic labs)
Partnerships and Business Development: Identification and evaluation of strategic business partners across Pharma and Biotech landscape; Work to position the platform or program in a way that aligns with pharma portfolio gaps, therapeutic strategy, and risk tolerance; Work with BD and Scientific Project Leads to ensure we meet milestones, data packages are partnership-ready, and partner feedback loops back into program prioritization
Internal pipeline: For a prioritized target, work with the Proxima team to conduct end-to-end biological and/or chemistry due diligence and hypothesis generation to propose a new therapeutic strategy (e.g., induced-proximity mechanism such as glue/degrader/stabilizer), including target biology review, pathway/cell-context mapping, NeoLink-driven interaction hypotheses, evaluating chemical matter using in silico approaches, key risks/competition assessment, and a concrete experimental plan.
Each year we offer opportunities for full time employment to individuals who have successfully completed their intern projects.
About You
We believe our employees are our most important asset. Our goal with the Analyst Intern program is to identify top talent with the potential to become full time employees across our business. We prioritize intellect and entrepreneurial verve. We move fast, think rigorously, and work hard. Expect to learn every corner of drug discovery and design, from frontier ML, to building and scaling automated lab in the loop with state of the art mass spec hardware and robotics. If you’re ready to help engineer the future of medicine, have the brains and work ethic to help us achieve our mission, we’d love to bring you on. This is a team for builders who want to leave a mark and do something incredible for the world. If you find that exciting, we want to work with you. Below, we’ve listed some preferred characteristics and requirements for our incoming Analyst Interns. If this sounds like you, please apply today!
Preferred Skills & Characteristics
Ambitious & Driven. Passionate for Proxima’s mission to revolutionize drug discovery with generative AI, structural proteomics and proximity modulation.
Curious & Analytical. Superior verbal and written communication skills; ability to translate complex concepts into clear, concise recommendations.
Self-Directed. Independently capable of seeking information, solving conceptual problems, corralling resources, and delivering results in challenging situations. Hungry to get things done with minimal direction. Thriving in ambiguity.
Conscientious & Detail Oriented. Strong multi-tasking, organizational, and project planning skills, and a demonstrated ability to meet aggressive deadlines, coupled with strong interpersonal skills.
Impatient & Scrappy. Ability to get things done, while quickly adapting to a rapidly changing environment; demonstrated capacity for creative problem-solving, coupled with a can-do attitude to overcome any obstacle. Relentlessness. Persistent. Bias for action.
Qualifications
Enrolled in a 4-year undergraduate program, 2-year masters program, PhD program
Currently pursuing a related field of study in life sciences or computer science/ML/AI (e.g., Biology, Chemistry, Biochemistry, Computer Science, Machine Learning, Mathematics etc) combined with a concentration or previous work experience in applied economics or business OR a degree in applied economics or business, combined with a concentration or previous work experience in the life sciences
Prior internship experience in techbio, biotech, tech or related field preferred but not required
Requirements
Track record of academic excellence; GPA of 3.5 or higher.
Willingness to relocate to New York, NY for duration of program (role contingent)
Authorization to work in the U.S. This role is not eligible for visa sponsorship