Careers
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Apply at Ionis
Join a team pushing the boundaries of science and redefining what’s possible – for patients and for your career.
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Please be aware of employment scams using Ionis’ name and the names of Ionis employees to lure unsuspecting people into providing highly confidential and personal information.
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For more than 35 years, Ionis has pioneered RNA-targeted therapeutics, transforming what’s possible for patients with serious diseases.

We set our sights on providing new solutions across the spectrum of health – from intractable neurology conditions to common cardiometabolic disorders and other select areas of high patient needs – all with the aim of making life as full as possible for people with these diseases.

Today, we’re delivering on that promise with multiple approved therapies, a rapidly expanding pipeline and a fully integrated commercial-stage biotechnology organization. Everything we do is rooted in our commitment to patients, grounded in cutting-edge science and driven by people who are passionate about making a difference.

What sets us apart

Ionis is a place where driven people thrive. We work hard, move fast and expect our team to take ownership – because patients are counting on us.

Our culture is built on trust, transparency and empowered decision-making. We are always asking questions to discover more and push the boundaries of science.

We tackle tough problems with determination and humor. We strive for excellence and are committed to planned and well-managed change. We encourage open debate and the free expression of ideas.

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The Ionis Culture
Here, you don’t wait to be told what to do. You contribute, own your career and help shape what comes next.
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Working the Ionis way

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Watch our team in action in the “Working the Ionis Way” video and see what it’s like to innovate at Ionis.

From groundbreaking scientific discovery in our labs to strategic business planning for our future, our diverse team works together to drive innovation and achieve excellence across every function of our company.

To learn more about our culture, core principles and what it means to be an "Ion," download this brochure.

Investing in you

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Ionis employees posing together at a company event.

At Ionis, growth is personal – and constant. Every employee has access to the full range of training programs, courses and learning resources, no matter their role or level.

We’ve built our training and development programs to provide both the Ionis-specific knowledge and the broader skills employees need to succeed and grow.

From new hire onboarding through senior leadership development, every offering reflects our culture, Core Principles and what it means to work the Ionis Way.

And, we offer competitive, flexible benefits that support you at work and beyond, along with performance-based salary increases, stock awards, bonuses and promotions that reflect the impact you make.

Highly competitive benefits
In the US
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Medical, dental and vision plan options

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3 weeks’ vacation, 19 paid holidays, 2 weeks available sick time, and 2 days volunteer time off
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401k plan – 100% company match on first 5% of employee contributions
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Flexible spending accounts and HSAs for health and dependent day care needs
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Stock options/restricted stock units (RSUs) and Employee Stock Purchase Plan
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Life, AD&D and long-term disability insurance coverage options

Outside the US
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Company paid healthcare
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Pension/retirement contributions
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Stock options/RSUs

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Annual leave and bank/country holidays

*Benefits vary slightly based on jurisdictions/countries.

Newsroom
Voices & Views
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Headshot of Dr. Sam Tsimikas
Innovation at Work
Dr. Sam Tsimikas on Shaping the Future of Cardiometabolic Care
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Headshot of Holly Kordasiewicz
People & Impact
Ionis’ Holly Kordasiewicz, Ph.D. Recognized as a 2025 Women in Biopharma R&D by Endpoints News
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Two Scientists in a Lab
Defining Moments
Following the Science: The Origin Story of a New Therapeutic Approach in HAE
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Best Places to Work 2025 Winner
People & Impact
Ionis Named #6 Best Place to Work in 2025 by San Diego Business Journal!
Equal Opportunity Employer
We seek and employ the best qualified people for every position, striving to provide opportunities for advancement. We reward based on accomplishment and responsibility.
Our policy is to provide equal opportunity in employment for all qualified applicants and employees without discrimination against any person because of their race, color, religion (including religious dress and grooming practices), sex/gender (including pregnancy, childbirth or related medical conditions and breast feeding), national origin, ancestry, gender identity, gender expression, legally-protected medical condition, physical or mental disability, age, military or veteran status, marital status, sexual orientation, genetic information or any other basis protected by applicable law.