2026 IB Summer Analyst | Life Sciences | Chicago
William BlairOur biopharma banking team provides strategic advice to innovative, cutting-edge companies in the life sciences sector. The rapid and cost-effective development of therapies, products and technologies is critical not just to public health, but to the functioning of society and economic activity. Companies leading the research, development, manufacturing, and commercialization of innovative therapies count on our deep technical and financial expertise to guide their capital-raising and M&A efforts. As industry specialists, our bankers have extensive knowledge of the sector and the competitive landscape, serving clients that are developing therapies, products and technologies across a broad range of therapeutic areas, including oncology, immunology, neurology/CNS, rare disease, genetic medicines, and liver disease, among others.
We know you have choices on how you spend your summer but encourage you to apply for William Blair’s 2026 Biotech Summer Analyst Program. Take the opportunity to build on the fundamentals of your academic background, gain practical knowledge to help prepare you for your next steps and be part of an organization that fosters innovation and invests in our most important asset, our people.
The summer program provides all interns with unique opportunities to:
-
Develop specialization within biotechnology
-
Work alongside junior and senior bankers over the course of the 9-week program
-
Take on all functions of a full-time analyst
-
Research and creation of pitch materials
-
Conduct valuation analyses to value potential clients
-
Deepen industry knowledge through the preparation of relevant landscape analyses
-
Projects relevant to public and private financings and M&A trends in the life sciences space
-
Meaningfully contribute to all aspects of live financing and M&A transaction processes
-
Research and creation of pitch materials
-
Get direct client exposure in a culture of collaboration and accountability
-
Harness your financial and scientific potential
Qualifications:
-
Pursuing undergraduate bachelor’s degree with anticipated graduation between December 2026 - June 2027
-
Cumulative GPA of 3.5 or above preferred (but open to all applicants)
-
Undergraduate major: all majors considered (field of life science preferred)
-
General understanding of accounting and finance
-
Demonstrated interest in the life sciences and understanding of scientific concepts
-
Strong analytical and quantitative skills
-
Exceptional verbal and written communication skills
-
Strong computer skills, specifically Microsoft Excel, Word, and PowerPoint
-
You are adaptable in an ever-changing environment and can manage through change with a high degree of emotional maturity
-
You are highly motivated, detail oriented, and thrive in a collaborative environment
Throughout the 9-week program, summer analysts are evaluated for opportunities in our full-time class, upon graduation.
Application Deadline:
Apply by January 23rd to be considered for this opportunity.