2026 Summer Intern - Protein Sciences

2026 Summer Intern - Protein Sciences

Department Summary

As part of the Drug Discovery organization in Genentech Research and Early Development (gRED), the mission of the Protein Sciences Department is to accelerate the development of the next generation of medicines for patients. We do this by collaboratively leveraging our combined expertise in Protein Engineering & Production, Structural Biology, Molecular Biology and Next Generation Therapeutics. We design, generate and characterize therapeutic molecules of ever-increasing complexity.

This internship position is located in South San Francisco, on-site.

The Opportunity

• Recombinant Protein Production: Expression and purification of viral non-structural proteins and capsid complexes using both prokaryotic (E. coli) and eukaryotic (HEK293) systems.

• Biochemical Reaction Optimization: Systematic evaluation of reaction parameters, including component stoichiometries, temperature, and incubation duration to define optimal conditions for macromolecular assembly.

• Enzymatic DNA Synthesis: Investigation of isothermal DNA replication strategies using purified viral and bacteriophage polymerases to generate nucleic acid payloads.

• Molecular Quantification: Utilization of digital droplet PCR (ddPCR) to quantify the efficiency of nucleic acid encapsulation within protein complexes.

• Functional Characterization: Assessment of the biological activity of assembled particles via flow cytometry-based transduction assays.

Program Highlights

• Intensive 12-weeks, full-time (40 hours per week) paid internship.

• Program start dates are in May/June (Summer) of 2026.

• A stipend, based on location, will be provided to help alleviate costs associated with the internship. 

• Ownership of challenging and impactful business-critical projects.

• Work with some of the most talented people in the biotechnology industry.

Who You Are

Required Education: 

You meet one of the following criteria:

• Must have recently attained a Master's Degree with thesis, OR

• Must be pursuing a PhD (enrolled student).

Required Majors: Molecular Virology, Biochemistry, Bioengineering, Protein Engineering, Molecular Biology, or a related discipline involving experimental work with proteins and nucleic acids.

Required Skills:

• Expertise in biochemistry related wet-lab skills including but not limited to protein expression & purification workflows, biochemical and biophysical assays.

Preferred Knowledge, Skills, and Qualifications

• Experience and/or successful coursework in molecular virology is a strong plus.

• Excellent communication, collaboration, and interpersonal skills.

• Complements our culture and the standards that guide our daily behavior & decisions: Integrity, Courage, and Passion.

• Motivated, collaborative, self-directed individual who is excited about developing new protein-based therapeutics in an industry setting.

Relocation benefits are not available for this job posting. 

The expected salary range for this position based on the primary location of California is $40.00-$46.00 hour. Actual pay will be determined based on experience, qualifications, geographic location, and other job-related factors permitted by law. This position also qualifies for paid holiday time off benefits.

Genentech is an equal opportunity employer. It is our policy and practice to employ, promote, and otherwise treat any and all employees and applicants on the basis of merit, qualifications, and competence. The company's policy prohibits unlawful discrimination, including but not limited to, discrimination on the basis of Protected Veteran status, individuals with disabilities status, and consistent with all federal, state, or local laws.

If you have a disability and need an accommodation in relation to the online application process, please contact us by completing this form Accommodations for Applicants.