2026 Summer Intern – Stable Cell Line Development for Peptide Discovery
Department Summary
The department of Peptide Therapeutics is dedicated to the discovery and initial optimization of peptides that can act as drugs or ligands for targeted delivery. A key challenge is that many targets of interest cannot be successfully expressed using recombinant methods, which limits our ability to identify and validate hits from our display technologies for such targets. We are seeking a motivated intern to establish an in-house platform for generating stable cell lines that will expand our capabilities to run cell-based peptide discovery by streamlining the availability of overexpressing cell lines for difficult-to-express transmembrane proteins.
This internship position is located in South San Francisco, on-site.
The Opportunity
Platform Implementation: Lead the setup of a stable cell lines system to create single-copy, isogenic stable cell lines
Molecular Cloning: Design and clone Genes of Interest (GOI) into specialized expression constructs and develop protocols for managing plasmid stocks.
Cell Engineering: Execute stable cell line generation workflows, including transfection and antibiotic selection.
Characterization: Evaluate protein expression and target binding using Western blot, Flow Cytometry (FACS), and imaging.
Advanced Engineering: Optimize methods for the expression of complex protein assemblies, such as heterodimeric constructs.
Documentation & Presentation: Develop Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) and present final project results to senior leadership.
Program Highlights
Intensive 12-weeks, full time (40 hours per week) paid internship.
Program start dates are in May/June 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.
Final presentations of project work to senior leaders.
Lead or participate in intern committees to design and coordinate program events and initiatives.
Professional & personal development curriculum throughout the program, including networking, opportunities, workshops, and panel discussions.
Participate in volunteer projects, social events, and team-building activities.
Who You Are
Required Education
You meet one of the following criteria:
Must be pursuing a Master's Degree (enrolled student).
Must be pursuing a PhD (enrolled student).
Required Majors: Cell biology, Molecular Biology, Biochemistry, Chemical Biology, Structural Biology, Bioengineering, or a related discipline.
Required Skills:
Proficiency in cell biology, molecular biology (PCR/cloning), and biochemical and/or cell-based assays.
A strong background in mammalian cell culture, protein expression and characterization and lab-based skills.
Preferred Knowledge, Skills, and Qualifications
Excellent communication, collaboration, and interpersonal skills.
Complements our culture and the standards that guide our daily behavior & decisions: Integrity, Courage, and Passion.
Self-directed with strong analytical and organizational skills.
Highly motivated individual who is enthusiastic about drug discovery and tackling exciting scientific challenges 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.
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