2026 BioCMC (Chemistry, Manufacturing, and Control) Drug Substance Intern (PhD)

Role Summary

Role: 2026 BioCMC (Chemistry, Manufacturing, and Control) Drug Substance Intern (PhD). Based in South San Francisco, CA, the intern will contribute to AbbVie’s Chemistry, Manufacturing, and Control (CMC) cell line and bioprocess development activities for AbbVie's early-stage biologics. The role provides hands-on experience within the Biologics Drug Substance organization and exposure to cross-functional scientists and engineers.

Responsibilities

• Advance innovation initiatives aimed at improving timelines and outcomes for cell line, mammalian cell culture, and protein therapeutic purification development.
• Develop and perform molecular techniques for the engineering and characterization of CHO production cell lines.
• Perform mammalian suspension cell culture and protein separation methodologies to develop robust processes as part of scale up for clinical manufacturing.
• Troubleshoot equipment and experimental problems.
• Compile and assess data to prepare reports or manuscripts for the study.

Qualifications

• Required: Currently enrolled in university, pursuing a PhD in Chemistry, Chemical Engineering, Cell Biology, Molecular Biology or other related field.
• Required: Must be enrolled in university for at least one semester following the internship.
• Required: Previous work experience in a laboratory setting.
• Preferred: Expected graduation date between December 2026 – Dec 2027.
• Preferred: Previous experience with aseptic mammalian suspension cell culture, cell transfections, basic molecular biology skills.
• Preferred: Previous experience with protein separation and filtration techniques (ion exchange chromatography, affinity chromatography, etc.).
• Preferred: Data visualization skills are a plus.
• Preferred: Effective writer and communicator with ability to interact effectively with interdisciplinary scientists and engineers.

Skills

• Molecular biology techniques for engineering and characterization of production cell lines
• Mammalian suspension cell culture and protein purification/filtration techniques (e.g., ion exchange chromatography, affinity chromatography)
• Data analysis, visualization, and interpretation; strong written and verbal communication
• Troubleshooting and problem-solving in laboratory settings
• Collaboration with interdisciplinary teams

Education

• PhD student enrolled in Chemistry, Chemical Engineering, Cell Biology, Molecular Biology, or a related field (active enrollment during internship)

Additional Requirements

• Location: South San Francisco, CA