In the high-stakes world of drug discovery, the speed at which a company can express and purify proteins often determines how quickly life-saving therapies reach clinical trials. Genentech, a pioneer in the biotechnology industry, is looking for the next generation of innovators to help accelerate this process through its 2026 Summer Internship - Protein Sciences Laboratory Automation.
For students sitting at the intersection of bioengineering and computer science, this 12-week program in South San Francisco offers a rare chance to work on "business-critical" projects that blend wet-lab biology with cutting-edge robotics.
The Mission: Automating Discovery
The Department of Protein Sciences is responsible for the production of the very molecules that form the backbone of Genentech’s pipeline. Traditionally, protein purification is a labor-intensive, manual process. The BMR Automation team is changing that.
As a Laboratory Automation Intern, you won't just be a pair of hands at a bench; you will be an integral part of the team responsible for:
- Executing and Optimizing Workflows: Running automated protein expression and purification systems for complex intracellular and membrane proteins.
- Instrumentation & Programming: Gaining hands-on experience with high-end liquid-handling robots, troubleshooting hardware, and potentially scripting new methods to improve efficiency.
- Data Analysis: Collecting and interpreting run data to identify sources of variability—a critical step in ensuring that automated systems are as reliable as they are fast.
Who Genentech is Looking For
This internship is designed for students who are currently enrolled in a Bachelor’s or Master’s degree program. Genentech is specifically targeting majors that bridge the gap between engineering and life sciences, including:
- Bioengineering & Biomedical Engineering
- Chemical Engineering
- Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
While "wet lab" experience is required, the ideal candidate is someone with a burgeoning interest in Laboratory Automation. If you have exposure to Python or other scripting languages, you’ll have a significant head start.
The "Genentech Experience"
Genentech is consistently ranked as one of the best places to work, and their internship program is no exception. Beyond the technical work, the program is built around several core pillars:
- Impact: Interns own their projects. You are expected to deliver a final technical presentation that provides real-world recommendations to the department.
- Compensation: The position is highly competitive, with a pay range of $26.00 – $40.00 per hour (for California-based roles) and includes a stipend to help with relocation or living costs.
- Culture: The company operates on three core values: Integrity, Courage, and Passion. Interns are encouraged to bring their "authentic selves" to work and network with executives through dedicated speaker series.
Why This Matters
As the biotech industry moves toward "Industry 4.0," the demand for scientists who understand automation is skyrocketing. By participating in this program, students gain more than just a line on a resume; they gain a front-row seat to the future of medicine.
Whether it's optimizing a lysis protocol or troubleshooting a robotic arm, the work done by the Protein Sciences Laboratory Automation team ensures that the path from a scientific hypothesis to a tangible medicine is as short as possible.
Application Deadline: For those looking to join the Summer 2026 cohort, the clock is ticking. Genentech typically closes applications early in the year—often by mid-March—as they look to finalize their roster of future scientific leaders.
