The Position

2026 Summer Intern - Department of Infectious Diseases and Host-Microbe Interactions (Microbiology)

Department Summary

The Department of Infectious Diseases and Host-Microbe Interactions at Genentech leverages microbial interactions for target discovery and drug development to treat inflammatory diseases of the lung and gut. By combining knowledge and techniques from microbiology, immunology, biotechnology and cell engineering, we innovate and create novel therapies. We are committed to discovering new treatments for challenging diseases and transforming scientific insights into groundbreaking therapies.

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

The Opportunity

• Offers a unique chance to work at the intersection of target discovery and drug development to contribute to the next antibiotic therapy for patients.

• Work in a fast-paced environment where data-driven decisions drive projects forward.

• Genetically engineer bacterial strains to gain insights into target biology.

• Optimize high-resolution biochemical and cellular assays to characterize novel chemical matter against vulnerable bacterial pathways to enable drug discovery efforts.

• Work closely with a dedicated team of scientists and collaborate across Genentech’s world-class multidisciplinary drug discovery organization to achieve shared research milestones.

What You Will Gain

• Advanced mastery of precision bacterial genome engineering and assay.

• identification (LI).Deep exposure to the Drug Discovery Pipeline, from target prioritization (TAP) to lead.

• Professional mentorship within a department dedicated to fostering technical mastery and scientific visibility.

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.

Who You Are

Required Education: Must be pursuing a PhD (enrolled student).

Required Majors: Microbiology, Molecular Biology, Biochemistry, Biophysics, Genetics, Bioengineering, Chemical Engineering, or a related scientific field.

Required Skills:

• Motivated Researcher: A creative and independent scientist with a strong passion for hands-on discovery and uncovering fundamental processes within cells during disease.

• Technical Proficiency: Skilled in bacterial culture techniques in a BSL2 facility.

• Proven Track Record: Success evidenced by academic achievements, such as publications or presentations at scientific conferences.

• Advanced Microbiology/Biochemistry: Experience with bacterial culture and/or in vitro assays, Experience with protein quantification (BCA/Bradford) and SDS-PAGE, Experience with molecular cloning (plasmid design and purification). Minimum of 1 year of hands-on wet-lab experience (academic or industrial).

• Genetic Engineering: Familiarity with CRISPR-based technologies or combinatorial genetics.

• Central Dogma: Understanding of how bacterial growth phases and primary metabolism affect the availability of translation machinery.

• Sequence Analysis: Proficiency in software like SnapGene for designing complex genetic circuits and analyzing sequencing results.

• Assay development: Experience with bioluminescence (luciferase) or fluorophore (GFP/mCherry) assay development.

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.

Relocation benefits are not available for this job posting.

The expected salary range for this position based on the primary location of California is $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.