Intern, AAV Capsid Engineering, Gene Therapy

Description
Who We Are
From research and discovery to post-market clinical development, our WWRD engine involves all bench and clinical research and the associated groups that support those endeavors. Our teams work on developing first-in-class and best-in-class therapeutics that provide meaningful advances to patients who live with genetic diseases.
SUMMARY:
The BioMarin Summer Internship Program will enable students to gain valuable experience and knowledge of the processes and systems within BioMarin, while gaining an insight into the pharmaceutical/biotech industry.
BioMarin's Research and Development group responsible for everything from research and discovery to post-market clinical development. Research & Development involves all bench and clinical research and the associated groups that support those endeavors. Our teams work on developing first-in-class and best-in-class therapeutics that provide meaningful advances to patients who live with rare diseases.
JOB DESCRIPTION/PROJECT:
We are looking for a highly motivated intern who is enthusiastic about protein engineering and early discovery efforts within Gene Therapy Research, has a great appetite to learn new science and skillsets and is curious about working in a fast-paced research environment. The selected candidate will have the opportunity to get trained by a highly experienced scientist in the Gene Therapy Research team and support ongoing research on adeno-associated viral (AAV) Capsid Engineering.
The intern's primary focus will be to support rational/directed evolution based Capsid Engineering research by performing high-throughput screening of novel AAV capsids for a target of interest to BioMarin's Gene Therapy research pipeline. Through this internship, we expect the candidate to get a breadth of exposure on the relevant science and skillsets.
The successful candidate will have a background in biological science with hands-on experience in molecular biology and mammalian cell culture. The complexity of the tasks will be catered to meet the candidate's background and experience.
The key activities may involve the following but not limited to:

• Perform molecular biology related activities: PCR, molecular cloning, DNA purification, qPCR and sequencing analysis
• Perform mammalian cell culture related activities: Plasmid transfection, AAV vector production, viral vector transduction/reporter expression assays.
• Perform analytical assays: qPCR, RT-qPCR
• Maintain thorough and timely documentation of experimental protocols and findings in electronic lab notebook.
• Prepare slides and present results at project team meetings

Required Skills:

• Theoretical knowledge on basic molecular and cell biology
• Hands-on experience with basic molecular biology techniques and handling of mammalian cell culture.
• Ability to quickly learn new skills.
• Analytical and problem-solving skills
• Strong oral and written communication skills

Desired Skills:

• Experience with molecular biology techniques such as PCR, molecular cloning, DNA purification, qPCR, and sequencing analysis.
• Experience with mammalian cell culture techniques such as cell culture maintenance, plasmid transfection.
• Familiarity with AAV vector production, viral vector transduction/reporter expression assays is a plus.
• Familiarity/background in AAV capsid biology, virology, protein engineering is a plus.

Qualifications/Eligibility:

• Currently pursuing a B.S. or M.S. or Ph.D. degree in molecular biology, biotechnology, bioengineering, genetics, biochemistry, cell biology or related disciplines
• The student must be returning to school in the Fall Term OR has graduated within one year of the start of the program.
• Must be available to work 40 hours a week.
• Must be authorized to work in the United States without visa sponsorship.

Benefits of a BioMarin Internship:

• Apply skills and knowledge learned in the classroom to on-the-job experiences.

• Comprehensive, value-added project(s)
• Work in teams and with colleagues in a professional environment.
• Develop skills specific to your major.
• Opportunities for professional development by building relationships and learning about other parts of the business.

In the U.S., the hiring range for this position is $ 21.00 to $ 50.00 per hour. The base pay actually offered will take into account internal equity and also may vary depending on the candidate's geographic region, job-related knowledge, skills, and experience among other factors.
Equal Opportunity Employer/Veterans/Disabled
An Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, or protected veteran status and will not be discriminated against on the basis of disability.