2026 Summer Internship - Department of Infectious Diseases and Host-Microbe Interactions (Bacterial Genetic Engineering)

Department Summary

The Department of Infectious Diseases and Host-Microbe Interactions at Genentech is dedicated to discovering and developing novel therapies for inflammatory diseases by leveraging the power of microbial interactions. Our multidisciplinary approach combines expertise from microbiology, immunology, biotechnology, and cell engineering to transform scientific insights into groundbreaking treatments and address challenging diseases.

This full-time, on-site internship is located in South San Francisco, on-site.

The Opportunity

This unique internship is situated at the critical intersection of microbial biology and drug development, offering you the chance to directly contribute to the next generation of patient therapies.

Key responsibilities include:

• Driving projects forward in a fast-paced, data-driven environment.

• Genetically engineering bacterial strains to uncover fundamental principles of bacterial biology that influence disease development using established mouse models.

• Optimizing biochemical assays to characterize phenotypes resulting from genetic modification and evaluating novel chemical matter to advance drug discovery.

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

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, Genetics, Immunology, Molecular Biology, or Biochemistry.

Required Skills: 

• Sterile technique using a Biological Safety Cabinet (BSC).

• Experience with bacterial culture in a BSL2 setting.

• Proficiency in molecular cloning (PCR, RT-qPCR, plasmid design and purification, recombineering).

• Minimum 1 year of wet-lab experience (academic or industrial).

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.

• Demonstrated proficiency in genomic recombineering of bacteria to stably knock out genes and chromosomally integrate inducible genetic elements.

• Experience executing biochemical assays, immunofluorescence microscopy, sequence analysis, and ELISAs.

• Familiarity with in vivo models is a valuable asset.

• Working knowledge of PCR, recombineering, transformation, selection, inducible gene expression systems, and maintenance of genetically modified bacteria.

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

• Familiarity with bacterial operon and genome structure, and methods used to identify genes of interest for designing recombineering PCR products.

• Experience with bioluminescence or fluorophore assay development, as well as experience measuring bacterial biofilms and adhesion.

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.