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Catalyst Intern Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

We're backed by leading investors including Sequoia Capital, Redpoint Ventures, Meritech, First Round, General Catalyst, Elad Gil, and others. Role Overview As a Software Engineer Intern, Backend at ...

Data Analyst Intern

El Segundo, CA · On-site

$20 - $25/hr

We're looking for a data analyst intern to join our LA based team! If you're a problem-solving pro ... ZURU is on a mission to disrupt across industries, challenge the status quo and catalyst change ...

Data Analyst Intern

Los Angeles, CA · On-site

$20 - $25/hr

We're looking for a data analyst intern to join our LA based team! If you're a problem-solving pro ... ZURU is on a mission to disrupt across industries, challenge the status quo and catalyst change ...

Software Developer Intern 2027

San Jose, CA · On-site

$22 - $29/hr

As an intern, you will work alongside experienced IBM developers to design, build, and test ... the catalyst that makes the world work better. Being an IBMer means you'll be able to learn and ...

As an intern, you will work closely with engineering, design, and data science partners to support ... the catalyst that makes the world work better. Being an IBMer means you'll be able to learn and ...

As an intern, you will work closely with engineering, design, and data science partners to support ... the catalyst that makes the world work better. Being an IBMer means you'll be able to learn and ...

New

Summer Intern

San Francisco, CA · On-site

$80K - $120K/yr

We're fortunate to be backed by Lux Capital, Qualcomm Ventures, General Catalyst, and BoxGroup. Most companies must choose between iterating on product fast and working with the biggest enterprises ...

We are backed by General Catalyst, Khosla Ventures, and Greylock Partners, with a founding team ... Each intern will own a focused project area and work closely with RF and validation engineers to ...

We're backed by a16z, BCV, General Catalyst, and Y Combinator. More than 1,500 companies including Linear, Cognition (makers of Devin), Modal Labs, and Incident.io run their support and customer ...

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Catalyst Intern information

What is a Catalyst Intern?

A Catalyst Intern is typically a student or recent graduate who participates in an internship program designed to foster innovation, leadership, and professional development within an organization. The role often involves working on special projects, collaborating with cross-functional teams, and contributing fresh perspectives to drive change. Catalyst Interns are expected to be proactive, adaptable, and eager to learn, with a focus on making a positive impact during their internship. The specific responsibilities can vary depending on the organization and industry.

What do Catalyst interns do?

As a Catalyst Intern, you can expect to engage in a variety of hands-on projects that support innovation and process improvement within the organization. Common responsibilities include conducting market research, assisting with data analysis, supporting cross-functional teams on pilot initiatives, and presenting findings to stakeholders. Collaboration is key, as interns often work closely with mentors and team members from different departments, giving valuable exposure to diverse perspectives. These experiences not only build technical and professional skills but also provide insight into potential career pathways within the organization.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Catalyst intern?

To thrive as a Catalyst Intern, you generally need strong analytical and problem-solving skills, a foundation in business or STEM-related coursework, and a drive for innovation. Familiarity with project management tools like Trello or Asana, proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite, and occasionally basic programming or data analysis abilities are often expected. Outstanding communication, adaptability, and teamwork distinguish top candidates in this role. These skills and qualities are crucial for effectively contributing to diverse projects, adapting to fast-paced environments, and supporting organizational growth.

What is the difference between Catalyst Intern vs Research Intern?

AspectCatalyst InternResearch Intern
Required CredentialsTypically pursuing or have completed a degree in chemistry, chemical engineering, or related fieldsUsually enrolled in or have completed a degree in science, engineering, or related disciplines
Work EnvironmentLaboratory settings focused on catalyst development and testingResearch labs, academic institutions, or industry R&D departments
Employer & Industry UsageCommon in chemical manufacturing, energy, and environmental sectorsFound across academia, government agencies, and industry research divisions

The Catalyst Intern and Research Intern roles share similarities in educational background and work environment, often involving laboratory work in scientific research. However, Catalyst Interns typically focus specifically on catalyst development and testing within industrial settings, while Research Interns may work on broader scientific investigations across various fields. Both roles serve as valuable entry points into scientific careers, with the Catalyst Intern position emphasizing applied chemical processes.

What cities in California are hiring for Catalyst Intern jobs?

Cities in California with the most Catalyst Intern job openings:

Infographic showing various Catalyst Intern job openings in California as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 20% Internship, 1% As Needed, 54% Full Time, 21% Part Time, 2% Temporary, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 92% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 5% Remote job distribution.

Software Intern, Autonomous Lab

Ginkgo Bioworks Inc.

Emeryville, CA • On-site

$37K - $53K/yr

Full-time, Internship

Medical, Dental, Vision, PTO

Re-posted 21 days ago


Job description

About the Role: Ginkgo Bioworks is constructing the world's first "Total Autonomous Lab"-a facility where scientific work is requested by code and executed by robots, 24/7. We are looking for a Software Intern to help build the digital brain of this lab. You will work with Catalyst, our proprietary software stack that orchestrates fleets of Reconfigurable Automation Cells (RACs). This role is ideal for software engineers who want to apply their skills to physical systems or computational biologists who want to move beyond analysis into autonomous execution.

Responsibilities:

  • Enable "Protocols as Code": Develop and refine Python-based protocols using the Catalyst Client to control liquid handlers, plate readers, and robotic arms.
  • Build the AI Scientist: Assist in the development of Catalyst Agent, our LLM-based interface that allows scientists to launch experiments using natural language.
  • Integrate Lab Data: Work on data pipelines that automatically harvest, structure, and upload experimental data from RACs into our data lake for AI model training.
  • Develop Device Drivers: Help integrate new hardware instruments into the Catalyst ecosystem, writing the drivers that allow our software to "talk" to new lab tools.

Preferred Qualifications:

  • No college degree necessary but some skills in coding or related areas required.
  • Strong proficiency in Python; experience with hardware control or APIs is a plus.
  • Enthusiasm for "Lab-in-the-Loop" technologies where AI models drive physical experimentation.
  • Interest in biological data standards and laboratory automation.

The base salary range for this role is $37,700-$53,500. 

Actual pay within this range will depend on a candidate's skills, expertise, and experience. We also offer a comprehensive benefits package including medical, dental & vision coverage, health spending accounts, voluntary benefits, leave of absence policies, 8 paid holidays in addition to a full-week winter shutdown and unlimited Paid Time Off policy.

*It is expected that all Internships are onsite five days a week.