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Internship Variant Scientist Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Internship Variant Scientist information

What does an internship variant scientist do?

An Internship Variant Scientist assists in the identification, analysis, and interpretation of genetic variants, often as part of a genomics or molecular biology research team. Their work typically involves using bioinformatics tools and databases to assess genetic data, evaluate the significance of genetic mutations, and help prepare reports for clinical or research purposes. Interns in this role may also learn to interpret guidelines for variant classification and contribute to improving laboratory workflows. This position is ideal for students or recent graduates seeking hands-on experience in genetics and genomics. The internship provides practical exposure to both laboratory and computational techniques crucial in the field of variant science.

How do internship variant scientists typically collaborate with other teams during their internship?

Internship Variant Scientists frequently work alongside bioinformaticians, clinical geneticists, and laboratory technicians to interpret and validate genetic variants. They may participate in regular meetings to discuss case findings, present variant interpretations, and receive feedback from more experienced scientists. This collaborative environment helps interns gain exposure to multidisciplinary workflows and build effective communication skills, which are essential in genomics research and clinical settings.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an internship variant scientist, and why are they important?

To thrive as an Internship Variant Scientist, you need a solid background in molecular biology, genetics, or a related field, often supported by ongoing or completed coursework toward a relevant degree. Familiarity with genomic analysis tools (such as GATK, IGV, or NextGen sequencing platforms) and basic bioinformatics software is typically required. Strong analytical thinking, attention to detail, and effective communication are essential soft skills for interpreting data and collaborating with research teams. These skills ensure accurate variant identification, contribute to meaningful scientific discoveries, and support high-quality research outcomes.

What is the difference between Internship Variant Scientist vs Laboratory Technician?

AspectInternship Variant ScientistLaboratory Technician
Required CredentialsTypically pursuing or holding a degree in pharmaceutical, chemistry, or related fieldsUsually holds a diploma or associate degree in laboratory sciences
Work EnvironmentResearch labs, pharmaceutical companies, or biotech firmsClinical or research laboratories, manufacturing facilities
Employer & Industry UsageUsed in pharmaceutical, biotech, and research industries for experimental workCommon in healthcare, manufacturing, and quality control sectors
Search & Comparison IntentUnderstanding internship roles in research and developmentClarifying technician roles in lab settings

The Internship Variant Scientist typically involves research-focused tasks in pharmaceutical or biotech settings, often requiring a relevant degree or ongoing education. In contrast, Laboratory Technicians perform routine testing and maintenance in labs, usually with a diploma or associate degree. Both roles are essential in laboratory environments but differ in responsibilities and experience levels.

What are the most commonly searched types of Variant Scientist jobs in California?

The most popular types of Variant Scientist jobs in California are:

What are popular job titles related to Internship Variant Scientist jobs in California?

For Internship Variant Scientist jobs in California, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Internship Variant Scientist jobs in California look for?

The top searched job categories for Internship Variant Scientist jobs in California are:

What cities in California are hiring for Internship Variant Scientist jobs?

Cities in California with the most Internship Variant Scientist job openings:

Infographic showing various Internship Variant Scientist job openings in California as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 8% Internship, 64% Full Time, 26% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 77% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 21% Remote job distribution.

Biologics Formulation Research Internship - Spring 2027

Varda Space Industries

El Segundo, CA

$33/hr

Full-time, Internship

Posted 10 days ago


Job description

Spring internships will range between the months of January and May. All dates dependent upon the university schedule of the selected students. Internships are full-time and on-site in El Segundo, CA. To be considered for this internship, candidates must be actively enrolled in an accredited undergraduate or graduate degree program. 

The Biologics Formulation Research Internship focuses on the analytical characterization and formulation of biologic drug candidates to support the development of stable pharmaceutical products for manufacturing in microgravity. Interns will apply a variety of biophysical and analytical techniques to evaluate protein structure, stability, binding interactions, and performance through formulation and freeze-drying processes. The role combines hands-on laboratory experimentation, scientific data analysis, and close collaboration with formulation scientists to advance next-generation biologic therapeutics.

Internships at Varda are optimal for students looking to grow technically and professionally while working on impactful projects critical to the company's success. You will be working on a collaborative team in a startup environment while being able to learn from some of the most accomplished and experienced aerospace professionals in the world. We're dedicated to providing an experience that will let your decisions and contributions help drive Varda's success.

Responsibilities
  • Perform biophysical characterization of protein candidates using orthogonal analytical techniques to assess structure, stability, and interaction behavior

  • Design and execute binding and selection studies between disordered protein stabilizers and microcrystalline pharmaceutical substrates
  • Evaluate stabilizer performance through lyophilization and reconstitution cycles, assessing protein integrity before and after freeze-drying stress
  • Conduct purity and charge variant analysis via SDS-PAGE and capillary isoelectric focusing (cIEF)
  • Prepare reagents, buffers, and sample sets in advance to ensure experiments run on schedule
  • Maintain accurate, well-documented records in laboratory notebooks and electronic systems
  • Collaborate with formulation scientists to anticipate laboratory needs and contribute to team meetings and progress updates
Key Techniques & Methods

Interns will gain hands-on experience with industry-standard biophysical and analytical tools, including:

  • Nano differential scanning fluorimetry (nanoDSF)
  • Analytical size exclusion chromatography (SEC)
  • Dynamic light scattering (DLS)
  • Circular dichroism (CD) spectroscopy
  • UV spectroscopy
  • Fluorescence spectroscopy
  • SDS-PAGE and capillary isoelectric focusing (cIEF)
  • Selection and binding studies
  • General familiarity with lyophilization and tangential flow filtration (TFF) as they relate to sample preparation and handling
What You'll Learn
  • How to characterize protein and peptide structure, stability, and molecular interactions using multiple orthogonal biophysical techniques
  • How to design and interpret binding and interaction studies between disordered proteins/peptides and crystalline substrates
  • How biophysical characterization connects to formulation strategy and long-term storage stability for biologic drugs
  • Best practices in analytical method execution, data interpretation, and scientific documentation in a biotech R&D environment
Basic Qualifications
  • Currently enrolled in an accredited bachelor's or graduate degree program in Biochemistry, Biophysics, Pharmaceutical Sciences, Chemical Engineering, Molecular Biology, or a related field
  • Prior hands-on laboratory experience in an academic or industry setting is required
  • Knowledge of basic analytical techniques for protein characterization
  • Strong attention to detail and ability to follow experimental protocols precisely
  • Excellent organizational skills and ability to manage multiple priorities
  • Effective written and verbal communication skills
Compensation
  • Hourly Rate: $33.00
  • Housing stipend for interns relocating to the area
  • Commuter benefit to support local transportation
Preferred Skills & Experience
  • Junior, Senior, or Graduate academic standing
  • Familiarity with one or more of the listed biophysical characterization techniques (DLS, nanoDSF, SEC, CD, or capillary electrophoresis)
  • Background in protein formulation, biologics drug product development, or protein biochemistry
  • Familiarity with lyophilization, freeze-drying, or related solid-state processing methods
  • Experience with data analysis tools such as GraphPad Prism, Python, MATLAB, or similar
  • Previous experience in a GLP-compliant or structured R&D laboratory environment
  • Interest in space medicine, in-orbit manufacturing, or the emerging orbital economy