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Process Development Cell Culture Intern Jobs in California

Sr Scientist, Process Development

Foster City, CA · On-site

$106K - $145K/yr

The Senior Scientist, Cell Culture Process Development (Pivotal & Commercial), will be responsible for leading aspects of cell culture development including commercial process development and process ...

Process Engineer

Santa Monica, CA · On-site

$46.68 - $56.68/hr

Conduct cell therapy process development experiments using automated platforms. * Design and ... Perform hands-on lab-based activities in a cell culture lab, including conception of study designs ...

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Process Development Cell Culture Intern information

What does a process development cell culture intern do?

A Process Development Cell Culture Intern assists in developing and optimizing cell culture processes used in the production of biopharmaceuticals or other biotechnology products. They often work in laboratory settings, performing experiments with various cell lines, monitoring cell growth, and analyzing data under the supervision of experienced scientists. Their responsibilities may include preparing media, maintaining sterile conditions, documenting experimental results, and helping improve the efficiency and scalability of cell culture protocols. This role provides hands-on experience in bioprocessing and supports the overall development of manufacturing processes.

What types of projects or tasks can a process development cell culture intern expect to work on during their internship?

As a Process Development Cell Culture Intern, you can expect to support ongoing research and development initiatives by assisting with the preparation, maintenance, and monitoring of cell cultures. Typical tasks include conducting small-scale experiments to optimize cell growth conditions, collecting and analyzing data, and supporting process documentation. Interns often collaborate closely with scientists and engineers, learning about bioprocess scale-up and troubleshooting within a team environment. This hands-on experience not only builds technical skills but also exposes you to essential industry practices and cross-functional teamwork.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a process development cell culture intern, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Process Development Cell Culture Intern, you need foundational knowledge in biology, chemistry, or biotechnology, often supported by coursework or a degree in a related field. Familiarity with laboratory equipment, aseptic techniques, and data analysis software such as Excel or specialized LIMS is typically required. Strong attention to detail, teamwork, and effective communication are important soft skills for success in a lab environment. These skills ensure accurate experimental results, efficient collaboration, and adherence to safety and quality standards in process development.

What is the difference between Process Development Cell Culture Intern vs Process Development Associate?

AspectProcess Development Cell Culture InternProcess Development Associate
CredentialsTypically pursuing or recently completed a bachelor's or master's degree in life sciences or related fieldBachelor's or master's degree in biology, biochemistry, or related discipline; some roles may prefer prior internship experience
Work EnvironmentLaboratory setting, assisting with experiments and data collectionLaboratory and pilot plant settings, responsible for process optimization and documentation
Employer & Industry UsageUsed in biotech, pharmaceutical companies, and research institutions for entry-level rolesCommon in biotech and pharma companies for early-career professionals involved in process development

The Process Development Cell Culture Intern role is an entry-level position focused on assisting with laboratory experiments and gaining hands-on experience. In contrast, the Process Development Associate has more responsibilities in process optimization, data analysis, and documentation, requiring a higher level of education and experience. Both roles are vital in biotech and pharmaceutical industries, but they differ mainly in scope and responsibility.

Infographic showing various Process Development Cell Culture Intern job openings in California as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 80% Full Time, 15% Part Time, and 4% Contract. Highlights an 91% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 6% Remote job distribution.

Intern - PDM - Process Development, Bio Pivotal Cell Culture

Foster City, CA

Gilead
Scientific Research and Development Services • 10K+ employees

$20 - $55/hr

Full-time

Posted 5 days ago


Gilead Sciences rating

8.9

Company rating: 8.9 out of 10

Based on 12 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz


Job description

At Gilead, we're creating a healthier world for all people. For more than 35 years, we've tackled diseases such as HIV, viral hepatitis, COVID-19 and cancer - working relentlessly to develop therapies that help improve lives and to ensure access to these therapies across the globe. We continue to fight against the world's biggest health challenges, and our mission requires collaboration, determination and a relentless drive to make a difference.

Every member of Gilead's team plays a critical role in the discovery and development of life-changing scientific innovations. Our employees are our greatest asset as we work to achieve our bold ambitions, and we're looking for the next wave of passionate and ambitious people ready to make a direct impact.

We believe every employee deserves a great leader. People Leaders are the cornerstone to the employee experience at Gilead and Kite. As a people leader now or in the future, you are the key driver in evolving our culture and creating an environment where every employee feels included, developed and empowered to fulfil their aspirations. Join Gilead and help create possible, together.
Job Description

Intern - PDM - Process Development, Bio Pivotal Cell Culture

As a Gilead intern you will contribute to high-impact meaningful projects that will not only further advance our company's mission but will allow you to gain real world experience at one of the most innovative organizations in the world. You will also have opportunities to participate in special events including professional development and leadership presentations, social/network building activities and local community volunteer programs.

Key Responsibilities will include, but are not limited to the following:
  • The intern will join a Cell Culture Process Development group within the Biologics Pivotal and Commercial Organization. He/ she will support laboratory experiments for Gilead biologics programs in pivotal development, including Phase II/III and commercial stages.

  • Design and execute laboratory studies in shake flasks and bioreactors to evaluate the impact of key seed train process parameters.

  • Analyze experimental and historical process data to establish process parameter acceptable ranges, identify process risks, and develop data-driven recommendations for platform standardization.

  • Communicate findings through presentations and technical reports and maintain a platform knowledge database that consolidates prior studies, historical datasets, and process learnings to support process development activities and knowledge sharing.

  • Showcase your work with a final presentation (PPT)near the conclusion of your internship

Required Qualifications:
  • Must be at least 18 years of age at the start of the internship.

  • Must be enrolled fulltime in a Bachelor's, Master's, MBA, JD or PhD program at a nationally accredited U.S. college or university, with continued fulltime enrollment required in the Fall semester following the internship.

  • Must be currently enrolled as an undergraduate (freshman, sophomore, junior, or senior) or as a graduate/doctoral student.

  • Must have a minimum overall cumulative GPA of 2.8 at the time of application and hire (official transcripts will be requested).

  • Must be independently authorized to work in the United States now and in the future (current or future work authorization must not require school or employer sponsorship).

  • Must be able to commit to a fulltime internship lasting 10-12 consecutive weeks between May and August.

  • Must be willing and able to work at the designated site for the duration of the internship (relocation may be required). All internships are hybrid; fully remote roles are not offered.

Preferred Qualifications:
  • Preferred degree level: Undergraduate,

  • Preferred field of study: Chemical Engineering, Molecular and Cell Biology, Biochemistry, Biology, or related fields.

  • Proficiencywith Microsoft Office (MS Office) tools, such as Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and Outlook

  • Strongproblemsolvingskills, with the ability toidentifyissues and proactively seek solutions

  • Ability to work effectively both independently and as part of a team in a collaborative environment

  • Demonstrated commitment to inclusion and diversity, including the ability to work respectfully with individuals from diverse backgrounds

  • Highly organized,detailoriented, and able to manage competing priorities in afastpacedenvironment with short timelines

Gilead Core Values:
  • Integrity (Doing What's Right)

  • Inclusion (Encouraging Diversity)

  • Teamwork (Working Together)

  • Excellence (Being Your Best)

  • Accountability (Taking Personal Responsibility)


The expected hourly range for this position is $20.00 - $55.00.


Gilead considers a variety of factors when determining base compensation, including education level and geographic location. These considerations mean actual compensation will vary.


Benefits include paid company holidays, sick time, and housing stipends for eligible employees.


For jobs in the United States:

Gilead Sciences Inc. is committed to providing equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment, and is dedicated to fostering an inclusive work environment comprised of diverse perspectives, backgrounds, and experiences. Employment decisions regarding recruitment and selection will be made without discrimination based on race, color, religion, national origin, sex, age, sexual orientation, physical or mental disability,genetic information or characteristic, gender identity and expression, veteran status, or other non-job related characteristics or other prohibited grounds specified in applicable federal, state and local laws. In order to ensure reasonable accommodation for individuals protected by Section 503 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, the Vietnam Era Veterans' Readjustment Act of 1974, and Title I of the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990, applicants who require accommodation in the job application process may contact ApplicantAccommodations@gilead.com for assistance.


For more information about equal employment opportunity protections, please view the'Know Your Rights' poster.

NOTICE: EMPLOYEE POLYGRAPH PROTECTION ACT
YOUR RIGHTS UNDER THE FAMILY AND MEDICAL LEAVE ACT


Gilead Sciences will not discharge or in any other manner discriminate against employees or applicants because they have inquired about, discussed, or disclosed their own pay or the pay of another employee or applicant. However, employees who have access to the compensation information of other employees or applicants as a part of their essential job functions cannot disclose the pay of other employees or applicants to individuals who do not otherwise have access to compensation information, unless the disclosure is (a) in response to a formal complaint or charge, (b) in furtherance of an investigation, proceeding, hearing, or action, including an investigation conducted by the employer, (c) consistent with the legal duty to furnish information; or (d) otherwise protected by law.

Our environment respects individual differences and recognizes each employee as an integral member of our company. Our workforce reflects these values and celebrates the individuals who make up our growing team.


Gilead provides a work environment free of harassment and prohibited conduct. We promote and support individual differences and diversity of thoughts and opinion.


For Current Gilead Employees and Contractors:

Please apply via the Internal Career Opportunities portal in Workday.


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