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Process Development Cell Culture Intern Jobs in California

... process development with leading expertise in various cell and gene therapy product types. We are ... Learn mammalian cell culture techniques and analytical methods. * Perform basic cell culture and ...

... process development with leading expertise in various cell and gene therapy product types. We are ... Learn mammalian cell culture techniques and analytical methods. * Perform basic cell culture and ...

... mammalian cell culture, chromatography, filtration, UF/DF, and drug substance production. * Support technology transfer strategy development, technical readiness assessments, process fit-gap ...

Showing results 21-40

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.

Senior Principal Scientist: Metabolomics/Cell Therapy Media Development

South San Francisco, CA • On-site

Genentech
Scientific Research and Development Services • 10K+ employees

$143K - $266K/yr

Full-time

Re-posted 8 days ago


Genentech rating

7.8

Company rating: 7.8 out of 10

Based on 23 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz


Job description

This role is a vital part of our Cell Therapy Process Development team within Pharma Technical Cell and Gene Therapy Development (PTCC), which is committed to advancing next-generation cell therapies through innovative metabolomics research and media optimization.

As a member of this team, you will lead cutting-edge efforts to develop and optimize cell culture media platforms while collaborating closely with key stakeholders across Analytical Development, Research, Manufacturing Operations, and cross-functional teams within Genentech and Roche. You will serve as the primary in-house expert on state-of-the-art cell therapy media development practices, translating deep scientific expertise into strategic innovations that enable breakthrough therapies to reach patients. This position offers the opportunity to shape the future of cell therapy manufacturing while fostering a collaborative, inclusive team culture focused on continuous improvement.

The Opportunity

In this role, you will lead metabolomics research initiatives focused on developing and optimizing cell culture media for a diverse portfolio of cell therapy products. You will provide scientific and strategic guidance to establish highly-productive platform processes while serving as the primary technical expert and thought leader in cell therapy media development. Additional responsibilities include:

  • Designing and developing chemically-defined cell culture media platforms tailored to meet the unique needs of T cell therapies, stem cell therapies, and other cell-based products

  • Applying advanced metabolomics tools, computational methods, and -omics technologies to deeply understand cell metabolism and drive continuous improvement in cell culture performance

  • Leading technology transfer initiatives and collaborate with manufacturing operations to translate laboratory innovations into scalable, robust processes

  • Providing technical leadership and strategic guidance to process development teams, media preparation operations, and supply chain partners to resolve complex challenges and optimize raw material selection

  • Mentoring and developing scientific staff within the Cell Therapy Process Development group, fostering a culture of technical excellence, lean thinking, and continuous improvement

  • Interfacing effectively across multiple internal stakeholder groups (Analytical Development, Research, Manufacturing, Quality) and external collaborators to align priorities and drive impactful outcomes

  • Establishing thought leadership through peer-reviewed publications, conference presentations, and participation in industry discussions on metabolomics and cell therapy manufacturing

This position may be based out of South San Francisco or San Diego, CA.

Who You Are
The successful candidate will have an established track record for strong technical leadership in metabolomics research and/or cell culture media development.

  • Advanced degree and extensive experience: PhD in biological sciences, chemical engineering, or related discipline with 5+ years of relevant research and development experience in metabolomics and/or cell culture media development

  • Strategic technical leadership: Proven track record of leading complex technical projects from conception to completion with strong organizational skills and scientific rigor; demonstrated ability to translate research insights into practical manufacturing solutions

  • Team development and inclusive leadership: Demonstrated success building, managing, and developing highly productive technical teams with an emphasis on creating an inclusive environment that values diverse perspectives and fosters collaboration

  • Matrixed stakeholder management: Proven ability to build and maintain strong relationships with cross-functional partners, customers, and collaborators; excellent skills in influencing, communication, and working effectively across organizational boundaries in complex matrixed environments

  • Thought leadership and communication: Established track record of excellent verbal and written communication demonstrated through peer-reviewed publications, conference presentations, and ability to articulate complex scientific concepts to audiences at all levels

The expected salary range for this position based on the primary location of California is $143,290 - $266,110. Actual pay will be determined based on experience, qualifications, geographic location, and other job-related factors permitted by law. A discretionary annual bonus may be available based on individual and Company performance. This position also qualifies for the benefits detailed at this link.

Relocation benefits are available for this position.

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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.


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About Genentech

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A member of the Roche Group, Genentech has been at the forefront of the biotechnology industry for more than 40 years, using human genetic information to develop novel medicines for serious and life-threatening diseases. Genentech has multiple therapies on the market for cancer & other serious illnesses. Please take this opportunity to learn about Genentech where we believe that our employees are our most important asset & are dedicated to remaining a great place to work.

Industry

Scientific research and development services

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

South San Francisco, CA, US

Year founded

1976

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