2026 BioCMC (Chemistry, Manufacturing, and Control) Drug Substance Intern (PhD)

Internship Opportunity At AbbVie

Envision spending your summer working with energetic colleagues and inspirational leaders, all while gaining world-class experience in one of the most dynamic organizations in the pharmaceutical industry. This is a reality for AbbVie Interns.

The Biologics Drug Substance organization is a world-class team of scientists that not only drive scientific excellence and process development through innovative solutions, but are also responsible for all Chemistry, Manufacturing, and Control (CMC) cell line and bioprocess development activities related to the development of AbbVies early stage products. The intern will have the opportunity to learn and work on key aspects of developing fundamental scientific understanding as it relates to AbbVie projects and processes.

This internship will be based in South San Francisco, CA.

Key responsibilities may include:

• Advance innovation initiatives aimed at improving timelines and outcomes for cell line, mammalian cell culture, and protein therapeutic purification development.
• Develop and perform molecular techniques for the engineering and characterization of CHO production cell lines.
• Perform mammalian suspension cell culture and protein separation methodologies to develop robust processes as part of scale up for clinical manufacturing.
• Troubleshoot equipment and experimental problems.
• Compile and assess data to prepare reports or manuscripts for the study.

Qualifications

• Currently enrolled in university, pursuing a PhD in Chemistry, Chemical Engineering, Cell Biology, Molecular Biology or other related field.
• Must be enrolled in university for at least one semester following the internship.
• Previous work experience in a laboratory setting required.

Preferred Qualifications

• Expected graduation date between December 2026 Dec 2027.
• Previous experience with aseptic mammalian suspension cell culture, cell transfections, basic molecular biology skills.
• Previous experience with protein separation and filtration techniques (ion exchange chromatography, affinity chromatography, etc.)
• Data visualization skills are a plus.
• Effective writer and communicator with ability to interact effectively with interdisciplinary scientists and engineers.

Benefits and Amenities

• Competitive pay
• Relocation support for eligible students
• Select wellness benefits and paid holiday / sick time
• Break rooms stocked with complimentary coffee, tea, beverages, snacks, and cold breakfast items.
• Onsite caf and fitness center.

AbbVie is an equal opportunity employer and is committed to operating with integrity, driving innovation, transforming lives and serving our community. Equal Opportunity Employer/Veterans/Disabled.