Co-op, Downstream Process Development

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Ultragenyx Pharmaceutical

Posted 3 months ago

Internship

Woburn, Massachusetts

In Person

Smart Summary

Responsibilities

Support AAV downstream process development through buffer screening, filtration studies, and chromatography evaluations. Assist with commercial manufacturing needs, clinical in-use compatibility studies, and general laboratory operations.

Qualifications

You are pursuing a bachelor's or master's degree in a related scientific field and have a strong interest in bioprocessing, AAV/gene therapy, or downstream purification. You are capable of performing experimental studies, following protocols carefully, and have basic laboratory experience.

Must Have Skills for ATS

AAV

downstream purification

chromatography

filtration

GMP

buffer preparation

data analysis

Excel

Job Description

Why Join Us?   Be a hero for our rare disease patients   At Ultragenyx, we fundamentally believe that taking real impactful action to care for the needs of patients and our people is always the right thing to do. To achieve this goal, our vision is to lead the future of rare disease medicine. For us, this means going where other biopharma companies won’t go – challenging the status quo and creating a new model that advances our field so more patients and caregivers can benefit from life-changing treatments. We do this by following the science, applying a novel rapid development approach, making innovative medicines at fair and reasonable prices, and creating a collaborative ecosystem to reach patients in ways that are most meaningful for them.    Our commitment and care for patients extends to our people, so culture is an essential cornerstone for Ultragenyx. We remain continuously focused on creating a supportive and inclusive environment of profound learning and growth – so employees can thrive in all areas of their lives, in and outside of work. Ultimately, we want to be an organization where we would be proud for our family, friends and children to work.   If you want to have a meaningful impact, do the best work of your career, and grow a lot, both professionally and personally, come join our team.

Position Summary:

ultraimpact – Make a difference for those who need it most

We are seeking a motivated undergraduate or graduate student to join our AAV Downstream Process Development team. The successful candidate will support laboratory and data‑driven activities that directly contribute to commercial manufacturing, process development, and clinical compatibility studies. This position offers hands‑on experience in gene therapy downstream purification, exposure to GMP‑aligned development workflows, and the opportunity to learn industry‑relevant skills in chromatography, buffer preparation, and data analysis. 

Work Model: 

Core Lab & Ops: This role typically requires that the majority of the work be conducted on-site and thus will be subject to certain on-site safety protocols during the pandemic.

Responsibilities:

1. Process Development

  • Support development activities for AAV downstream processes, including buffer screening, filtration studies, and chromatography evaluations. 
  • Perform routine laboratory experiments under supervision, maintain detailed electronic lab notebook entries, and present results in team meetings. 

2. Commercial Manufacturing Support

  • Conduct laboratory studies to support commercial manufacturing needs, including column and resin lifetime extension studies required. 
  • Assist with investigations by providing experimental support, data review, or lab-based troubleshooting as needed. 

3. ClinicalIn‑UseCompatibility Support 

  • Contribute to clinical in‑use compatibility studies, supporting material preparation, sample handling, and execution of defined protocols (as needed). 

4. Laboratory Operations

  • Prepare buffers and solutions according to established procedures to support ongoing experiments and team operations. 
  • Participate in core lab activities, including inventory management, equipment maintenance, and general lab organization. 

5. Data Entry & Trending

  • Assist with data entry and trending of manufacturing datasets. 
  • Support data management by compiling, organizing, and formatting process data  

Requirements:

  • Currently pursuing a bachelor’s or master’s degree in chemical engineering, Bioengineering, Biotechnology, Biology, Biochemistry, or a related scientific field. 
  • Strong interest in bioprocessing, AAV/gene therapy, or downstream purification. 
  • Ability to perform experimental studies on multiple AAV programs. 
  • Ability to follow protocols carefully and maintain attention to detail. 
  • Basic laboratory experience (academia or industry) preferred; chromatography or filtration exposure is a plus. 
  • Familiarity with Excel, data entry, or simple data analysis tools is advantageous. 
  • Strong communication skills, willingness to learn, and a team‑oriented mindset. 

U.S. Hourly Wage Range: 

  • $23.00-$30.00/hour. The estimated hourly range reflects an anticipated range for this position. The actual hourly wage offered will depend on the candidate’s school year/level.

#LI-AJ1     #LI-Onsite

The typical annual salary range for this full-time position is listed below. This range reflects the characteristics of the job, such as required skills and qualifications and is based on the office location noted in this job posting. The range may also be adjusted based on applicant's geographic location.


This position is eligible for annual bonus and equity incentives. Actual individual pay is determined by demonstrated experience and internal equity alignment.

Pay Range$1—$1 USD  Full Time employees across the globe enjoy a range of benefits, including, but not limited to:   ·         Generous vacation time and public holidays observed by the company ·         Volunteer days ·         Long term incentive and Employee stock purchase plans or equivalent offerings ·         Employee wellbeing benefits ·         Fitness reimbursement ·         Tuition sponsoring ·         Professional development plans   * Benefits vary by region and country

Ultragenyx Pharmaceutical is an equal opportunity employer and prohibits unlawful discrimination based on race, color, religion, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity/expression, national origin/ancestry, age, disability, marital and veteran status, and any other status or classification protected by applicable federal, state, and/or local laws. Reasonable accommodation will be provided for all protected statuses or classifications protected by applicable law, including individuals with disabilities, disabled veterans, for pregnancy, childbirth, and related medical conditions, and based on sincerely held religious beliefs. Applicants can request an accommodation prior to accepting a job offer. If you require reasonable accommodation in completing this application, or in any part of the recruitment process, you may contact Talent Acquisition by emailing us at talentacquisition@ultragenyx.com.

See our CCPA Employee and Applicant Privacy Notice. See our Privacy Policy.

It is unlawful in Massachusetts to require or administer a lie detector test as a condition of employment or continued employment. An employer who violates this law shall be subject to criminal penalties and civil liability.

Note to External Recruiters: All candidate activity and open positions are managed strictly through our Human Resources Department. Our Human Resources Department kindly requests that recruiters not contact employees/hiring managers directly in an attempt to solicit business and present candidates. Please note that failure to comply with this request will be a factor in determining a professional relationship with our organization. Submission of unsolicited resumes prior to an agreement set in place between the Human Resources Department and the recruiting agency will not create any implied obligation.  Inquiries on developing a recruiting relationship with us, may be directed totalentacquisition@ultragenyx.com.

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Ultragenyx Pharmaceutical

Leading with purpose. Every day. “Ultragenyx was founded to advance innovative medicines for rare and ultrarare diseases that have never been treated before. We are delivering transformative therapies across multiple indications, and we have one of the most robust and diverse clinical pipelines in rare disease. Our focus is on doing the right things for patients both during development and commercialization to deliver on the promise of these therapies in a way that's meaningful for rare disease communities.” Emil D. Kakkis, M.D., Ph.D. Chief Executive Officer and President We have an inclusive culture of value and respect. Ultragenyx brings novel products to those living with rare and ultrarare diseases with a focus on debilitating genetic diseases. Founded in 2010, we have rapidly built a diverse portfolio of approved therapies and products aimed at diseases with a high unmet medical need for which many have no approved therapies. It takes courage, care, talent, and dedication to make a meaningful impact for those living with rare diseases, their families and the rare disease community. We put our people first, so they can take care of the rare disease community. We purposefully cultivate and nurture a dynamic, supportive work environment where we encourage every team member to share their new ideas and help us unlock more possibilities. Our team is made up of exceptional and diverse people with a strong passion and commitment to helping those living with rare diseases. By embracing generosity, curiosity, inclusion, and humility we are constantly learning together—fostering an environment that supports profound growth and fulfillment. If you want to have a meaningful impact, do the best work of your career while having fun and growing professionally and personally, come join our team! Visit our community guidelines at: https://ultragenyx.co/community
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