Co-op, Downstream Process Development

Ultragenyx Pharmaceutical • Woburn, MA

5d • Onsite

About The Position

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.

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.

Nice To Haves

• chromatography or filtration exposure is a plus.
• Familiarity with Excel, data entry, or simple data analysis tools is advantageous.

Responsibilities

• 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.
• 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.
• Contribute to clinical in‑use compatibility studies, supporting material preparation, sample handling, and execution of defined protocols (as needed).
• 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.
• Assist with data entry and trending of manufacturing datasets.
• Support data management by compiling, organizing, and formatting process data.

Benefits

• 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

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Intern
• Education Level: Associate degree