Cell Biology Intern

Job Title: Cell Biology Intern

Location: South San Francisco, CA (local candidates only)

Reports to: Scientist I

Regular/Temporary: Temporary (Summer Internship)

Full/Part-Time (if part-time, number of hours each week): Monday-Friday

Internship Duration (10-12 weeks): Start Date (May/June) – End Date (August/September)

About SonoThera: 

SonoThera is a venture capital-backed early-stage biopharmaceutical company developing ultra-sound-guided non-viral targeted gene therapies to treat multiple diseases of high unmet need.  SonoThera uses a collaborative, interdisciplinary, and forward-thinking approach to solving many of the current challenges facing genetic medicine discovery and drug development. SonoThera is headquartered in South San Francisco, CA. 

Program Overview

The Summer Internship Program provides hands-on experience designed to complement academic learning. Over the course of the program, interns will gain exposure to real-world projects, collaborate with cross-functional teams, and receive structured mentorship and feedback. Applicants must be authorized to work in the United States without the need for current or future visa sponsorship.

Role Summary

The Cell Biology Intern will support the Gene Therapy team by contributing to key projects and initiatives. This role offers a unique opportunity to perform cell-based activity assays and to communicate experiment findings with the team. The internship will conclude with a presentation of the intern's findings and contributions. Throughout the internship, the intern will collaborate with team members, participate in team meetings, and assist with assigned deliverables while gaining insight into the broader organization.

Key Responsibilities

• Perform cell-based activity assays for evaluating efficacy of gene therapy drug candidates in a variety of in vitro cell models including immortalized, iPCS-derived, and primary cells. 
• Prepare technical reports and presentations to communicate experimental outcomes to internal teams and senior management. 
• Prepare reagents, maintain laboratory organization, maintain accurate records, and ensure timely completion of routine tasks for high-priority experiments. 

Learning Objectives

By the end of this internship, the Cell Biology intern will:

• Learn various techniques including but not limited to, western blot, cell culture, RT-qPCR, and ELISA
• Analyze samples from in vitro studies 
• Maintain and culture cell lines under aseptic conditions
• Assist in gene expression profiling of cell lines to ensure quality and reproducibility for downstream assays 

Qualifications:

• Currently enrolled in undergraduate or graduate program
• Actively pursuing a science-related degree
• Strong communication skills
• Basic proficiency in Microsoft Office/ other tools

Compensation: The is a paid internship. Hourly pay is based on current degree level

• Pursuing Bachelor’s degree: $27.00 per hour
• Pursuing Master’s (MS) degree: $30.00 per hour

Compensation is determined based on verified academic enrollment at the time of hire.

Equal Opportunity for Diversity & Inclusion  

SonoThera provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local laws.