Proteomics Summer Intern

Career Programs

Non-LDP Intern/Co-Op

Career Program

San Diego, California, United States of America

The Summer Graduate Intern, Translational Systems Toxicology, will join the multidisciplinary Translational Safety team within Preclinical Sciences and Translational Safety (PSTS) and gain hands‑on experience supporting proteomics‑based translational research. The intern will contribute to the development, optimization, and evaluation of sample preparation workflows for mass spectrometry‑based proteomics, with a focus on improving robustness, throughput, scalability, and automation readiness across a variety of biological sample types, including blood- and tissue-derived samples.

• Supporting the development, optimization, and evaluation of proteomics sample preparation workflows for biological samples, including blood- and tissue-derived matrices
• Assessing and comparing sample preparation approaches to improve analytical performance, reproducibility, throughput, and suitability for downstream mass spectrometry analysis
• Exploring strategies to enable robust proteomic analysis from challenging or limited-volume samples, when appropriate
• Developing and adapting sample preparation workflows for laboratory automation platforms such as the Agilent AssayMAP Bravo
• Collaborating with cross-functional scientists to design experiments, analyze results, and interpret findings
• Performing protein extraction, digestion, peptide cleanup, and other proteomics sample preparation procedures using established laboratory practices
• Analyzing experimental data and summarizing results using appropriate software and computational tools
• Maintain clear experimental records, troubleshoot technical challenges, and communicate progress, results, and recommendations to cross-functional collaborators
• Summarize the project in a final presentation/poster and provide a concise, reproducible workflow and recommendations for future development

• Availability to participate in a Summer 2027 internship program, with expected dates ranging from May-August 2027 or mid-June to mid-September 2027.
• Currently pursuing a Master's or PhD degree in Biochemistry, Analytical Chemistry, Proteomics, or a related scientific field and enrolled at an accredited university during the internship period
• Candidates must have completed at least one year of graduate study by Summer 2027.
• Students entering their second or third year of a Master's or PhD program are encouraged to apply
• Hands‑on laboratory experience with biological samples and fundamental techniques such as accurate pipetting, buffer preparation, centrifugation, and sample handling
• Ability to plan and execute experiments with appropriate guidance, maintain organized records, and work safely in a laboratory environment
• Strong analytical, problem‑solving, verbal communication, written communication, and collaboration skills
• Scientific curiosity, self‑motivation, and the ability to work both independently and as part of a multidisciplinary team

• Prior experience with proteomics or mass spectrometry sample preparation, particularly low‑input, blood‑derived, or cell‑based samples
• Familiarity with common proteomic sample‑preparation methods, including in‑solution digestion, S‑Trap, SP3, or peptide cleanup workflows
• Experience with liquid‑handling automation or the Agilent AssayMAP Bravo platform
• Exposure to LC‑MS/MS instrumentation, including Bruker timsTOF systems, and proteomics data‑analysis software such as Spectronaut
• Working knowledge of R, Python, or another language used for scientific data analysis
• Experience handling blood, PBMCs, or samples from humans…