2026 Summer Intern - Translational Safety – Product Quality and Occupational Toxicology

2026 Summer Intern - Translational Safety – Product Quality and Occupational Toxicology

Department Summary

In Translational Safety, our vision is to deliver integrated, risk-based assessments that enable the rapid development of transformative therapeutics. Our mission is to advance Genentech’s portfolio and influence the broader industry through high-quality nonclinical safety science, responsible use of animal studies, innovative methodologies, and strategic collaboration.

We are seeking a highly motivated intern to join the Translational Safety – Product Quality and Occupational Toxicology (PQOT) team. PQOT enables the advancement of Genentech’s pipeline and the support of marketed products through risk assessments that protect both workers and patients.

PQOT is responsible for establishing health-based exposure limits (HBELs) and conducting risk assessments to support safe manufacturing and product quality. We partner with local and global functions across the full drug lifecycle—from early discovery through commercialization and post-marketing activities. Our work includes toxicology assessments for product quality deviations, extractables and leachables, and toxicology-based limits (TBLs) to inform acceptable levels of impurities and raw materials. We also establish acceptable daily exposures (ADEs) to guide cleaning validation and prevent cross-contamination. For worker safety, PQOT evaluates active pharmaceutical ingredients (APIs) and intermediates to establish health hazard categories (HHCs) and internal occupational exposure limits (IOELs), authors the toxicology sections of safety data sheets, and serves as a key resource for occupational safety questions. We collaborate closely with project toxicologists, technical development teams, and corporate Safety, Security, Health and Environmental Protection (SHE) partners to integrate nonclinical, clinical, and technical data into our assessments.

This internship position is located in South San Francisco, on-site.

The Opportunity

In this internship, you will support a project aimed at understanding how ADEs for small molecule therapeutics are derived early in development, when limited data are available. Working with PQOT toxicologists, you will curate and analyze historical datasets to identify patterns across compound classes, mechanisms of action, therapeutic areas, and other factors of interest. You will build a database of small molecule attributes and safety-related characteristics and use these insights to inform early-stage risk assessments and default recommendations for new compounds. This project provides exposure to toxicology, data analysis, and the decision-making frameworks used in early drug development.

This role directly contributes to our mission by supporting data-driven, science-based risk assessments and actively participating in team discussions that shape early safety guidance. You will collaborate with a cross-functional network within Roche and Genentech and gain insight into how diverse scientific functions integrate data and expertise to advance therapeutics safely and responsibly.

Key responsibilities

• Build a database of small molecule attributes and use these insights to inform early-stage risk assessments and default recommendations for new compounds.

Program Highlights

• Intensive 12-weeks, full-time (40 hours per week) paid internship.

• Program start dates are in May/June 2026.

• A stipend, based on location, will be provided to help alleviate costs associated with the internship. 

• Ownership of challenging and impactful business-critical projects.

• Work with some of the most talented people in the biotechnology industry.

• Final presentations of project work to senior leaders.

• Lead or participate in intern committees to design and coordinate program events and initiatives.

• Professional & personal development curriculum throughout the program, including networking opportunities, workshops, and panel discussions.

• Participate in volunteer projects, social events, and team-building activities.

Who You Are

Required Education

You meet one of the following criteria:

• Must be pursuing a Bachelor's Degree (enrolled student).

• Must have attained a Bachelor's Degree.

• Must be pursuing a Master's Degree (enrolled student).

• Must have attained a Master's Degree.

• Must be pursuing a PhD (enrolled student).

Required Majors: Toxicology / Cellular / Molecular / Cancer Biology, Biochemistry, Genetics, Immunology, Bioengineering or related disciplines.

Required Skills: 

• High level of interest in pharmaceutical development, patient safety, and worker safety.

• Possess an understanding of human biology and biochemistry as well as related terminology.

• Ability to conduct effective literature searches and cite scientific information.

• Creativity and ability to visualize large datasets using programs such as Excel.

• Familiarity with data analysis techniques.

• Self-motivated, quick learner, enthusiastic and reliable.

Preferred Knowledge, Skills, and Qualifications

• Excellent communication, collaboration, and interpersonal skills.

• Complements our culture and the standards that guide our daily behavior & decisions: Integrity, Courage, and Passion.

• Excellent scientific writing skills and ability to interpret complex information.

Relocation benefits are not available for this job posting. 

The expected salary range for this position based on the primary location of California is $26.00-$46.00 hour. Actual pay will be determined based on experience, qualifications, geographic location, and other job-related factors permitted by law. This position also qualifies for paid holiday time off benefits.

Genentech is an equal opportunity employer. It is our policy and practice to employ, promote, and otherwise treat any and all employees and applicants on the basis of merit, qualifications, and competence. The company's policy prohibits unlawful discrimination, including but not limited to, discrimination on the basis of Protected Veteran status, individuals with disabilities status, and consistent with all federal, state, or local laws.

If you have a disability and need an accommodation in relation to the online application process, please contact us by completing this form Accommodations for Applicants.