2026 Summer Intern - AI for Drug Discovery, Prescient Design

2026 Summer Intern - Prescient Design/ AI for Drug Discovery

Department Summary

We are rewriting the rules of medicine at Genentech Research and Early Development (gRED). We sit at the intersection of artificial intelligence and biology, leveraging cutting-edge machine learning to discover novel therapeutics protein designs. Our mission is to accelerate the path from code to cure, tackling diseases that were previously considered undruggable.

This internship position is located in New York, New York or South San Francisco, California.  

The Opportunity

• The discovery and optimization of therapeutic antibodies is typically a slow, high-risk process. While Next-Generation Sequencing (NGS) provides us with millions of raw protein sequences from nature, translating this biological diversity into clinical candidates remains a massive challenge. We are looking for a Machine Learning Research Intern to reframe protein optimization as a sequential decision-making problem. You will build a machine learning system inspired by Reinforcement Learning (RL) agents that mimic the adaptive immune system, learning strategies to navigate the vast sequence space and deliver "developable" cures.

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 projects.

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

Who You Are

Required Education

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

Required Majors

• ​Computer Science, Machine Learning, Computational Biology, Physics, Chemistry, Applied Math, Bioinformatics or related fields in Natural Sciences.

Required Skills

• Deep Learning for Biology: Strong background and research experience applying deep learning to biological data

• Software Engineering & DL frameworks: Strong proficiency in Python w/ extensive experience in modern deep learning frameworks (e.g. PyTorch). Ability to write modular, testable, and efficient code for model training and evaluation

• Collaboration: Excellent and proactive communication, collaboration, and interpersonal skill

Preferred Knowledge, Skills, and Qualifications

• Excellent communication, collaboration, and interpersonal skills.

• Fluency in Python and deep learning frameworks (PyTorch preferred, JAX).

• Background Knowledge in immunology is a plus but not required

Relocation benefits are not available for this job posting. 

The expected salary range for this position based on the primary location of  either the state of California or the state of New York which is $50.00 per 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.