INTERNSHIP DETAILS

Co-op, Automation

CompanyUltragenyx Pharmaceutical
LocationWoburn
Work ModeOn Site
PostedMarch 11, 2026
Internship Information
Core Responsibilities
The Automation Intern will focus on understanding and documenting the connections within a laboratory automation workcell, including architecture, instrument connectivity, software interfaces, and operational workflow. This involves creating clear internal documentation, visual diagrams, and reference guides to aid in maintenance, troubleshooting, and future modifications of the system.
Internship Type
full time
Salary Range
$23 - $30
Company Size
1589
Visa Sponsorship
No
Language
English
Working Hours
40 hours
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About The Company
Leading with purpose. Every day. “Ultragenyx was founded to advance innovative medicines for rare and ultrarare diseases that have never been treated before. We are delivering transformative therapies across multiple indications, and we have one of the most robust and diverse clinical pipelines in rare disease. Our focus is on doing the right things for patients both during development and commercialization to deliver on the promise of these therapies in a way that's meaningful for rare disease communities.” Emil D. Kakkis, M.D., Ph.D. Chief Executive Officer and President We have an inclusive culture of value and respect. Ultragenyx brings novel products to those living with rare and ultrarare diseases with a focus on debilitating genetic diseases. Founded in 2010, we have rapidly built a diverse portfolio of approved therapies and products aimed at diseases with a high unmet medical need for which many have no approved therapies. It takes courage, care, talent, and dedication to make a meaningful impact for those living with rare diseases, their families and the rare disease community. We put our people first, so they can take care of the rare disease community. We purposefully cultivate and nurture a dynamic, supportive work environment where we encourage every team member to share their new ideas and help us unlock more possibilities. Our team is made up of exceptional and diverse people with a strong passion and commitment to helping those living with rare diseases. By embracing generosity, curiosity, inclusion, and humility we are constantly learning together—fostering an environment that supports profound growth and fulfillment. If you want to have a meaningful impact, do the best work of your career while having fun and growing professionally and personally, come join our team! Visit our community guidelines at: https://ultragenyx.co/community
About the Role
Why Join Us?
 
Be a hero for our rare disease patients
 
At Ultragenyx, we fundamentally believe that taking real impactful action to care for the needs of patients and our people is always the right thing to do. To achieve this goal, our vision is to lead the future of rare disease medicine. For us, this means going where other biopharma companies won’t go – challenging the status quo and creating a new model that advances our field so more patients and caregivers can benefit from life-changing treatments. We do this by following the science, applying a novel rapid development approach, making innovative medicines at fair and reasonable prices, and creating a collaborative ecosystem to reach patients in ways that are most meaningful for them. 
 
Our commitment and care for patients extends to our people, so culture is an essential cornerstone for Ultragenyx. We remain continuously focused on creating a supportive and inclusive environment of profound learning and growth – so employees can thrive in all areas of their lives, in and outside of work. Ultimately, we want to be an organization where we would be proud for our family, friends and children to work.
 
If you want to have a meaningful impact, do the best work of your career, and grow a lot, both professionally and personally, come join our team.

Position Summary:

ultraimpact – Make a difference for those who need it most

Working in collaboration with other Analytical Development team members, the Automation Intern will focus on understanding and documentation of the connections in laboratory automation workcell. This role will  document the architecture, instrument connectivity, software interfaces, and operational workflow of the system to help the team more effectively maintain, troubleshoot, and modify the platform. 

The ideal candidate is technically curious, organized, and comfortable working across hardware, software, and laboratory operations. This is an excellent opportunity for a recent graduate or current student interested in laboratory automation, robotics, process engineering, or life science instrumentation. 

Work Model: 

Core Lab & Ops: This role typically requires that the majority of the work be conducted on-site.

Responsibilities:

  • Map the connected automation workcell, including major instruments, peripherals, communication pathways, and software dependencies 
  • Develop clear internal documentation describing: instrument-to-instrument connections; software and control system interactions; data flow and triggering logic; physical layout and functional workflow 
  • Partner with scientists and automation team members to gather information from existing methods, hardware configurations, and team knowledge 
  • Review current automation methods and supporting files to understand how the workcell is configured and operated 
  • Create visual diagrams, reference guides, and standard documentation that can support troubleshooting, onboarding, and future system modifications 
  • Help identify gaps, risks, or single points of failure in current workcell knowledge and documentation 
  • Support evaluation of potential future workcell changes, integrations, or instrument additions by organizing technical requirements and existing system constraints 
  • Assist with general automation lab support activities as needed, which may include observing workflows, helping organize files, and supporting method-related investigations 

Requirements:

 

  • Currently pursuing / recent graduate from a Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in engineering, biotechnology, computer science, life sciences, robotics, or a related field. 
    • This is a 6 month co-op, starting July 6, 2026 working full-time (40 hours per week) until December 18, 2026
  • Strong organizational and documentation skills 
  • Ability to understand technical systems and explain them clearly 
  • Comfort working with both software and hardware concepts 
  • Strong problem-solving and information-gathering skills 
  • Ability to learn unfamiliar equipment and workflows quickly 
  • Experience with diagramming, process mapping, or systems documentation 
  • Strong communication skills and ability to work with cross-functional stakeholders 
  • Experience with Hamilton liquid handlers / VENUS software and/or Green Button Go scheduling software, or other laboratory robotics strongly preferred 
  • Experience with technical documentation for equipment, workflows, or engineering systems preferred.  

U.S. Hourly Wage Range: 

  • $23.00-$30.00/hour. The estimated hourly range reflects an anticipated range for this position. The actual hourly wage offered will depend on the candidate’s school year/level.

#LI-AJ1     #LI-Onsite

 

The typical annual salary range for this full-time position is listed below. This range reflects the characteristics of the job, such as required skills and qualifications and is based on the office location noted in this job posting. The range may also be adjusted based on applicant's geographic location.


This position is eligible for annual bonus and equity incentives. Actual individual pay is determined by demonstrated experience and internal equity alignment.

Pay Range
$1—$1 USD
 
Full Time employees across the globe enjoy a range of benefits, including, but not limited to:
 
·         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
 
* Benefits vary by region and country

Ultragenyx Pharmaceutical is an equal opportunity employer and prohibits unlawful discrimination based on race, color, religion, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity/expression, national origin/ancestry, age, disability, marital and veteran status, and any other status or classification protected by applicable federal, state, and/or local laws. Reasonable accommodation will be provided for all protected statuses or classifications protected by applicable law, including individuals with disabilities, disabled veterans, for pregnancy, childbirth, and related medical conditions, and based on sincerely held religious beliefs. Applicants can request an accommodation prior to accepting a job offer. If you require reasonable accommodation in completing this application, or in any part of the recruitment process, you may contact Talent Acquisition by emailing us at talentacquisition@ultragenyx.com.

See our Privacy Policy.

It is unlawful in Massachusetts to require or administer a lie detector test as a condition of employment or continued employment. An employer who violates this law shall be subject to criminal penalties and civil liability.

Note to External Recruiters: All candidate activity and open positions are managed strictly through our Human Resources Department. Our Human Resources Department kindly requests that recruiters not contact employees/hiring managers directly in an attempt to solicit business and present candidates. Please note that failure to comply with this request will be a factor in determining a professional relationship with our organization. Submission of unsolicited resumes prior to an agreement set in place between the Human Resources Department and the recruiting agency will not create any implied obligation.  Inquiries on developing a recruiting relationship with us, may be directed to: talentacquisition@ultragenyx.com.
Key Skills
AutomationDocumentationArchitectureInstrument ConnectivitySoftware InterfacesOperational WorkflowHardwareLaboratory OperationsDiagrammingProcess MappingTroubleshootingHamilton Liquid HandlersVENUS SoftwareGreen Button Go Scheduling SoftwareRoboticsProcess Engineering
Categories
Science & ResearchEngineeringTechnologySoftware
Benefits
Vacation timePublic holidaysVolunteer daysLong term incentiveEmployee stock purchase plansEmployee wellbeing benefitsFitness reimbursementTuition sponsoringProfessional development plans