Intern- Product Development R&D

Asklepios BioPharmaceutical, Inc. (AskBio) is a leading, clinical-stage gene therapy company founded in 2001 based on the work of adeno-associated virus (AAV) gene therapy visionary and pioneer, Jude Samulski, PhD. Since that time, our commitment to developing life-saving medicines that can potentially cure genetic diseases has never wavered. 

At AskBio, we’ve built a foundation of therapeutic programs, AAV manufacturing and a rich portfolio of patented technology. Our therapeutic focus includes neuromuscular, central nervous system, cardiovascular and metabolic diseases with clinical trials underway for Pompe disease, Parkinson’s disease, and congestive heart failure. Our gene therapy platform includes Pro10™, an industry-leading proprietary cell line manufacturing process, and an extensive AAV capsid and promoter library. 

We became a wholly-owned, independently operated, subsidiary of Bayer AG in late 2020 as a cornerstone of its newly formed Cell & Gene Therapy (CGT) platform. Our global headquarters is in Research Triangle Park, NC. Additionally, we have significant operations in Philadelphia, PA, Columbus, OH, Scotland, France, Germany, and Spain.

Our vision: Pioneering science to create transformative molecular medicines.

Our mission: Lead innovative science and drive clinical outcomes to transform people's lives.

Our principles:

• Advance innovative science by pushing boundaries. 

• Bring transformative therapeutics to patients in need.  

• Provide an environment for employees to reach their fullest potential.  

Our values:

• Be a Pioneer. We are not afraid of the impossible and to innovate to make gene therapies accessible to those in need.

• Cultivate Collaboration. Strive to be the best teammate, actively listen, openly communicate, and embrace diverse points of view.

• Embrace Responsibility. We are humbled by the enormity of our mission.  We hold a relentless commitment to advance science and clinical outcomes for our patients, families, and caregivers.

• Raise the Bar. Continuously drive improvements and efficiencies. Seek and provide constructive feedback. Have a bias for learning and action.

• Act with Uncompromising Integrity. Be honest, transparent, and committed to doing what’s right in every situation. Make clear commitments and follow through.

Position Summary

The Intern-Product Development R&D will support a team of scientists and research associates to perform experimental benchwork in support of developing rAAV Gene Therapy clinical candidate vectors. The intern will help to characterize candidate vectors using quantitative molecular biology techniques including DNA/RNA isolation, quantitative PCR techniques, ELISA/western-blot and next-gen sequencing techniques.

The position will be based in RTP, North Carolina and will report to the Associate Director in the Product Development department.

Job Responsibilities

• Support scientists in PD in assay development to test gene therapy cassettes

• Learn next-gen sequencing techniques

• Learn and perform cell culture techniques, RNA extraction methods, gel purification, NGS library preparation

• Review and help designing protocols

• Participate in PD group meetings as well as in functional subgroup meetings

• Present interim data in functional subgroup

• Present final project summary in PD team meeting

Minimum Requirements

• Must be pursuing a Bachelor’s degree in Biology, Biochemistry or related field

• Must be at least a Junior in university at the time of your application

• Some experience in lab work

Preferred Education, Experience and Skills

• Proficient with MS Office Suite and ability to learn new technologies quickly

• Excellent verbal and written communication skills

• Available to work full-time during the summer months (May-August)

• Proactive and solution-driven mindset

• Strong sense of accountability and ability to prioritize multiple tasks

• Excellent organizational skills and attention to detail

• Flexible and willing to support a variety of tasks for the Product Development team

• Prior internship, work, or volunteer/extracurricular experience is a plus

• Direct experience with handling DNA/RNA and cell culture is a plus

Asklepios BioPharmaceutical, Inc. (AskBio) is an Equal Opportunity Employer and does not discriminate against any employee or applicant for employment because of race, color, religion, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, disability, veteran status or any other protected status prohibited under Federal, State or local laws. All employment decisions are based on valid job‐related requirements. If you are a qualified individual with a disability or a disabled veteran and are unable or limited in your ability to use or access our website, you may request a reasonable accommodation to express interest in a specific opening by calling us at (919) 561-6210 or sending us an email at careers@askbio.com.

Agencies:  Please do not contact any employee at AskBio about this requisition.  Any resume submitted by a recruitment agency to any employee at AskBio, through any medium, will be deemed the sole property of AskBio unless the agency was engaged by AskBio Talent Acquisition team to recruit for that position.  All agencies must have a prior executed service agreement with AskBio prior to any search engagement.  If a candidate who was submitted outside of the AskBio agency process is hired by AskBio, no fee or payment of any kind will be paid to the agency.