Co-op, Non-Clinical R&D

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:

ultracurious – Apply your biggest ideas in courageous ways

Reporting to Scientist II on the Non-Clinical Research team, this individual will support preclinical stage programs by assisting in the development and execution of plate-based and cell-based assays to advance AAV-based therapeutics.

Work Model:

Core Lab & Ops: This role typically requires that the majority of the work be conducted on-site and thus will be subject to certain on-site safety protocols during the pandemic.

Responsibilities:

• Work as part of a cross-functional team to support advancement of innovative AAV-based therapeutics by performing a variety of cell-based and molecular techniques
• Provide support for processing samples from preclinical studies and completing downstream assays including biodistribution, gene expression, and protein analysis
• Maintain mammalian cell culture and assist in execution of in vitro assays
• Ability to troubleshoot and contribute to new ideas
• Work both independently and as part of a team
• Demonstrate curiosity and creative desire to answer scientific questions
• Prepare, write, analyze, and present data
  
  

Requirements:

• Actively enrolled in pursuing an undergraduate degree in one of the following fields: Cell and Molecular Biology, Neuroscience, Biochemistry, Biotechnology, or a related scientific discipline
• This co-op is full-time (32 to 40 hours per week), from early July of 2025 until the end of December 2025.
• Mammalian cell culture experience preferred, experience with plasmid transfections and/or viral infections a plus
• Experience with DNA, RNA, and protein isolation from either mammalian tissues or cells
• Familiarity with molecular and biochemical methods, such as PCRs and ELISAs
• Experience with data analysis including statistical analysis and data visualization
• Ability and desire to work in a fast-paced, start-up like environment
• Strong collaboration, team-working skills, and communication skills
• Strong interpersonal skills with high attention to detail
  
  

Physical Demands/Work Environment/Safety Considerations:

• Stand for extended periods of time with periodic stooping/bending / kneeling.
• Able to lift, push, pull up to 50lbs.
• Climb ladders and stairs of various heights.
• Work in a lab environment requiring special protective clothing over the head, face, hands, feet, and body. This role requires the ability to wear personal protective equipment.
• Certain tasks may require use of a respirator; medical clearance will be required in advance.
  
  

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.

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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.