Intern – Drug Substance Upstream

7am-7pm pitman

Posted on 11/6/2025

Ultragenyx Pharmaceutical

Ultragenyx Pharmaceutical

No salary listed

Bedford, MA, USA

In Person

12-hour rotation shift; weekend work required.

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

The Manufacturing Associate Intern will be working within Upstream/Cell Culture Team at Ultragenyx’s Gene Therapy Manufacturing Facility in Bedford, MA. The position is a suite/clean room-based position where the Associate will be performing cell culture operations from cell thaw to 2000L Bioreactor. This is a 12-hour rotation shift position (3 days in, 2 days off, 2 days in, 3 days off) and weekend is required. 

Work Model: 

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

Responsibilities:

  • Support the execution of all Upstream manufacturing activities in compliance with environmental health and safety (EHS) requirements, current Good Manufacturing Practices (cGMPs), and Ultragenyx’s Standard Operations Procedures (SOPs)/Protocols.
  • Responsible for keeping own training curriculum up-to-date, ensuring full training has been taken prior to performing production activities.
  • Ensure the cleaning and maintenance of the facility and area equipment.
  • Document all work as required by cGMPs on a timely basis
  • Perform operations and monitor process with close attention to detail.
  • Perform other tasks and projects as assigned by the department manager.

Requirements:

  • High school degree to BS in any filed. Enrollment in a Biotech Certificate Program.
  • Preferably 1-2 years of professional experience in a regulated industry. Experience with cell culture is not required but experience is preferred.
  • Ability to accurately perform arithmetic calculations including fractions, decimals, percentages and basic algebra. 
  • Ability to read, understand, and follow procedures. Be computer proficient, especially in Microsoft Office (Word, Outlook, Excel).
  • Ability and desire to work in a fast-paced, start-up environment is essential 
  • Strong collaboration, team-working and communication skills 
  • Detail-oriented and independently motivated is a must.
  • General knowledge of and adherence to cGMPs.
  • Ability to gown and work in clean room environments is a must.

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 controlled environment requiring GxP gowning and wear protective clothing over the head, face, hands, feet, and body. This requires the ability to change clothes into appropriate gowning and personal protective equipment.
  • Certain tasks may require the use of a respirator; medical clearance will be required in advance.
  • Must remove all make-up, jewelry, and contact lenses while in the manufacturing environment.
  • Working in temperature-controlled environments (cold rooms).
 
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 [email protected].

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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[email protected].