Tissue Material Science Intern

Job Description

Envision spending your summer working with energetic colleagues and inspirational leaders, all while gaining world-class experience in one of the most dynamic organizations in the pharmaceutical industry. This is a reality for AbbVie Interns.  

This internship opportunity is in the Tissue Material Sciences group which supports the preclinical development and differentiation of implantable biomaterials in support of Allergan Aesthetics’ Medical Device franchises. Under supervision of a senior scientist in the group, the individual will primarily support the development of in vitro models (cell-based and/or tissue explant) for use in the evaluation of medical aesthetic products. The individual may also support the development and execution of in vivo models for evaluating biomaterial/tissue interactions. 

Key responsibilities include: 

• Develops and/or applies biological and engineering principles to support the development of new preclinical assays for evaluating the performance of implantable medical devices.  

• Develops and performs experimental designs, protocols, and reports to demonstrate assay feasibility. 

• Develops algorithms for analysis of histology results (IHC and ISH) using visiopharm.  

• Supports the execution of in vitro and animal studies to advance the development of implantable medical devices, as needed. 

This internship will be based in Irvine, CA.  

Qualifications

Minimum Qualifications  

• Currently enrolled in university, pursuing Master’s Degree in Biology, Biomedical Engineering, or other related field.

• Must be enrolled in university for at least one semester following the internship.  

• Hands on experience with mammalian cell culture and in vitro assays (such as Western Blot, ELISA, or PCR).

Preferred Qualifications  

• Knowledge of computer programing, IHC image analysis, scRNAseq data analysis. 

• Knowledge of skin biology and/or wound healing. 

• Ability to conduct and interpret scientific experiments, providing suggestions for additional experiments, including design and development of new assays, prototypes and methods under supervision. 

• Experience with mechanical testing and/or tissue biomechanics.

• Demonstrate critical thinking and problem-solving skills, including statistical analysis.

• Self-motivated; ability to execute with limited supervision and direction. Can work independently or part of a team. 

• Troubleshoot experiments, identify and solve elementary problems in experimental designs, including laboratory experimentation. 

• Contribute ideas and suggestions to improve standard laboratory techniques, experimentation efficiency, improve protocols, processes and equipment. 

• Support data generation for in vivo preclinical studies.