High-Paying Molecular Biology Internship At 10x Genomics USA
A Molecular Biology Internship in the USA with an industry-leading biotechnology company can be a defining step for aspiring scientists. This opportunity at 10x Genomics Careers offers hands-on experience in high-throughput assays, protein engineering, and spatial proteomics, making it an ideal internship opportunity for life science graduates seeking real-world R&D exposure.
About 10x Genomics
10x Genomics is committed to accelerating discoveries in biology by enabling scientists to address complex questions across cancer, immunology, neuroscience, and beyond. The company fosters an inclusive, dynamic environment where teams are empowered to innovate, collaborate, and push the boundaries of life science research.
Internship Details
- Intern Title: Molecular Biology Intern (High-Throughput Assays)
- Company: 10x Genomics
- Location: Pleasanton, California, United States
About the Role
10x Genomics is seeking a Molecular Biology Intern to join the Spatial Proteomics R&D team. The intern will focus on building and optimizing high-throughput experimental workflows for screening custom proteins. The role involves working with display systems, such as yeast display, and surface-based assays to evaluate protein affinity, specificity, and performance across multiple assay formats.
On a day-to-day basis, the intern will design and clone constructs, develop and execute high-throughput binding assays, establish and optimize protein conjugation strategies, and analyze large datasets generated from screening experiments. The intern will collaborate closely with cross-functional teams spanning molecular biology, protein engineering, and computational design, and will regularly present findings and recommendations to the broader program.
Key Responsibilities in Molecular Biology Internship
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Assay & Platform Development
- Develop, optimize, and execute high-throughput screening assays to evaluate custom-designed proteins
- Build and refine yeast surface display workflows or related display platforms for quantitative binder characterization using flow cytometry
- Establish and compare surface-based screening formats, including:
- Yeast display with FACS
- Surface-immobilized target assays (e.g., beads, chips, slides)
- Plate-based or bead-based binding and competition assays
- Implement and benchmark conjugation strategies linking proteins to DNA or other reporter molecules for multiplexed and barcoded assays
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Molecular Biology & Protein Engineering
- Design and execute cloning strategies for protein libraries and individual variants (PCR, Gibson Assembly, Golden Gate cloning, site-directed mutagenesis)
- Construct and validate expression vectors for yeast and other expression systems
- Perform quality control of expression and display levels
- Support expression and basic characterization of selected binders using techniques such as SDS-PAGE, Western blotting, and simple purification or lysate-based functional assays
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High-Throughput Screening & Data Analysis
- Plan and conduct FACS-based and plate-based screening experiments, including controls, titrations, and replicates
- Analyze high-dimensional datasets from flow cytometry and barcoded readouts to rank candidates based on performance metrics
- Prepare samples and data for sequencing-based readouts and collaborate on interpretation of sequence–function relationships
- Summarize results using clear figures, tables, and internal reports
- Present progress and findings during regular team meetings
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Collaboration & Documentation
- Collaborate with computational design, protein production, and assay development teams within the design–build–test–learn cycle
- Maintain detailed electronic laboratory notebooks, SOPs, and reagent documentation to support reproducibility
- Contribute to a final internal report and presentation describing developed workflows, results, and recommendations
Required Qualifications
- Current PhD candidate in Biochemistry, Biophysics, Molecular Biology, Bioengineering, Chemical Biology, or a closely related field
- Ideally within the final 1–2 years of the PhD program
- Demonstrated ability to independently design, execute, and troubleshoot experiments
- Strong quantitative and analytical skills, including experience working with large high-throughput datasets
- Clear written and verbal communication skills
- Highly organized, collaborative, and comfortable in a fast-paced, interdisciplinary R&D environment
Core Technical Skills (Required)
- Strong molecular biology expertise, including PCR, cloning (Gibson, Golden Gate), and site-directed mutagenesis
- Plasmid design, sequence verification, and construct troubleshooting
- Experience with protein expression and characterization in yeast, E. coli, or cell-free systems
- Hands-on experience with high-throughput or quantitative assay formats, including flow cytometry/FACS and plate-based binding assays
- Data analysis and visualization experience using Python, R, GraphPad Prism, or similar tools
- General awareness and experience with AI-driven data analysis
Preferred Experience
- Experience with yeast surface display, phage display, ribosome or mRNA display, or other library-based screening technologies
- Experience with protein conjugation and bioconjugation methods, including:
- Cysteine-based conjugation (e.g., maleimide–thiol, HaloTag, SNAP/CLIP)
- Click chemistry approaches (e.g., azide–alkyne, DBCO)
- Experience with DNA barcoding of proteins or reporter-based linkage strategies
- Familiarity with translation-linked or puromycin-based conjugation methods
- Background in protein engineering, antibody or nanobody development, or de novo binder workflows
Compensation Offered in Molecular Biology Internship
- Hourly Pay Range: $40 – $48 USD
- Actual compensation is based on skills, qualifications, and experience. This role is not eligible for 10x Genomics’ health benefit program unless required by law.
