Summer Intern, Downstream Protein Development

As a Summer Intern in Downstream Protein Development at Vaxcyte, you will be responsible for assessing the impact of various purification techniques on protein quality attributes, optimizing buffer conditions for protein purification, analyzing chromatograms, and utilizing techniques such as SDS-PAGE and spectrophotometry for protein evaluation. You’ll compile and present data related to purification processes, gaining hands-on experience in a lab environment.

To qualify for the Summer Intern position in Downstream Protein Development at Vaxcyte, you must be pursuing a Bachelor's Degree with a focus on Bioengineering, Biochemistry, Molecular Biology, or a related field, having completed at least one year of college. Other qualifications include proficiency in Microsoft Office, strong attention to detail, collaboration skills, enthusiasm for learning, and a dedication to your work.

During your Summer Internship at Vaxcyte, you'll develop critical skills in laboratory techniques for assessing protein quality and concentration. You will also gain experience working with essential lab equipment, preparing buffers, analyzing data related to protein purification, and presenting your findings to support improvements in our processes.

The expected salary range for the Summer Intern position in Downstream Protein Development at Vaxcyte is between $23 and $26 per hour for undergraduate students. The actual pay will depend on the year of college completed upon hiring. It's an excellent opportunity to gain real-world experience and earn while you learn!

The Summer Internship program at Vaxcyte is set to begin in July and will last approximately 8 weeks, with interns working around 8 hours per day. This full-time commitment provides an immersive experience where you can contribute to impactful projects within the organization.

In answering this question, showcase your passion for vaccine development and your alignment with Vaxcyte's mission of protecting humankind. Discuss specific aspects of the internship such as gaining hands-on experience with purification techniques and analyzing data that excite you.

To effectively answer this, explain your strategy for managing time and prioritizing tasks, including tools you use for organization. Highlight your ability to assess deadlines and the impact of each task on the overall project outcome.

Focus on specific lab techniques you've employed in your studies or previous internships, such as using chromatography or SDS-PAGE. Be prepared to explain the relevance of this experience to the work you’ll be doing at Vaxcyte.

Discuss methods you use to maintain accuracy such as double-checking measurements, using templates for data entry, and consistently following protocols. Emphasize your dedication to maintaining high standards in a lab environment.

Articulate your learning objectives clearly, focusing on both technical skills in protein chemistry and soft skills such as teamwork and communication. Mention your eagerness to contribute to the projects while gaining insights from experienced professionals.

Reflect on a specific project or group experience where your role was significant. Highlight your contributions, collaboration skills, and how you helped achieve the team's goals, showing your ability to work collectively towards success.

Illustrate your resilience and problem-solving skills by detailing a specific challenge you faced in an academic or lab setting. Discuss the steps you took to overcome the obstacle and the ultimate outcome, demonstrating your determination.

Provide examples of laboratory equipment you’ve used such as pipettes, scales, or spectrophotometers. Discuss how these tools facilitated your understanding of biochemical analysis and how you are prepared to handle similar equipment at Vaxcyte.

Discuss your methodical approach to problem-solving, emphasizing experimentation, data analysis, and iterative testing. Illustrate your understanding of variables involved in optimization and the importance of thorough documentation.

Emphasize that diversity fosters creativity, innovation, and problem-solving by bringing various perspectives to the table. Relate it back to Vaxcyte's core value of rethinking convention, showcasing your understanding that different backgrounds lead to better outcomes.