Summer Intern - Process Development(Downstream)

Forge Your Future with Us: 

At Forge Biologics, we believe in turning bold ideas into life-changing realities. Our mission is simple yet powerful: to enable access to life-changing gene therapies and help bring them from ideas into reality. We partner with scientists, physicians, biotech and pharma innovators, and patient communities — all united by one goal: improving lives. If you’re driven by purpose and excited to make a tangible impact, this is where your journey begins. 

Our team works out of The Hearth, a state-of-the-art, 200,000-square-foot cGMP facility in Columbus, Ohio. Here, you won’t just watch innovation happen — you’ll be part of it. Whether you’re scaling AAV manufacturing, collaborating on cutting-edge therapies, or supporting complex technical projects, you’ll play a key role in bringing hope to patients with genetic diseases. 

What sets Forge apart is our culture of H.O.P.E. We are hardworking, showing up each day with determination and grit. We are open, creating a space where ideas flow freely and every voice is valued. We are purpose-driven, with every task directly tied to changing lives. And we are engaged, energized by the challenges we face and the milestones we achieve together. 

At Forge, your growth matters. We’re committed to helping you expand your skills, take on new challenges, and develop your career through mentorship, hands-on learning, and opportunities for advancement. Our people are our greatest investment, and we’re proud to see team members grow with us. 

If you’re ready to use your talent to help deliver hope to patients around the world, join us — and be part of something bigger than yourself. 

 

About the Role 

Forge Biologics is seeking a Process Development Intern to join our 2024 Ignite Internship Program.  In this role, you will have the opportunity to be trained in biomanufacturing development by industry leaders and support the upstream and/or downstream of manufacturing viral vector life-changing gene therapies for human use.  You will gain exposure in compiling experimental data, identify areas for improved efficiencies, and get hands-on experience with upstream and/or downstream systems. 

What you’ll do: 

• You will perform laboratory techniques (vector purification and/or cell culture) in support of production of recombinant adeno-associated virus (rAAV) vectors 

• You will execute procedures assuring quality, safety, efficacy, and purity of drug products 

• Upstream:  

• You will design, plan, perform, document and present on shake flasks and bioreactor experiments optimizing production of AAV 

• You will maintain cell growth, transfection, and infection of mammalian cells for rAAV manufacturing 

• Downstream: 

• You will work on process optimization, and technology transfer to cGMP for virus (rAAV) vectors produced in mammalian and insect cells 

• You will assist with harvesting cells, and purifying vectors using density gradients, FPLC, or other techniques 

What you’ll bring: 

• You are a current junior currently enrolled in a full-time bachelor's degree program from an accredited college or university with a 3.0 minimum GPA or equivalent 

• You are studying Chemical Engineering, Biomedical Engineering, Biological Engineering, Biochemistry, Molecular Biology or a related field 

• You are a self-starter, detail-oriented, collaborative, and organized 

• You have some lab or research experience through academic coursework or work experience 

• You are inquisitive, like to solve problems and identify areas for process improvement 

Why you’ll love it: 

• You’ll work on meaningful and relevant projects while gaining experience in the biotech industry 

• You