Summer Intern - Process Development(Upstream)

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 will develop professionally through bi-weekly intern programming including networking with Forge leaders, career management workshops, and exclusive intern community events

• You will be mentored by Forge department leaders and supported through a network of Forge employees

Forge Biologics Ignite Internship Program is designed to provide meaningful experiences in a professional environment while giving our interns the experience to network with Senior Leadership and peers through a variety of activities and events. During the Summer Internship Program, you will work on real business issues/projects and learn from industry leaders. Our interns will work onsite at our offices in Grove City, OH (just 15 minutes from downtown Columbus, Ohio).

Please Note: Forge Biologics does not provide housing or relocation stipends for non-local interns. Candidates are responsible for securing their own housing and transportation for the duration of the internship.

Work Environment and Physical Demands

This position works in both a laboratory environment and typical office environment where the physical work demands will vary depending on the specific tasks and duties required of the job. The employee will be stationary (standing/sitting) for extended periods of time. Employees regularly wear personal protective equipment based on the task being performed. Must be able to work in a confined space, such as a clean room or laboratory environment. Ability to identify small details within the field of vision, distinguish between different colors, and accurately identify objects within a specific area.

This job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee. Duties, responsibilities and activities may change or new ones may be assigned.

Forge Biologics is an equal opportunity employer dedicated to building an inclusive and diverse workforce. Forge Biologics, provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local laws.

Life at Forge

We are a team of diverse, driven and passionate people working together to trailblaze a new model for how we make medicines to treat patients with genetic diseases. Our team members use their creativity and talent to invent new solutions, meet new demands, and offer the most effective services in the industry. Forge’s core values lay the foundation for H.O.P.E. It provides us a common purpose that we all understand, work towards and live by.

HARDWORKING - We work hard and smart, making a persistent and determined effort toward success. Working hard, with focus and desire is the key.

OPEN - We strive to be approachable, actively listen and encourage others to contribute and speak up. We positively offer and receive constructive feedback.

PURPOSE DRIVEN - We are passionate about working towards and delivering on our mission to manufacture gene therapies.

ENGAGED - We are fully absorbed by and enthusiastic about our work and take positive action to further Forge’s vision, mission and goals.