Ph.D. Internship
San Diego, CA
At Cibus, we empower the next generation of scientists to turn groundbreaking ideas into real-world impact. As a Ph.D. intern, you’ll join a pioneering biotechnology team using precision gene editing to accelerate natural plant breeding and create sustainable agricultural innovations.
Working alongside experienced researchers in our state-of-the-art San Diego facility, you’ll gain hands-on experience, mentorship, and the opportunity to contribute to discoveries that help feed the world and protect the planet.
Required education
A current NSF funded graduate student who has completed at least two years in a Ph.D. program, working toward a degree in Protein Engineering, Microbial Strain Engineering, Bioinformatics, Plant Disease Tolerance, Fermentation, or a related field.
Area(s) of expertise desired
Protein Engineering, Microbial Strain Engineering, Plant Disease Tolerance, Plant pathology, Fermentation, Industrial Microbiology/Genetics, Biochemical Engineering.
Job description
Cibus is a biotechnology company with advanced technologies to precisely target and direct a plant’s natural gene-editing processes. This approach accelerates natural plant breeding that has been a staple of farming for thousands of years and has resulted in a rapid, versatile and low-cost way to produce sustainable industrial and agricultural products and improve human health by safely harnessing nature’s own genetic diversity.
The company has a worldwide presence, with subsidiaries in Europe and North America and state-of-the-art research and development centers in San Diego, CA and Roseville, MN. Cibus has a pipeline of traits for canola and rice and is developing crop platforms and a pipeline of trait products in other major global crops including soybean, wheat and corn.
Cibus has an immediate opening for Ph.D. Interns. These roles will work across a variety of facilities including biotechnology laboratory settings, greenhouse, and warehouse environments. This position calls for a highly reliable, proactive, and collaborative individual.
Job Requirements
- The intern positions are based in San Diego, CA.
- Available to work full-time (up to 40 hours per week), within core business hours.
- A current graduate student who is funded by an NSF fellowship and has completed at least two years in a Ph.D. program, working toward a degree in Protein Engineering, Microbial Strain Engineering, Bioinformatics, Plant Disease Tolerance, Fermentation, or a related field. Graduating December 2025 or later.
- Research mindset with strong analytical, problem solving and conceptual skills; able to manage priorities and workflow.
Internship Eligibility
- Must be authorized to work in the U.S. without requiring sponsorship.
- Must be currently enrolled in an NSF funded PhD, graduating December 2025 or later.
- The internship program is 3–6 months.
- Able to work full time (up to 40 hours a week) during internship dates.
Program Highlights
- Hands-on experience with real projects and responsibilities.
- Dedicated mentorship program pairing interns with experienced professionals.
- Networking opportunities with industry professionals and fellow interns.
- Exposure to multiple business areas or departments within the organization.