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Intern - Structural Biology
Vilya
South San Francisco, CA, USA
USD 25-45 / hour
Posted on Mar 11, 2026
Vilya is a computational biotechnology company creating a novel class of medicines to precisely target disease biology. We believe computational approaches are an integral, if not foundational, component of drug discovery and development. Our platform is built on ground-breaking research in advanced computational approaches and taps into uncharted chemical space to design new molecular structures not found in nature.
We are harnessing the power of our platform to go after previously impossible targets in an array of indications. Vilya’s ultimate goal is to solve some of the most challenging unmet medical needs that exist today.
Our Vision: Harness a revolution in technology and biology to better human health
Our Mission: Build an independent, leading biotech company founded on intelligent drug design to cure the incurable
We are seeking a highly motivated and enthusiastic Summer Intern to join Vilya’s Structural Biology Team in South San Francisco for 12 weeks during the summer of 2026. Reporting to our Senior Scientist, Structural Biology, this fully onsite position will play a key role in expanding our platform technology and advancing orally available macrocycles into the clinic.
RESPONSIBILITIES:
- Execute the screening, expression, and purification of proteins—including challenging or novel targets—using various expression systems
- Assess protein quality and suitability for downstream assays using biophysical techniques (e.g., SEC, DSF, DLS)
- Present experimental progress to the structural biology team and collaborate actively with cross-functional research groups
- Maintain a precise and detailed electronic lab notebook
- Comply with all safety and environmental regulations
PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS:
- Currently enrolled in an undergraduate, or graduate degree program in Biophysics, Biochemistry or a related field is strongly preferred
- At least 1–2 years of hands-on, lab-based experience in protein purification or biophysics
- Experience purifying challenging proteins is strongly preferred
- Interest in construct design and protein engineering is ideal
- Experience with large-scale mammalian and E. coli protein expression
- Familiarity with techniques to assess biophysical properties of proteins (e.g. SEC, DSF, DLS, or similar)
- Experienced with cell-free expression protocols is a plus
- Interest in protein crystallography is a plus
- Enthusiastic and self-motivated with strong time management and multitasking skills
- Highly organized, motivated, able to work independently, and have strong analytical, organizational, and communication skills
- Passion for exploring and developing new technologies
- Commitment to high scientific and ethical standards
- Scientific curiosity with positive attitude and an eagerness to learn
VILYA INTERN COMPENSATION AND BENEFITS:
- Wage: $25/hour - $45/hour, based on a combination of education and experience
- Opportunity to work in a disruptive startup with a talented, experienced, and dedicated team
- Monthly commuter stipend