Emerging
Talent Programs
Launch your career with us
Discover a rewarding opportunity in a people-first culture that empowers you to realize your potential. We provide future rare disease leaders like you with resources, support, and mentoring that enables growth and learning so you can make a meaningful impact in the world.
Emerging Talent Programs at Ultragenyx
Summer internships
A 10–12 week program designed for students interested in the field of Life Sciences/Biotechnology. As a project team member, interns gain practical experience, make a measurable contribution to their department, and receive the guidance and support needed to advance academic and professional success.
- Summer Internships posted January through March
- Interviews and selections take place throughout the Spring
- Internship locations vary and can include Bay Area headquarters, the greater Boston area, or remote positions
- Applicants must be enrolled in an accredited undergraduate or graduate program
Seasonal co-ops
A 6-month program offering supplemental training and experience to students to advance their education and help start an exciting career in the Life Sciences/Biotechnology field. While participating in meaningful work, co-ops earn college credit and contribute to the long-term advancement of Ultragenyx’s initiatives.
- Spring (January – June) or Fall (July – December)
- Spring co-ops posted in September/October; Fall co-ops posted in January/February
- Applicants must be enrolled in an accredited undergraduate or graduate program and should consult with their institution to ensure eligibility for participation
Postdoctoral fellowships
A 2–4 year program offering the rare opportunity to be mentored by leaders in the Life Sciences/Biotechnology field. Postdoctoral fellows at Ultragenyx study the scientific questions that impact people living with rare diseases the most. Postdoctoral fellows will grow in a curious, collaborative environment as they develop the skills to thrive as a scientific investigator.
- Fellowships posted year-round
- Applicants must have a degree from an accredited institution within the discipline of the specific opportunity
The why and how of our emerging talent programs
Gain insight into Ultragenyx and the biotech landscape while building expertise and professional confidenceDevelop a deep understanding of Ultragenyx’s mission, therapies, and organizational functions while gaining practical industry experience in the life sciences industry in addition acquire subject matter expertise, confidence, and credibility within the field to drive innovation and impact. |
Program elements:Our Business of Biotech (BOB) series provides an in-depth look at the key functions within a biotech company. Leaders from across Ultragenyx share their expertise, career journeys, and insights on advancing therapies for rare diseases, with interactive Q&A sessions to offer students even deeper comprehension. |
Gain insights from leadership to foster meaningful connections and engagementCreate an enriching experience that encourages students to network, collaborate, and contribute to expanding Ultragenyx’s mission of transforming lives. |
Program elements:Fireside Chats with Executive Leadership (XLT) offer an informal space for students to engage with senior leaders, discuss industry trends, and align their work with Ultragenyx’s mission. These sessions encourage open dialogue, providing valuable perspectives on leadership, innovation, and the evolving landscape of rare disease treatment. |
Building skills and relationshipsAlign student experiences with real-world projects, helping them understand their contributions to their team’s success and Ultragenyx’s broader mission as well as enhancing team impact and mission alignment. |
Program elements:Through structured networking and professional development sessions, students strengthen key soft skills essential for success. These sessions foster peer connections, encourage collaboration, and help students build confidence as they prepare to contribute to the rare disease space. |
Emerging Talent Participant Testimonials
FAQs
Opportunities are typically available at our Novato, CA headquarters and our Boston-based locations. Additionally, we offer opportunities at select locations outside the United States. A limited number of remote positions are also available.
Disciplines that have hired emerging talent participants historically include: Manufacturing, Research and Development, Engineering, Validation, Medical Affairs, Operations, IT, Human Resources, Finance, Legal, and Marketing.
We offer internship and co-op opportunities for students at all degree levels, including bachelor’s, master’s, MBA, PharmD, and Ph.D., based on project needs. Each job posting will specify the required degree level for the respective role.
To be eligible for an internship or co-op at Ultragenyx, applicants must:
- Be at least 18 years old by the start date.
- Possess legal authorization to work in the United States.
- Be enrolled in an accredited academic program and have completed at least one year of undergraduate studies by the start date.
Co-op positions are 6 months long while internships are typically10–12 weeks in the summer. In both roles, students work full-time. Since co-ops are longer, students gain more in-depth knowledge and contribute even more to their respective teams.
In the San Francisco area, we partner with Biotech Partners to offer opportunities to students underrepresented in the field of biotechnology. Outside of that program, which does not accept external applicants, our emerging talent program focuses on university and postgraduate opportunities.
Unless you have plans to directly enter a graduate program, recent grads are not eligible to apply to our internship or co-op opportunities. Co-op and internship applicants must be currently enrolled in an accredited undergraduate or graduate degree program with plans to return to classes. If you are graduating, we encourage you to explore our full-time job opportunities or contractor positions.
We accept applications on a rolling basis and encourage you to apply as early as possible. For summer internships, our goal is to finalize placements by the end of March.
Yes, all internships and co-op positions at Ultragenyx are paid. Compensation is standardized across the company and is based on the student’s academic year and the nature of the assignment (technical or non-technical).