Industrial internships are an important and required Training feature

Industrial internships offer Program Trainees the opportunity to obtain a first-hand experience of basic or applied biotechnology research in a selected industrial laboratory. This training experience offers trainees the opportunity to better appreciate the interdisciplinary nature of contemporary biotechnology research.

The industrial-internship experience is viewed by industry as a substantial professional preparation. Several biotechnology companies in the Chicago area (Baxter Healthcare, Abbott Laboratories, Pharmacia/Searle, and several smaller Biotech companies) and elsewhere (Merck Research Laboratories, Serono Laboratories, Cell Genesys, Scios Inc., Aclara Biosciences, Genentech) have offered such opportunities to Trainees and other students in the past. Trainees spend 3-6 months pursuing a project of mutual interest.

The choice of the industrial laboratory is made after consultation first between the Trainee and the Trainee's advisor, to decide the desirable type of laboratory and a likely time for the internship. Then, the Program Director is informed about these early discussions and offers assistance if desired. An agreement is finally reached as to of the specific company, laboratory, and the type of project the Trainee is planning to pursue as an intern.

Financial arrangements are made either at the same time or following this agreement. In some cases, the host company provides financial assistance, which covers the Trainee's living expenses. However, if financial support for an opportunity to work in a specific industrial laboratory is not available from the company, funds from the Program are used to support the Trainee. At the end of the internship, the Trainee shares her/his experiences with the other Trainees and the Program in a student-meeting presentation, as part of the Biotechnology research club (see MEETINGS & SEMINARS page).

Trainees who have worked in industry prior to joining Northwestern may choose not to pursue an industrial internship. Trainees wishing not to pursue an internship must consult with the Program Director regarding this option.

Baxter Healthcare Abbott Laboratories Pharmacia/Searle Merck Research Laboratories Serono Laboratories Cell Genesys Scios Inc. Aclara Biosciences Genentech