BioSci Co-Op Program
A year at the forefront of life sciences innovation
Discover how science can take you beyond the classroom and into the life sciences industry. In the the BioSci Co-Op Program, undergraduates of any major spend a full year working in a paid position at a life sciences company in San Diego while continuing their academic journey. Along the way, you’ll gain hands-on experience, build professional skills, and take a career development course focused on science communication, career exploration, and soft skills, helping you connect what you learn at UC San Diego with the impact you want to make in the world.
Know Before You Apply
Review the eligibility, time commitment, and course requirement to understand the full scope of the Co-Op experience. This is an opportunity to take on meaningful work, build industry-ready skills, and grow professionally. Come in informed, plan ahead, and position yourself to make the most of what this program offers.
Eligibility
Eligibility for the Co-Op Program is defined by each position, with company-specific qualifications outlined in individual job postings. The program is open to undergraduate students from all majors with a minimum 2.5 GPA. Because placements span a full year and typically begin in summer, students graduating in the current academic year are not eligible.
Time Commitment
Co-Op positions require a one-year commitment, typically beginning full-time summer and continuing part-time during the academic year. Schedules are coordinated alongside supervisors to balance coursework. Academic-year hours generally range from 10-20 hours per week and the required class meets only three times per quarter, supporting professional growth and academic success.
Course Requirement
Alongside their paid work experience, Co-Op students enroll in BISP 182 Cooperative Education and Analysis in fall, winter, and spring quarters. This course builds skills in career development, leadership, and science communication through interactive sessions with life sciences industry professionals, applied assignments, and reflection. Students connect their work experience to academic learning and present their work at the School of Biological Sciences Annual Student Research Symposium.
Open Co-Op Positions
The positions below are now open at Catalent San Diego, a global leader in drug development and delivery. Catalent manages the hiring process and students will begin working shortly after hire. Students who secure these roles may opt into the 2026-2027 Co-Op cohort, pairing their paid minimum one-year position with enrollment in BISP 182 Cooperative Education and Analysis during fall, winter, and spring quarters. This is an opportunity to gain immediate, hands-on industry experience while building skills that extend beyond the lab.
Lab Assistant (Intern), Quality Control
Gain hands-on experience in pharmaceutical chemistry, laboratory techniques, and GMP compliance. Work alongside expert scientists, develop your skills in formulation and analysis, and contribute to life-saving drug development. Ideal for students studying chemistry, biochemistry, or biology seeking real-world lab exposure.
Lab Assistant (Intern), Product Development (1)
Gain hands-on experience in pharmaceutical chemistry, formulation, and analytical techniques while working alongside industry experts. Ideal for students in life sciences, this role offers a dynamic, on-site environment to develop your laboratory skills and contribute to innovative drug development.
Lab Assistant (Intern), Product Development (2)
Gain hands-on experience in pharmaceutical chemistry, formulation, and analytical techniques while working alongside industry experts. Ideal for students in life sciences, this role offers a dynamic, on-site environment to develop your laboratory skills and contribute to innovative drug development.
Graduate Spotlight
Since 2021, the UC San Diego Co-Op Program has developed a pipeline of talented and driven life sciences graduates ready to make an immediate impact. Through year-long, immersive placements during the program across areas including manufacturing, research and development, quality control, and process engineering, students gained rigorous, hands-on experience in real-world industry settings.
Today, our Co-Op graduates are excelling in full-time roles such as scientists, process engineers, and quality control professionals, often staying on with their host company, or pursuing competitive clinical or advanced degree programs, including masters, PhD, PharmD, and dentistry. With technical depth, adaptability, and proven experience, they are driving innovation and shaping the future of the life sciences.
QUESTIONS?
If you're a student with questions or a company interested in joining our Co-Op Program, please contact the program director, Melissa Hoon, at mhoon@ucsd.edu.