2026 Summer Intern - Regev Lab - Bayesian Optimization with LLMs

Genentech • South San Francisco, CA • 2h ago

The Position

Department Summary

Many real world optimization problems, such as the design of experiments in biological or chemical domains, the tuning of hyperparameters in machine learning systems, and the allocation of resources under uncertainty, are both expensive and high dimensional. Traditional algorithms for such black box or bandit optimization rely primarily on carefully chosen surrogate models, including Gaussian Processes, random forests, or Bayesian neural networks, to guide the search. While these methods provide a foundation for uncertainty quantification, they often struggle to incorporate the vast qualitative insights or latent domain knowledge available through modern generative models like LLMs.

The project aims to develop a unified framework that integrates probabilistic search with LLM suggestions, maintaining control over the optimization landscape while leveraging external information cues. Research will address the fundamental challenge of balancing data driven discovery with potentially noisy or heuristic insights through a principled synthesis of robust surrogates and agentic reasoning.

This internship position is located in South San Francisco, on-site.

The Opportunity

A central component of the internship involves establishing formal performance guarantees and convergence properties for the proposed methodology. By demonstrating that the framework maintains reliable behavior even when incorporating non-traditional suggestions, the project ensures the method scales effectively as experimental data accumulates. The methodology will be validated on high throughput functional genomics data where efficient search is critical due to the scale and cost of physical experiments. By establishing a robust loop that integrates generative insights with experimental results, the research aims to develop new methods for automated discovery suitable for submission to machine learning or computational biology venues.

Program Highlights

Intensive 12-weeks, full-time (40 hours per week) paid internship.

Program start dates are in May/June 2026.

A stipend, based on location, will be provided to help alleviate costs associated with the internship.

Ownership of challenging and impactful business-critical projects.

Work with some of the most talented people in the biotechnology industry.

Who You Are

Required Education:

Must be pursuing a Master's Degree (enrolled student).

Must be pursuing a PhD (enrolled student).

Required Majors: Computer Science, Electrical Engineering, Machine Learning, Artificial Intelligence, Computational Biology, or a closely related field.

Required Skills:

Advanced Python, ML Frameworks, and Experimental Management: Proficiency in Python and experience managing high-dimensional datasets and computationally intensive optimization loops using cluster or HPC job schedulers (e.g., SLURM) and multi-GPU environments; experience with optimization libraries is preferred (e.g., PyTorch, GPyTorch, BoTorch).

Bayesian Optimization and Probabilistic Modeling: A strong background in Gaussian Processes, acquisition functions, and the theoretical underpinnings of Bayesian optimization, including familiarity with regret-based analysis and convergence proofs.

LLM Integration and Agentic Workflows: Experience implementing and evaluating LLM-based agents, specifically for structured knowledge retrieval or hypothesis generation in scientific domains.

Computational Biology and Genomic Data (Optional): Data handling skills relevant to high-throughput screens, including the analysis of single-cell RNA-seq (Perturb-seq) or related transcriptomic data to evaluate model performance.

Research Rigor and Documentation: Proven ability to read and implement complex mathematical and biological research papers, design reproducible experimental pipelines, and document theoretical derivations clearly.

Scientific Communication: Strong skills in synthesizing complex results at the intersection of machine learning and biology for presentation to cross-functional research teams.

Preferred Knowledge, Skills, and Qualifications

Excellent communication, collaboration, and interpersonal skills.

Complements our culture and the standards that guide our daily behavior & decisions: Integrity, Courage, and Passion.

Relocation benefits are not available for this job posting.

The expected salary range for this position based on the primary location of California is $50.00 hourly. Actual pay will be determined based on experience, qualifications, geographic location, and other job-related factors permitted by law. This position also qualifies for paid holiday time off benefits.

Genentech is an equal opportunity employer. It is our policy and practice to employ, promote, and otherwise treat any and all employees and applicants on the basis of merit, qualifications, and competence. The company's policy prohibits unlawful discrimination, including but not limited to, discrimination on the basis of Protected Veteran status, individuals with disabilities status, and consistent with all federal, state, or local laws.

If you have a disability and need an accommodation in relation to the online application process, please contact us by completing this form Accommodations for Applicants (https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSdZWlsbfQOvFVIQgHE_iDzWUTlhZvj6FytIzjS7xq6IGh1H5g/viewform) .

Similar Jobs

Retail Merchandiser

Acosta Group • Hayward, CA • 18min ago

Retail & Hospitality

Retail Merchandiser General Information Company: CRO-US Location: HAYWARD, California, 94541 Ref #: 91385 Pay Rate: $ 20.00 Experience/skills and/or location may influence position wage rate Range Minimum: $ 20.00 Range...

18min ago

Go to Apply

Staff Accountant

Compass Group, North America • San Francisco, CA • 22min ago

Finance, Accounting & Banking

Bon Appetit Position Title: Staff Accountant Salary: 70,000-80,000 Other Forms of Compensation: Our Passion is Food! At Bon Appetit Management Company we are committed to two things, great food and outstanding service! A...

22min ago

Go to Apply

Nursing Assistant

Veterans Affairs, Veterans Health Administration • Menlo Park, CA • 22min ago

Hospital & Medical

Summary The Extended Care Certified Nursing Assistant is a key member of the Community Living Center treatment team. The role of the NA is to perform a very wide range of resident personal care, diagnostic services, trea...

22min ago

Go to Apply

Engineering Intern - Onsite - Fremont, CA

Sartorius • Fremont, CA • 23min ago

IT & Engineering

We are seeking an Engineering Intern for our business based at our regional facility at Fremont, CA. In this position, you will provide technical and/or research support to projects in the areas of mechanical, electrical...

23min ago

Go to Apply

Mechanical Technician

Element Materials Technology • Newark, CA • 23min ago

IT & Engineering

Overview Element has an opportunity for Mechanical Technicians (Environmental Simulation) to join our team! The Mechanical Technician (Environmental Simulation) primary responsibility is to support the environmental and...

23min ago

Go to Apply

Product Design Engineering Manager

Meta • Burlingame, CA • 24min ago

Management & Administrative

Summary: Meta is seeking an experienced Hardware leader with a background in mechanical engineering/product design and complex system design. As the head of a multi-disciplinary team of engineers, you will define and imp...

24min ago

Go to Apply

Patent Agent

Robert Half • Hayward, CA • 24min ago

Legal & Paralegal

Description We are looking for a skilled Patent Agent to join our team in Hayward, California. In this role, you will play a key part in managing and expanding our intellectual property portfolio while collaborating with...

24min ago

Go to Apply

Retail Merchandiser

Acosta Group • Hayward, CA • 27min ago

Retail & Hospitality

27min ago

Go to Apply

(Agile1) Operations Data Analyst

Insight Global • Oakland, CA • 2h ago

Management & Administrative

Job Description Manages complex data analysis projects with limited supervision from initial request to presenting data results ensuring that the project is completed within budget and on-time. Designs data analysis to a...

2h ago

Go to Apply

2026 Summer Intern (Computational Sciences - Cluster of Excellence)

Genentech • South San Francisco, CA • 2h ago

The Position 2026 Summer Intern (Computational Sciences - Cluster of Excellence) The Marioni group in the Computational Sciences (CS) department studies the molecular mechanisms of cell fate decisions in early developmen...

2h ago

Go to Apply

Subscribe to get new jobs sent directly to you
(no charge, cancel anytime)

This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.