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2027 R&D Cancer Diagnostics Intern

Abbott · WI · Full time

Posted Oct 5, 2026 · We last checked this listing on Oct 6, 2026

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Likely interview questions for this role

Written from this job description, not a generic list. Each one notes what the interviewer is really checking.

About your past

Tell me about a lab or research project you worked on. What was your role and what did you find?

What they are checking: Whether they have hands-on research experience and can explain it clearly.

Tell me about a time you made a mistake in the lab. How did you handle it?

What they are checking: Whether they report and correct errors openly, which protects data integrity.

Tell me about working on a team project where people had different skills.

What they are checking: Whether they collaborate well, since R&D work crosses many disciplines.

What do you hope to learn about how a diagnostic product moves from research to patients?

What they are checking: Whether they have curiosity about the full development path, not just bench work.

What would you do

An experiment gives a result you didn't expect. What do you do next?

What they are checking: Whether they check their method and data before drawing conclusions or repeating blindly.

You're asked to follow a protocol you think could be improved. What do you do?

What they are checking: Whether they follow procedures while raising ideas through the right channels.

About the work

How do you design an experiment so the results can be trusted?

What they are checking: Whether they understand controls, replicates and variables in experimental design.

What do you know about how cancer diagnostic tests work, such as immunoassays or molecular methods?

What they are checking: Whether they have basic scientific grounding relevant to diagnostics R&D.

Why is good documentation so important in R&D at a regulated medical company?

What they are checking: Whether they understand that records support regulatory submissions and reproducibility.

How do you analyze and present data from your experiments?

What they are checking: Whether they can use statistics and graphs to communicate results clearly.

Practice this interview out loud.

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The full job description

As published by Abbott.

Abbott is a global healthcare leader that helps people live more fully at all stages of life. Our portfolio of life-changing technologies spans the spectrum of healthcare, with leading businesses and products in diagnostics, medical devices, nutritionals and branded generic medicines. Our 122,000 colleagues serve people in more than 160 countries. JOB DESCRIPTION: Abbott is a global healthcare leader that helps people live more fully at all stages of life. Our portfolio of life-changing technologies spans the spectrum of healthcare, with leading businesses and products in diagnostics, medical devices, nutrition, and branded generic medicines. Our 120,000 colleagues serve people in more than 160 countries. At Abbott's Cancer Diagnostics Division, we will transform the way cancer is detected, diagnosed and managed for more people around the world. We're focused on patients, providers, doctors, researchers, and caregivers. Our medical experts partner with the industry's best minds and collaborate with top institutions, advocacy partners, and policymakers to help change lives and transform how the world approaches cancer. Working at Abbott Unlock your potential as an Abbott Cancer Diagnostics (ONCO) intern. Join us to work on impactful projects, learn from senior leaders, and build your career. Here you can: • Contribute to meaningful, challenging projects with a direct impact on our business • Have regular access to senior leadership, providing you with an opportunity to grow and learn from the best each day • Develop your career and grow your knowledge through targeted training, a global intern community, and the opportunity to build your network • Access perks that keep you supported both inside and outside the office The Opportunity Our Research & Development Internship Program provides a meaningful, professional, hands-on experience to students with proven academic performance and problem-solving potential. We hire students majoring in Biomedical Engineering, Chemistry, Life Sciences, Mathematics, Computer Science, Data Science, and related quantitative fields into our programs based on business needs. Ideal candidates will combine technical curiosity and scientific rigor with analytical strength and creative problem-solving abilities. Internships will be located onsite in Madison, WI or San Diego, CA. Abbott's global business enables you to work in a variety of fields, including: Product Development • Product Design & Prototyping • Lab-Based Experimentation & Testing • Cross-Functional Product Lifecycle Support • Scientific Problem-Solving & Analysis Bioinformatics • Computational Biology & Data Analysis • Statistical Modeling & Algorithm Development • Quantitative Research Support • Large-Scale Biological Dataset Analysis ML & AI • Machine Learning Model Development • Data Science & Predictive Analytics • AI-Driven Research Applications • Algorithm Design & Validation Minimum Qualifications • Completed at least one year of college coursework prior to the start of the internship • Candidates must be returning to school following the internship assignment • Must be authorized to work in the United States without the need for current or future sponsorship • Must be geographically mobile as positions will be located in Madison, WI or San Diego, CA • Product Development candidates should be pursuing a bachelor's or master's degree in Biomedical Engineering, Chemistry, Life Sciences, or a related field, and should have prior lab or research experience • Bioinformatics candidates should be pursuing a PhD in Mathematics, Computer Science, Physics, Bioinformatics, or another related quantitative field • ML & AI candidates should be pursuing a master's degree (PhD preferred) in AI, Computer Science, Data Science, or another related computational field Preferred Qualifications • Have a strong academic record with a minimum GPA of 3.0 on a 4.0 scale • Product Development candidates have previous laboratory or research experience, with familiarity in one or more of the following areas: • Protein immunoassays, including ELISA and bead- or microparticle-based formats using colorimetric, chemiluminescent, or electro chemiluminescent detection methods; PCR/qPCR, including primer design and assay optimization; or NGS workflows, including library preparation, sequencing, and short-variant detection or analysis. Experience with automated liquid-handling systems or clinical assay platforms (e.g., Hamilton, cobas, or Alinity i) is a plus. • Familiarity with biological sample processing, purification, and proper handling of blood, plasma, serum, or stool specimens is also desirable. The base pay for this position is – In specific locations, the pay range may vary from the range posted. JOB FAMILY: Administrative Support DIVISION: CHR Corporate Human Resources LOCATION: United States > La Jolla : Torrey Pines Science Park ADDITIONAL LOCATIONS: United States > Madison : 1 Exact Lane WORK SHIFT: Standard TRAVEL: MEDICAL SURVEILLANCE: SIGNIFICANT WORK ACTIVITIES: Abbott is an Equal Opportunity Employer of Minorities/Women/Individuals with Disabilities/Protected Veterans. EEO is the Law link - English: http://webstorage.abbott.com/common/External/EEO_English.pdf EEO is the Law link - Espanol: http://webstorage.abbott.com/common/External/EEO_Spanish.pdf

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