Research Intern - Biology

, Iowa

Internship Length: 45 hrs
Office Hours: varies

Research Intern - Biology

Below is a description for an undergrad position. A high school intern is not required to have the same set of skills. But it is a useful reference with respect to what he would be doing / learning in the lab.

Project/Position Details:

We are looking for a motivated individual interested in acquiring expertise in basic research skills and helping to manage a laboratory that uses yeast species, including human commensals, to study the evolution of stress responses and the gene regulation behind.

This position involves:

a) the performance of standard and moderately complex research procedures in microbiology, cell biology, molecular biology and genetics required for beginning level research in the natural sciences.
b) ordering and organizing lab supplies and equipment, record keeping and database maintenance, preparation of research grants and manuscripts and training of new personnel.

This is a great opportunity for a motivated and organized person interested in Biology to interact with scientists in a diverse and stimulating academic research environment, participate in setting-up and running a laboratory, and contribute to, and publish original research findings. This would provide such an individual an excellent opportunity to advance his/her professional knowledge, skills and abilities.

Specific Responsibilities:

Culture and maintain yeast strains and prepare stock solutions for experiments;
Perform general laboratory maintenance;
Requisition supplies, specimens and materials, organize work areas, care of equipment and maintain inventories of general supplies;
Follow detailed technical instructions in setting up and conducting standard experiments that will eventually lead to a proficiency in standard molecular biological, cell biological and genetics techniques;
Maintain detailed record of results, both experimental and computational;
Prepare materials for reports and grant applications;
Manage databases related with laboratory inventory, ordering supplies, maintaining bacterial and yeast strains and other related reagents;
Work with or train other laboratory personnel or students in research techniques or procedures;
Participate in laboratory meetings and seminars;
Seek opportunities to enhance one’s own professional knowledge, skills, and abilities as they relate to position.
Perform related duties as required or assigned.

Minimum Qualifications:

A bachelor's degree in the chemistry, biology or biomedical sciences, OR current students majoring in biology or related fields, having taken introductory biology courses such as Fundamentals in Biology;
A minimum commitment of one year;
Demonstrated ability to prepare and maintain laboratory stock reagents;
Attention to detail and accurate record keeping;
Ability to work independently and in a team environment;
Knowledge in, or ability to learn scientific computing tools, e.g. unix, R;
Ability to organize laboratory meetings and events.
Ability to follow detailed instructions as required;
Interest and openness to learning new and varied techniques;

Preferred Qualifications:

Previous demonstrated laboratory or research experience in the areas of molecular biology/biochemistry/biology or related field;
Experience with yeast genetics and strain management is highly desirable;
Knowledge of library research tools and scientific terminology;
Excellent writing, communication, organizational and interpersonal skills.

THIS DESCRIPTION DOES NOT LIST ALL DUTIES. INTERN MAY BE ASKED TO PERFORM OTHER DUTIES BY THE STAFF OR SUPERVISOR. INTERN WILL BE EVALUATED ON PERFORMANCE OF THE PROJECTS LISTED AS WELL AS INTERACTION WITH EMPLOYEES AND CLIENTS. ON-SITE HOURS WILL BE NEGOTIATED WITH EACH CANDIDATE.

SAFETY EXPECTATIONS, INCLUDING HARASSMENT, SHOULD BE REVIEWED WITH THE HOST.

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