Molecular Biology Influenza Research Intern
MOLECULAR BIOLOGY – INFLUENZA RESEARCH INTERN
Location: Kalamazoo, Michigan
Internship Summary:
Molecular biology techniques focused on its application in viruses will be applied to create and characterize live attenuated and recombinant viruses for use as animal vaccines. Conventional and cutting-edge technologies for viral gene cloning, modification and characterization are integral skills that will be applied and enhanced in this highly engaging industry position.
Internship Job Duties:
- Interact with expert molecular virologists to utilize genetic, genomic, and bioinformatic tools for direct modification of veterinary pathogens.
- Develop optimized cloning, gene mutagenesis and editing strategies for viruses.
- Construct live vaccine candidates, confirm genetic manipulations by PCR/genome analysis, and phenotypically characterize strains using conventional molecular, and virology techniques and transcriptomic tools.
- Interact with bioinformaticians to design, execute, and interpret viral transcriptomics experiments.
- Support novel virus attenuation technology, working in an industrial molecular microbiology lab.
Internship Qualifications:
- Must be a self-motivated post-graduate student with virology experience and an interest in applied microbiology.
- Must be proficient at aseptic technique, molecular cloning, DNA preparation, PCR, gene analysis software, and be familiar with virus propagation and genetic manipulation.
- Enrolled in a Ph.D or MSc program related to Virus Genetics, Pathogenicity, Immunology, or Genomics.
- Experience in DNA recombination techniques and reverse genetics is highly preferred.
- Training in bioinformatics/genomics/transcriptomics is preferred but not essential.
- Enrolled in a degree program during the Spring term preceding internship
- Completion of at least one year of undergraduate studies and a 3.0 GPA or higher
- At least 18 years of age and authorized to work in the U.S.
- Successfully pass a background check and drug screen
- Strong communication, interpersonal, organizational, problem solving & analytical skills