Intern (AA) at J. Craig Venter Institute (JCVI) in La Jolla, California

Job Description:

Internship inPhytoplankton Molecular Biology, Genomics and Ecology

The J. Craig Venter Institute (JCVI) is a dynamic non-profit research organization using science to impact the world. Our research groups focus on human genomic medicine, infectious disease, plant, microbial and environmental genomics, synthetic biology and biological energy, bioinformatics, and software engineering. We are looking for self-motivated, inquisitive minds to work with us in asking and finding the answers to questions that advance the field of genomics

We seek an intern to work on phytoplankton molecular biology, genomics and ecology. The intern will undertake experimental laboratory experiments or activities to improve our molecular and cellular understanding of physiological processes. In particular, we are interested in biochemical and physiological acclimation to nitrogen and iron limitation, lipid biosynthesis, and elucidation of regulatory motifs and sequences in diatoms. The successful candidate will report to Dr. Andrew E. Allen in the Microbial and Environmental Genomics group in our San Diego office. Ultimately, we are especially interested in identifying genes, pathways, and other genomic features responsible for regulating metabolic and physiological acclimation to stress. An overall theme within the JCVI group is the elucidation of links between molecular evolution, cellular metabolism, and ecosystem biogeochemistry. Candidates should also have demonstrated interest and experience in wet lab research.

The candidate will learn:

Projects are likely to include exposure to and training associated with phytoplankton culturing and physiology, microalgae molecular biology and reverse genetics, implementation of CRIPR methodology for genome editing, microscopy, biochemistry, and/or computational analyses of RNAseq, metatranscroptomics, and metabarcoding data.

Requirements:

• Current Studenthas graduated with a Bachelor of Science degree


• Some Biology or Computer Science coursework, or relevant experience


• Ability to work independently, while respecting the needs of a larger team


• A commitment to scientific discovery


• Strong written and verbal communication skills


• Full-time attendance (40 hours per week

Work Environment

The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those a teammate encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

• Moderate noise (i.e. business office with computers, phone, and printers, light traffic)


• Ability to work in a confined area.


• Ability to stand and/or sit for an extended period, if working in the lab.


• Ability to sit at a computer terminal for an extended period.

Physical Demands

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

• While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to, stand, sit; talk, hear, and use hands and fingers to operate a computer.


• Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision requirements due to computer and lab work


• Light to moderate lifting is required

J. Craig Venter Institute is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants are encouraged to apply and will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, protected veteran status, or any other legally protected characteristic or status.