Summer Intern- Synthetic Biology (Dupont/Garza) at J. Craig Venter Institute (JCVI) in La Jolla, California

Job Description:

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 collaborate with us in asking and discovering the answers to questions that progress the field of genomics

Our team focuses on engineering microbes to solve environmental issues. Our goal is to design and build metabolic pathways in bacteria of interest to break down hazardous compounds like plastic and chemical pollutants.

The candidate will work with members of the Synthetic Biology team in La Jolla, CA, and will assist in engineering bacterial strains. The candidate will be responsible for designing and genetically modifying non-pathogenic bacteria for the production of enzymes of interest, characterizing metabolic pathway activity, and optimizing the designed pathway.

The candidate will learn:
Cloning techniques (Gibson Assembly, Golden Gate Assembly, Loop Assembly, transformation, conjugation), bacterial culturing, DNA sequencing analysis, how to perform gene knockouts and/or insertions, media preparation, PCR.

Skills the intern will acquire:

• Experimental design


• Plasmid and primer design


• Aseptic technique


• Genetic engineering

Requirements:

• Current undergraduate student


• Some Biology and laboratory-based coursework or relevant experience


• Ability to work independently and in a small group


• A commitment to scientific discovery


• Strong written and verbal communication skills


• Part-time attendance (15-20 hours per week)

Application Process

Please use the link to review the Application Process and Eligibility Requirements. https://www.jcvi.org/careers#internships

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 sit at a computer terminal for an extended period.


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

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 and telephone keyboard; reach, stoop, kneel to work with laboratory equipment


• 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.

JCVI does not sponsor employment for intern positions.

JCVI does not provide relocation for intern positions.

Apply Now