Research & Development Intern

Position Description

Job Title:

Research & Development Intern Location of Position: ISC Laboratory located at the UC Davis-HM Clause Life Sciences

Incubator, 28605 County Road 104, Davis, CA

Reports to:

Chief Science Officer or one of the company’s scientists

SUMMARY:

ISC is seeking interns to assist our Discovery and Development team. The interns in this role will work closely with team members and collaborators to support the laboratory tasks of our microbiology discovery screening for innovative biological products for Agriculture, Forestry and Water applications. The interns will assist in supporting the microbiology, molecular techniques, and bioassays in a high energy, innovative start up environment.

It will include preparing microorganism isolation media, isolating microorganisms from environmental samples, growing and storing microorganisms in
-80C and assisting on bioassay preparation and implementation. Note that there are a number of routine laboratory tasks for this internship, but there is opportunity for independent projects if so desired after the main lab tasks are completed.

This is a paid internship. Rate per hour is determined by year in school. Freshmen start lower, seniors are higher.

Essential Functions

• Aseptic Microbiology and Molecular Biology techniques
• Isolation and cultivation of novel microbes and activity screening
• Assistance on identification of microbes using molecular and traditional techniques
• Assistance on development of innovative bioassays to control weeds, algae, insects and aquatic species
• Assistance on DNA and RNA extractions from bacterial, fungal, plant and insect tissues
• Analysis of samples by PCR, gel electrophoresis and qPCR
• Use and maintenance of standard molecular biology and microbiology equipment
• Work well in a fast-paced startup setting.

• Maintain microbial cultures
• Prepare microorganisms for storage at
  -80C
• Keep the laboratory clean and organized
• Work with plants and microbes in an in-vitro/green-house setting
• Prepare test materials and assist in performing bioassays and sample analysis
• Prepare documentation of work performed to a high standard of completeness and accuracy
• Follow standard operating procedures
• Perform other duties as assigned

Education:

Student working toward BS or MS in Microbiology, Biology, Biotechnology, Biochemistry or related field

Pre-employment drug test may be required.

The ISC is an equal opportunity employer.

Dr. Amit Vasavada, Chief Science Officer, amit@i