Intern - Molecular and Microbiology Department R&D Undergraduate Year-Round
What Your Job Will Be Like
We are seeking a Year-Round Intern - R&D Undergraduate to work with a multidisciplinary research team in the biosciences. As an intern, you would be mentored by a staff member and have the potential to participate in a variety of research projects, such as the improvement of algae for biofuels production, microbiome characterization, and the development of cutting-edge molecular biology tools and techniques. In this position, you'll receive hands-on lab experience using cutting-edge instrumentation and contribute to Sandia mission-related science.
On any given day, you may be called on to:
- Maintain algae and/or bacteria cultures on plates and in liquid medium;
- Work on a wide-range of research projects;
- Learn experimental protocols to carry out laboratory work safely;
- Follow procedures to make buffers and reagents as required for experimental needs;
- Assist in experiment execution to meet project milestones;
- Provide entry level general lab up-keep and support;
- Complete required safety training;
- Catalog your research in an electronic lab notebook and present your work in lab meetings and conferences.
Qualifications We Require
You bring the confidence and skills to be eligible for the job by meeting these minimum requirements:
- Currently attending and enrolled full time in an accredited undergraduate program
- Pursuing a science, engineering, or math major
- Minimum cumulative GPA of 3.0/4.0
- Ability to work up to 25 hours per week during the academic year, and up to 40 hours per week during the summer
- U.S. citizenship
Qualifications We Desire
- Must have had general chemistry, microbiology, biochemistry or molecular biology coursework completed or the equivalent;
- Previous laboartory experience in a biological laboratory;
- Eagerness to learn new skills in biochemistry and molecular biology;
- Strong written and communication skills.
About Our Team
The Molecular and Microbiology Department sits within the Chemical/Biological/Radiological/Nuclear Defense and Energy Technologies Center. The Center performs exploratory science and develops technology to address pressing national needs in energy security, homeland security, and national defense. Through extensive partnerships inside and outside Sandia, the Center is focused on understanding and countering natural, traditional and engineered biological threats, as well as on developing alternative lignocellulosic and algal-derived transportation biofuels. The Molecular and Microbiology Department conducts fundamental and applied research in cell biology, immunology, genomics, and microbiology, with a focus on the development and use of innovative bioanalytical technologies such as synthetic biology, nanotechnology, multi-omics, advanced optical imaging, and data analysis tools to advance the understanding of biological systems. Key sponsors include the DOE Office of Science (BER and BES), the DOE Office of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy, ARPA-E, DoD, the Defense Threat Reduction Agency, DHS, and the NIH.
About Sandia
Sandia National Laboratories is the nation’s premier science and engineering lab for national security and technology innovation, with teams of specialists focused on cutting-edge work in a broad array of areas. Some of the main reasons we love our jobs:
- Challenging work with amazing impact that contributes to security, peace, and freedom worldwide
- Extraordinary co-workers
- Some of the best tools, equipment, and research facilities in the world
- Career advancement and enrichment opportunities
- Flexible schedules, generous vacations, strong medical and other benefits, competitive 401k, learning opportunities, relocation assistance and amenities aimed at creating a solid work/life balance*
World-changing technologies. Life-changing careers. Learn more about Sandia at: http://www.sandia.gov
*These benefits vary by job classification.
Security Clearance
Sandia is required by DOE to conduct a pre-employment drug test and background review that includes checks of personal references, credit, law enforcement records, and employment/education verifications. Applicants for employment need to be able to obtain and maintain a DOE L-level security clearance, which requires U.S. citizenship. If you hold more than one citizenship (i.e., of the U.S. and another country), your ability to obtain a security clearance may be impacted.
Applicants offered employment with Sandia are subject to a federal background investigation to meet the requirements for access to classified information or matter if the duties of the position require a DOE security clearance. Substance abuse or illegal drug use, falsification of information, criminal activity, serious misconduct or other indicators of untrustworthiness can cause a clearance to be denied or terminated by the DOE, resulting in the inability to perform the duties assigned and subsequent termination of employment.
EEO
All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, disability, or veteran status and any other protected class under state or federal law.