United States 
MexicoLaboratory Intern
- Job Title
- Laboratory Intern
- Job ID
- 27730826
- Location
- KALAMAZOO, MI 49008
- Other Location
- Description
-
Vestaron is currently recruiting an intern(s) to join our R&D team in Kalamazoo, MI working with the research team to discover, characterize and improve peptide-based insecticides. Vestaron is a company dedicated to improving the safety, efficacy, and sustainability of crop protection through migration from synthetic pesticides to peptide-based biopesticides. Vestaron is initially focused on a class of peptides that kill insect pests efficiently, but are safe for humans, beneficial insects and the environment. As part of this, the company has developed a proprietary platform for peptide optimization, fermentation-based peptide production that will allow it to develop a wide variety of biologic crop protection solutions. As a cutting-edge biotechnology company, interns have the opportunity to work closely with scientists to learn more about research, agriculture, business and so much more.
The Opportunity:
The position term is June 2024 through August 2024 with the possibility of extending to a part-time role during the school year. The intern is able to work 20-30 hours per week during the academic summer and expected to work 15-20 hours per week during the school year if the position is extended. Candidates should be able to commit to a minimum of three 3-hour time blocks weekdays between 7:30 am – 5 pm. Internship availability is reviewed on a semester basis based on candidate work quality and continued funding. Starting wage is $16 per hour.
Location information:
The company has two locations in Kalamazoo, MI. The Molecular Biology & Entomology group is located off of Parkview and Drake in the Business, Engineering and Technology Park in the WMed Innovation Center. There is parking available or within walking distance from the Engineering building. The bus runs from the main campus to the Engineering building every hour in the summer and every ½ hour during the school year. The Fermentation group is located at KVCC Groves Campus off of 9th street with parking available in front of the building.
Qualifications:
The ideal candidate would have completed two years of a Bachelor’s degree in a field relevant to the position (e.g., Microbiology, Biology, Molecular Biology, Biochemistry, Chemistry, Fermentation, etc.) or enrolled in a relevant graduate program. They must have an interest in learning scientific protocols, techniques, and equipment. Internship provides the opportunity to learn basic lab functions across the R&D team. The position may offer specialized opportunities within fermentation/protein production, entomology and greenhouse, or molecular biology. Skills of particular interest include aseptic technique, yeast culturing, DNA restriction digest, bacterial transformation, protein expression, protein purification, HPLC, insect rearing, insect bioassay, plant propagation and greenhouse maintenance.
Responsibilities:- Perform general lab tasks including washing dishes, filling water, autoclaving waste, making solutions, making media, starting cultures, caring for insect colonies, etc.
- Execute experiments using common laboratory techniques and equipment
- Support research scientists with various experimental needs
- Document work in a lab notebook
- Foster positive relationships with colleagues
Experience Requirements:- Currently enrolled in a college or university, pursuing a degree in Microbiology, Biology, Molecular Biology, Biochemistry, Chemistry, Fermentation, Entomology, or similar field with a GPA of 3.0 or higher
- Have an interest in learning more about research, discovery and development of environmentally friendly insecticides
- Comfortable working within a small, dynamic, collaborative team, passionate about changing the biopesticide space
- Must have good communication, interpersonal skills, attention to detail, and time-management skills
- Must have a positive attitude and a willingness to work across all team functions
- Ability to lift/manipulate 30 pounds
- Ability to stand for 8 hours per day
- This position requires the intern to physically be onsite at one or both of Vestaron’s Kalamazoo, MI locations; the intern must have the ability to reliably commute to the facility
Additional Useful Background Information to Provide:- Experience with a related project, lab work, or previous internship
- Experience with design of experiments, statistical analysis, and modeling
- List of completed relevant coursework
- Current class schedule
An Equal Opportunity Employer
Vestaron is an Equal Opportunity Employer and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any kind. All employment decisions at Vestaron are based on business needs, job requirements and individual qualifications, without regard to race, color, religion or belief, national, social or ethnic origin, sex (including pregnancy), age, physical, mental or sensory disability, HIV Status, sexual orientation, gender identity and/or expression, marital, civil union or domestic partnership status, past or present military service, family medical history or genetic information, family or parental status, or any other status protected by the laws or regulations in the locations where we operate.
- Pay Range
- $16.00 None to $0.00 None
