Intern, R&D Undergraduate Summer - Molecular and Microbiology, Onsite

What Your Job Will Be Like:

We are seeking a Intern Summer - R&D Undergraduate to join our team. The Molecular & Microbiology department and Applied Biosciences and Engineering Group seeks an outstanding undergraduate student to work with a multidisciplinary research team in the area of quantum biological imaging. The department conducts fundamental and applied biological research in biodefense and the bioeconomy focused on detection of pathogens, disease symptoms, and malicious use of synthetic biology.

As an intern, you will be mentored by a staff member and have the potential to participate in a variety of research projects related to the fields described above. You will also receive hand‑on lab experience using cutting edge instrumentation and contribute to Sandia's mission-driven science.

• Learn experimental protocols in order to carry out laboratory work safely
• Maintain a laboratory notebook and present your work in lab meetings and possibly conferences
• Aid in the maintenance of the laboratory and daily lab operations
• Maintain and align custom designed and commercial microscopes for biological imaging these could include confocal fluorescence, optical super resolution, and other modalities.
• Perform sample preparation for microscopy
• Perform microscopy
• Learn procedures for making nanoparticles for imaging standards
• Assist in experiment execution to meet project milestones

At Sandia, we value the important work done by our interns and its contribution to National Security. Because of this, our interns earn competitive pay rates. Our pay structure is based on earned credit hours, classification, and degree level. Your pay rate will be determined during the hire process and included in your offer package. You can view the Intern Pay Rate chart here (https://(Use the "Apply for this Job" box below).).

• Currently attending and enrolled full time in the spring term immediately preceding the internship (or scheduled to graduate in the spring) 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 40 hours per week during the summer
• Ability to secure and maintain a U.S. security clearance which requires U.S. citizenship

Note:

If you have not earned a HS diploma or equivalent, please apply to a high school intern position.

• Previous laboratory experience in an optical sciences laboratory.
• Pursuing a major in Biology, Molecular Biology, Microbiology, Biomedical Engineering, Biochemistry, Bioinformatics, Physics, Optical Sciences, or a related field.
• Experience with design and alignment of laser-based optical microscopes (e.g. confocal fluorescence, optical super resolution, phase-contrast imaging, etc.).
• Understanding of quantum science and quantum imaging for biological samples
• Eagerness to learn new skills.
• Strong written and communication skills.
• Demonstrated experience working in a team-based environment.

This posting will be open for application submissions for a minimum of seven (7) calendar days, including the ‘posting date’. Sandia reserves the right to extend the posting date at any time.

The Molecular and Microbiology department, which is part of Sandia's Applied Biosciences and Engineering group supports mission areas in biodefense, emerging infectious disease, and biofuels. The department conducts fundamental and applied research in cell biology, immunology, nanomaterials and microbiology. The focus is on the development and use of advanced enabling technologies such as fluorescence microscopy, vibrational spectroscopies, X‑ray and neutron scattering, and chemo metric data analysis tools to study biological systems of interest to biofuels development and biodefense.

Current research projects include developing nanoparticles for drug and vaccine delivery, understanding receptor activation and cell signaling processes, novel pathogen detection approaches, plant physiology, cellulase enzymes, as well as algal biochemistry and cultivation characterization for…