R&D Summer Internships

Below is a list of R&D Summer Internship Projects. All roles are in-person in Westbrook, Maine. To qualify for our program, you must be actively enrolled as a student beyond the summer program.

Timeframe:
June 1 to August 7, full time (40 hrs/week) or full time, with possible longer-term opportunities.

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- The R&D Proteomics Team is a multidisciplinary group focused on developing and applying mass spectrometry-based workflows to support biomarker discovery. The team collaborates cross-functionally with Discovery Bio Systems, Reagent Development, and Product Development to deliver high-quality proteomic data that informs diagnostic product design.

Goals to Accomplish:

* Adapt and optimize existing canine proteomics workflows for use in feline samples, including sample preparation, sample runs, and data analysis.

* Search and analyze canine proteomics data to identify pathogen proteins in blood.

* Support the development or optimization of sample preparation methods for protein identification.

Qualifications:

Required:

* Laboratory experience in handling samples (course-based and/or academic/industry research).

* Good knowledge of biochemistry, analytical chemistry, and/or protein science concepts from college-level coursework.

* A self-motivated individual with a willingness to learn new techniques and computer tools for analysis.

Optional:

* Coursework or project experience in proteomics, liquid chromatography, mass spectrometry, or protein biochemistry.

* Familiarity with LC-MS/MS platforms or proteomic data analysis software.

* Experience with protein sample preparation techniques such as immunoprecipitation, enzymatic digestion, or chromatographic separations.

* Basic experience in data analysis (Excel, Graph Pad Prism, JMP, Python, or R) will be beneficial.

Things You Will Learn:

* Fundamentals of mass spectrometry-based proteomics, including bottom-up and targeted workflows.

* Sample preparation techniques for proteomic analysis, including protein extraction, digestion, and peptide cleanup.

* Proteomic data processing, statistical analysis, and visualization.

* Systematic problem-solving approaches applied to analytical method development
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- The Discovery Biosystems team sits at a dynamic intersection, bridging reagent validation, protein science, mechanistic research, and disease modeling to deliver biologically meaningful insights that drive diagnostic development.

Goals to Accomplish:

* Design and execute experiments under scientific supervision

* Use molecular biology to probe protein function and localization

* Contribute meaningful data to at least one ongoing team project or research question

Qualifications:

Required:

* Laboratory experience in either an academic or industry setting

* Good knowledge of biochemistry/molecular biology concepts and understanding of techniques in which to test them

* A self-motivated individual with a hunger to learn

Desired:

* Experience with flow cytometry & assay development

Things you will learn:

* Learn to critically evaluate results and distinguish between technical artifacts and biological signals

* Develop the ability to troubleshoot experimental failures and propose solutions

* Develop confidence in communicating scientific ideas clearly and concisely
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- The New Product Development Team is looking to provide hands‑on experience in antibody modeling, bioanalytical characterization, and identify features that improve binding affinity.

Goals to Accomplish

* Perform antibody structure modeling and docking exercises to predict binding interfaces.

* Analyze computational outputs to propose structural modifications expected to improve affinity.

* Support experimental bioanalytical characterization, which may include binding assays, and kinetic measurements.

* Integrate computational and experimental results to confirm hypotheses and generate data-driven recommendations.

* Assist in preparing data summaries, visualizations, and presentations for internal scientific and cross-functional audiences.

Desired Skills

Applicants will ideally have experience in laboratory work (course based, academic research, or industry laboratory experience). Good knowledge of chemistry, biology,…