Molecular Biology Intern - Associate Biologist

Ready to shape the future of science and global health? ATCC, a private nonprofit global biological resource center and standards organization, is excited to announce our 2025 Summer Internship Program. We are seeking local university students with a degree in biology or a related scientific field to join our incredible team in a paid full time 10-week summer internship program.

Join us as we celebrate 100 years of supporting the global scientific community with reliable biomaterials, including cell lines, bacteria, viruses, and microorganisms from our extensive and diverse ATCC catalogue.

Project qualifications: Prior exposure to molecular biology techniques, understanding gene expression, sequencing technologies, and molecular cloning. Interest in bioinformatics, data authentication, and standardization is ideal. This project also focuses on AI and ML techniques. Ability to maintain accurate records.
• Project Involvement: Perform PCR-based assays. Conduct BLAST analysis.
• Routine Tasks: Understanding of molecular biology, including PCR and various DNA quantification techniques.

• Project qualifications: Knowledge of basic laboratory skills and safety procedures. Experience with standard molecular biology lab equipment. Preferred experience with bacterial cell and/or DNA samples, aseptic technique, and micropipettes.
• Project Involvement: Learn foundational molecular biology techniques and support DNA product manufacturing.
• Laboratory Work: Gain experience with DNA extraction methods, quality testing, and troubleshooting techniques.
• Safety and Documentation: Follow safety procedures while handling biological and chemical materials and meet training and documentation requirements.

• Project Involvement: Perform DNA extractions, PCR amplification, and post-PCR clean-up. Evaluate DNA quality and sequencing results. Gain experience in a real time production environment.
• Protocol Optimization: Refine DNA extraction and sequencing protocols based on pilot study findings.
• Training and Implementation: Participate in training sessions and help implement the new protocol.
• Data Collection and Reporting: Collect data on DNA extraction and sequencing quality. Assist in preparing reports and presenting findings.

• Manufacturing Operations: Manufacturing of biological products by following standard operating procedures (SOPs), work instructions, and other controlled documents. Maintain laboratory safety, operations, equipment, and supplies.
• Documentation: Maintain production batch records in compliance with good laboratory practices. Collect, analyze, and report data, ensuring meticulous documentation.
• Continuous Learning and Problem-Solving: Master aseptic technique, gain experience with various cell lines and organisms, and tackle routine challenges in alignment with organizational policies.

Program Qualifications:

• Must currently be enrolled as rising 3rd or 4th year undergraduate, or within 12 months of graduating from a BS or MS academic degree program at an accredited college or university, majoring in biology, cell biology, microbiology, molecular biology, biochemistry, bioengineering, biotechnology, bioinformatics, or a related science.
• Must be able to complete a 10-week consecutive full-time internship in Manassas, VA.

• Deemed Export Control Notice: To comply with U.S. export control laws, candidates must be a U.S. citizen, lawful permanent resident, or have specific authorization under U.S. export control laws.

Required Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:

• Prior experience in an undergraduate biological science lab, following safety procedures and properly handling biologicals and/or chemicals.
• Hands on laboratory experience and aseptic technique.

• Excellent interpersonal skills and ability to work effectively as part of a team.

• Ability to follow laboratory safety protocols and maintain a safe working environment.

• Excellent attention to detail, organization, and ability to follow strict protocols and corporate policies and procedures.

• Strong written and oral communication skills, computer skills, and the ability to critically analyze data sets.

The expected compensation for this role is $28.00 per hour.

Join ATCC, where we fuel your success, well-being, and development. We're a mission focused non-profit Equal Opportunity Employer, championing diversity and inclusivity. When you work at ATCC, you become a part of that mission, one we've committed to for almost 100 years.Shape the future of science with us.

ATCC is an Equal Opportunity Employer and does not discriminate against any employee or applicant for employment because of race, color, sex, age, national origin, religion, sexual orientation, gender identity, status as a veteran, and basis of disability or any other federal, state or local protected class.