Intern - Environmental Systems Biology - R&D Undergraduate Year-Round

What Your Job Will Be Like:

We are seeking a Year-Round Intern - R&D Undergrad 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, the use of phage in microbiomes or as novel vectors, developing phages, phage tools, and other techniques for altering microbiomes, removing pathogens, or safely altering microbiome genetics in situ. We are focused on microbiomes that promote sustainable fuels production.

Other projects include characterization of nanomaterial interactions with mammalian systems, 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 and/or phage cultures on plates and in liquid medium

• Maintain mammalian and other eukaryotic cell cultures

• Isolate and quantify DNA or RNA and perform PCR

• Evaluate effects of various treatments on cell survival, growth and other characteristics

• Perform microscopy

• 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

• Catalog your research in an electronic lab notebook and present your work in lab meetings and conferences

• Aid in the maintenance of the laboratory and daily lab operations

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:

• Previous laboratory experience in a biological laboratory.

• Experience with aseptic technique and microbiology

• Eagerness to learn new skills in biochemistry and molecular biology.

• Strong written and communication skills.

Posting Duration:

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.

About Our Team:

The Biosciences & Chemical Defense Group at Sandia National Laboratories includes four departments located in Albuquerque, NM: Molecular and Microbiology, Biological and Chemical Sensors, Computational Biology and Biophysics, and Exploratory Systems. These four departments support mission areas in biodefense, emerging infectious disease, and biofuels. Scientists these groups conduct fundamental research in cell biology, immunology, microbiology, metabolic engineering, biophysics, biochemistry, and chemistry. Research projects include chemical and biological routes for conversion of biomass and waste plastics into useful fuels and chemicals, receptor activation and cell signaling processes, pathogenesis, mechanisms of novel antibiotics, plant physiology, biomass-degrading enzymes, metabolic engineering for biofuel and biosensing applications, algal biochemistry and cultivation characterization for biofuels applications, and nanoparticle development. We conduct research for the National Institutes of Health, Basic Energy Sciences, the Department of Homeland Security (http://www.dhs.gov/) , the Department of Defense (http://www.defense.gov/) , the Bioenergy Technologies Office (http://energy.gov/eere/bioenergy/bioenergy-technologies-office) , U.S. Industry, and Sandia's Laboratory Directed Research & Development program (http://www.sandia.gov/ldrd/) .

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 work arrangements for many positions include 9/80 (work 80 hours every two weeks, with every other Friday off) and 4/10 (work 4 ten-hour days each week) compressed workweeks, part-time work, and telecommuting (a mix of onsite work and working from home)

• 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.

NNSA Requirements for MedPEDs:

If you have a Medical Portable Electronic Device (MedPED), such as a pacemaker, defibrillator, drug-releasing pump, hearing aids, or diagnostic equipment and other equipment for measuring, monitoring, and recording body functions such as heartbeat and brain waves, if employed by Sandia National Laboratories you may be required to comply with NNSA security requirements for MedPEDs.

If you have a MedPED and you are selected for an on-site interview at Sandia National Laboratories, there may be additional steps necessary to ensure compliance with NNSA security requirements prior to the interview date.

Job ID: 691615