Biotech Intern 3-Month

About the Role

Vylor is offering a 3-month internship opportunity in its Biotechnology Department in Johnston, IA. Accepted candidates will work closely with scientists in laboratory and/or field settings.

Key Responsibilities

• Contribute skills and creativity to ongoing research in one of three main areas: Trait Discovery and Optimization (TDO), Trait Characterization and Development (TCD), or Genome Center of Excellence (GCOE).
• Follow company safety policies, protocols, and procedures, ensuring a safe working environment.
• Provide technical support and conduct experiments with a respectful, collaborative, and positive team spirit.
• Provide summaries and reports to supervisor(s).
• Present results in company or outside meetings when necessary.

Areas of Focus

• Trait Discovery and Optimization (TDO):
• Identification and validation of insect control and herbicide tolerance genes.
• Gene expression and vector engineering.
• Protein expression and composition analysis.
• Mode/site of action characterization.
• Crop transformation.
• Gene-editing strategies for plant composition, productivity, and resilience.
• Trait Characterization and Development (TCD):
• Characterization of insect control, herbicide tolerance, and disease genes in all crops.
• Field agronomic characterization of new genes.
• Greenhouse and early field event characterization.
• Seed planning and logistics.
• Crop durability and resistance management.
• Insect resistance research.
• Plant care.
• Plant phenotyping.
• Transgenic molecular characterization.
• Genome Center of Excellence (GCOE):
• Genome editing tool and application development.
• Production sequencing and execution of genomics applications.
• Soil metagenomics, single cell, spatial, reference, and functional genomics.
• Sampling, extraction, data generation, and scoring for flexible and fixed marker platforms.
• Gene editing marker design and validation.
• Transformation and embryogenesis technology development.

Qualifications

• Creative thinking and ability to work independently and in a team environment.
• Ability to prioritize and manage multiple projects/experiments.
• Ability to maintain complete, accurate, and timely records of experimental data and procedures.
• Excellent problem-solving skills.
• Knowledge and experience in general lab operations, including experimental design and analysis.
• Proficient in Microsoft Office software.
• Experience in databases or LIMS systems is a plus.
• Must be enrolled in a bachelor's, master's, or doctorate program with a minimum of 3.0 GPA.
• Must have completed at least one year of studies before the start of the internship.
• Must be able to relocate to Johnston, IA for the duration of the internship.
• Must be able to work full-time (40 hours per week) for the duration of the internship.
• Must be enrolled for the Fall of 2027.

Disciplines

• Genetics
• Molecular Biology
• Microbiology
• Biological Sciences
• Plant Tissue Culture and Transformation
• Synthetic Biology
• Biochemistry
• Biotechnology
• Horticulture
• Plant Breeding
• Weed Science
• Soil Science
• Plant Science
• Environmental Science
• Entomology
• Agronomy
• Plant Pathology
• Integrated Pest Management
• Data Science
• Computer Science
• Closely related fields