Molecular Biology Intern

ISU Research Park; Ames (IA); On-site; USD 21,000 - 30,000; Full time

Job summary

Genvax Technologies in Ames, IA is seeking a Summer 2027 Molecular Biology Intern to support vaccine development and validation activities under mentorship. You will train on SOPs, conduct experiments, maintain electronic lab notebooks, and contribute to an independent project, presenting results to the team.

Candidates are pursuing an associate’s or bachelor’s degree in molecular biology, microbiology, biochemistry, genetics, or related fields, with strong attention to detail and the ability to

Qualifications

• Pursuing an associate or bachelor’s degree in molecular biology, microbiology, biochemistry, genetics, or related field.
• Preference for Iowa college/university or Iowa high school grads attending non-Iowa college.
• Preference for graduates within 1–2 years of graduation.
• Ability to learn and follow protocols with a high degree of detail.
• Ability to learn good documentation practices.
• Hands-on lab experience is a plus.
• Strong attention to detail.
• Demonstrated ability to learn and apply new skillsets quickly.
• Experience managing independent projects.

Responsibilities

• Train on and follow SOPs/protocols to independently conduct experiments
• Work with Genvax scientists and assist with vaccine development projects
• Deliver an independent project and present results to the team
• Maintain detailed experimental records in electronic lab notebooks
• Contribute to continuous improvement of tools and processes for internal users
• Perform other duties as assigned in a dynamic startup setting

Skills

Detail orientation

Independent project management

Protocols and documentation

Rapid learner

Laboratory experience

Education

Pursuing associate or bachelor’s degree in Molecular Biology, Microbiology, Biochemistry, Genetics, or related field

Job description

Genvax Technologies is a startup animal health company focused on developing self-amplifying mRNA nanoparticle vaccines. Genvax Technologies seeks a Summer 2027 Molecular Biology Intern at our Ames, IA location. Your project will include assisting in the development and validation of vaccine technologies to improve animal health. You will work closely with a mentor to develop and execute an independent project. This is a unique opportunity to work in the early stages of a startup company. This is a paid internship that runs from May 25th to August 14th (dates flexible).

Essential Job Functions:

• Train on and follow existing SOPs/protocols, processes, procedures, and systems to independently conduct experiments
• Spend time working alongside Genvax scientists learning how the laboratory operates and assisting with vaccine development projects
• Deliver an independent project and present results to the Genvax team
• Maintain detailed experimental records, reports, and inventories in electronic lab notebooks
• Contribute to continuous improvement across tools and processes for internal users
• Perform other duties as assigned in a dynamic startup setting

Requirements

• Pursuit of an associate’s or bachelor’s degree in Molecular Biology, Microbiology, Biochemistry, Genetics, or related field
• Preference will be given to students attending an Iowa college or university, or students that have graduated from an Iowa high school and attend a college or university outside of Iowa
• Preference will be given to students within 1-2 years of graduation
• Ability to learn and follow protocols that have a high degree of detail
• Ability to learn good documentation practices
• Previous hands-on laboratory experience is a plus
• Strong attention to detail
• Demonstrated ability to learn and apply new skillsets quickly
• Experience managing independent projects