Molecular Biology Intern

Genvax Technologies; Ames (IA); On-site; USD 22,000 - 23,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Paid internship

Job summary

Genvax Technologies in Ames, IA is seeking a Summer 2026 Molecular Biology Intern. You will assist in development and validation of vaccine technologies, work with a mentor, and deliver an independent project. Dates May 25–Aug 14 (flexible) with a paid internship at $16–$17/hour for 30–40 hours per week.

Preference given to students from Iowa or who attended an Iowa high school, with 1–2 years of graduation window. Prior lab experience and strong documentation practices are valued.

Qualifications

• Pursuit of an associate’s or bachelor’s degree in Molecular Biology, Microbiology, Biochemistry, Genetics, or related field
• High attention to detail and strong documentation practices
• Willingness to learn SOPs and protocols
• Ability to manage independent projects and present results

Responsibilities

• Follow SOPs/protocols to independently conduct experiments
• Work alongside scientists on 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
• Perform other duties in a dynamic startup setting

Skills

Attention to detail

Documentation

Independent projects

Education

Associate or Bachelor’s degree in Molecular Biology, Microbiology, Biochemistry, Genetics or related field

Job description

Overview:

Genvax Technologies is a startup animal health company focused on developing self-amplifying mRNA nanoparticle vaccines. Genvax Technologies seeks a Summer 2026 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

• 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

• Basic computer skills required

• Paid Internship. $16-$17 per hour, with 30-40 hours per week.

• We are willing to work with your department if you need this internship to count for credit, depending on the requirements