Poultry Diagnostic Services Intern

Zoetis Spain SL; North Carolina; On-site; USD 22,000 - 50,000; Full time

Job summary

Zoetis in Durham, NC is seeking a Poultry Diagnostics SERVICES Intern to assist diagnostic laboratory specialists with assays supporting biologics and biodevice projects. The role involves routine lab work, sample processing, nucleic acid extraction, qPCR, and data analysis.

You will gain experience using state-of-the-art automation, data visualization tools, and a digital platform (LIMS) to streamline sample processing and reporting.

Qualifications

• Pursuing a Bachelor's degree (sophomore or higher) or Master’s in Biological Science, Life Sciences, Poultry Science, Veterinary Medicine, or related field.
• Basic lab skills including pipetting and buffer preparation.
• Familiarity with nucleic acid extraction, PCR techniques, and gel electrophoresis is a plus.

Responsibilities

• Assist with sample collection, preparation, handling, and daily lab procedures.
• Learn to perform molecular assays (nucleic acid extraction, RT-PCR, qPCR, gel electrophoresis).
• Operate automation equipment to enhance throughput and efficiency.
• Collaborate with experienced team to develop and optimize molecular assays.
• Analyze, interpret, and present experimental data and findings.

Skills

Molecular biology

Pipetting

Data analysis

Lab techniques

Microsoft Office

Education

Bachelor's degree in Biological Science or related field

Master's in Life Sciences or Veterinary Medicine (pursuing)

Tools

qPCR

LIMS

Nucleic acid extraction

Job description

POULTRY Diagnostics SERVICES Intern

Location: Durham, NC

Internship Summary: As a Poultry Diagnostic Services Intern, you will assist diagnostic laboratory specialists with virous assays supporting biologics and biodevice projects. This role involves routine laboratory work, including sample receipt and organization, sample processing, nucleic acidxtraction, qPCR, and data analysis. You will apply molecular biology techniques for virus and bacterial detection, as well as vaccine monitoring. You will have the opportunity to work with state-of-the-art automation equipment to streamline high-throughput clinical sample processing and contribute to efficient data management within a digital platform. Additionally, you’ll also gain experience using software tools for data visualization, analysis, and reporting. Working alongside the Poultry Technical Services team, you will develop knowledge of commercial poultry vaccine applications and gain a deeper understanding of poultry industry.

Internship Job Duties

• Assist with sample collection, preparation, handling, daily lab procedures and live bird studies.
• Learn to perform molecular assays (nucleic acid extraction, RT-PCR, qPCR, gel electrophoresis) for virus or bacterial detection.
• Operate automation equipment to enhance throughput and efficiency.
• Collaborate with experienced team members to develop and optimize molecular assays that address real-world challenges.
• Analyze, interpret, and present experimental data and findings.
• Optimize sample submissions workflow within digital data management platform (LIMS), ensuring accurate and complete record-keeping.

Internship Qualifications

• Pursuing a Bachelor’s degree (sophomore or higher) or Master’s in Biological Science, Life Sciences, Animal Science, Poultry Science, Veterinary Medicine, or a related field.
• Basic laboratory skills required. Including pipetting, micropipetting, and buffer preparation.
• Familiarity with nucleic acid extraction, PCR techniques, and gel electrophoresis is a plus.
• Understanding data analytics is a plus.
• Proficient in Microsoft Office applications: Word, Excel, and PowerPoint.
• Self-motivated and organized, with strong communication skills and the ability to work effectively as part of a team.
• Ability to work effectively in a fast-paced environment with changing priorities.
• Willingness to work with live animals and animal tissue specimens.

Hourly Pay Rates (Standard)

If the selected candidate is a student pursuing an Associate-level degree: $16.00 per hour

If the selected candidate is a student pursuing an Undergraduate-level degree: $22.00 per hour

If the selected candidate is a student pursing a Graduate-level degree: $32.50 per hour

If the selected candidate is a student pursuing a Doctorate-level degree: $36.00 per hour

Hourly Pay Rates (California, Connecticut, District of Columbia, Illinois (Chicago area), Massachusetts, New Jersey, New York, Washington (Seattle area))

Student pursuing an Associate-level degree: $17.00 per hour

Student pursuing an Undergraduate-level degree: $24.20 per hour

Student pursing a Graduate-level degree: $36.40 per hour

Student pursuing a Doctorate-level degree: $40.30 per hour

Zoetis is committed to equal opportunity in the terms and conditions of employment for all employees and job applicants without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, age, gender identity or gender expression, national origin, disability or veteran status or any other protected classification.

Disabled individuals are given an equal opportunity to use our online application system.

We offer reasonable accommodations as an alternative if requested by an individual with a disability. Please contact Zoetis Colleague Services at [e-mail] to request an accommodation.

Zoetis also complies with all applicable national, state and local laws governing nondiscrimination in employment as well as employment eligibility verification requirements of the Immigration and Nationality Act.

All applicants must possess or obtain authorization to work in the US for Zoetis. Zoetis retains sole and exclusive discretion to pursue sponsorship for the acquisition or maintenance of nonimmigrant status and employment eligibility, considering factors such as availability of qualified US workers. Individuals requiring sponsorship must disclose this fact.

Join Zoetis – and build your career with a global animal health company dedicated to supporting its customers and their businesses.

Why Zoetis

Zoetis has more than 60 years of experience in delivering innovative, high-quality products and services that benefit our customers.

Zoetis work environment

At Zoetis, we take pride in a collaborative spirit and high-performing environment where every colleague is given room to learn and grow.

Your opportunities at Zoetis

We invest in our people and offer diverse and exciting opportunities to make a difference in a growing global industry while shaping the future of animal health.

Results that matter

Our colleagues make an impact by working hand-in-hand with those who raise and care for animals to better understand and address the unique real-world challenges they face.