Research Scientist Intern (Summer 2027)

Promega Corporation; Madison (WI); On-site; USD 25,000 - 36,000; Full time

Job summary

Promega Corporation in Madison, WI invites a Genetic Identity R&D Intern to join our team. You will work with a Senior Research Scientist on active STR system development, split time between the lab and the computer, and contribute to data analysis and AI tool development.

Ideal candidates are graduate students in genetics, molecular biology, or forensic science with hands-on lab experience, strong data skills, and a collaborative mindset.

Qualifications

• Currently enrolled in graduate program in genetics or related field.
• Hands-on laboratory experience.
• Able to organize and analyze data with attention to detail.
• Excellent verbal and written communication.
• Familiar with digital tools including Microsoft applications and AI tools.

Responsibilities

• Support STR development projects in lab and data analysis.
• Prepare and run capillary electrophoresis samples.
• Process genotyping data and compare to performance specs.
• Develop AI-assisted analysis tools.
• Document work in the electronic lab notebook and present results.
• Communicate goals and results through reports and team presentations.
• Help ensure compliance with Promega Quality System.

Skills

Strong communication skills

Data analysis

Laboratory techniques

Independent work

Digital tools and AI familiarity

Education

Graduate program in genetics, molecular biology, biochemistry, forensic science, or related field

Tools

PCR

Capillary electrophoresis

STR genotyping software

AI tools

Job description

ABOUT US:

We are Promega - an international biotech company made up of scientists and non-scientists, with over 4,000 high-quality products that have been sparking inspiration and discovery in science for over 40 years. We support scientists researching life and disease, pharma companies developing new treatments, forensic labs matching DNA from crime scenes and clinical labs running and confirming health tests – and that’s just the beginning.

**This internship is intended for graduate-level students. Preference will be given to PhD candidates in forensic science or a closely related field; master's students will be considered only if they are specifically enrolled in a forensics program. Undergraduate students are not eligible for this role.**

OUR TEAM:

The Genetic Identity R&D team develops the short tandem repeat (STR) genotyping systems used by forensic, paternity and human identification laboratories around the world. Our work spans the full development path: multiplex PCR chemistry, allelic ladder design and formulation, and capillary electrophoresis method development. The systems we build are used to resolve criminal casework, identify missing persons, and establish biological relationships, so the accuracy and robustness of what we do matters directly to the people who rely on those results. We are a collaborative group whose work combines bench science with a substantial amount of data analysis. We are actively building out AI-assisted analysis tools to make our development and documentation work faster and more reproducible. We like solving hard technical problems, and we make a point of teaching each other what we learn.

YOUR ROLE:

As a Genetic Identity R&D Intern, you will work directly with a Senior Research Scientist on active STR system development projects. Your time will be split between the laboratory and the computer. In the lab, you will formulate and amplify allelic ladder mixes, prepare and run samples on capillary electrophoresis instruments, and carry out supporting PCR and quantification work. On the analysis side, you will process genotyping data to evaluate locus balance against performance specifications, build the tables and charts that drive formulation decisions, and support the development of AI tools to assist this work.

You will document your work in our electronic laboratory notebook and present your results to the team. You will also be encouraged to use, and to help improve, the AI-assisted tools we apply to data analysis and documentation. By the end of the summer, you will understand how a commercial forensic STR system is actually built.

YOUR EXPERIENCE:

You are a graduate student in genetics, molecular biology, biochemistry, forensic science, or a related field. You have hands‑on laboratory experience. You are comfortable working with data as well as at the bench. You can organize a dataset, notice when something does not look right, and clearly explain those findings. You are reliable, and your work and education history demonstrate your motivation and attention to detail. You are curious about forensic DNA analysis and about how we develop products used by forensics labs around the world. You enjoy working as part of a team and want to develop both your technical skills and your scientific communication.

JOB OBJECTIVE:

The intern will support and participate in Genetic Identity R&D laboratory and data analysis activities as assigned by the supervising Senior Research Scientist. Activities may include PCR amplification, capillary electrophoresis (CE) sample preparation and analysis, evaluation of short tandem repeat (STR) genotyping data against performance specifications, and support in the development of AI tools to aid in the analysis of STR data.

CORE DUTIES:

• 1. Amplify DNA with clean technique. Prepare and run samples on capillary electrophoresis instrumentation. Analyze and communicate the results of that data.
• 2. Communicate experimental goals, methods, results and conclusions through written reports and oral presentations at team meetings.
• 3. Maintain clear and complete records of laboratory procedures, data analysis and results in the electronic laboratory notebook.
• 4. Understand and comply with all elements of the Promega Quality System outlined for the position.
• 5. Demonstrates inclusion through their own words and actions and is accountable for a safe workspace. Acts with kindness, curiosity and respect for others.
• 6. Embracing and being open to incorporating Promega’s 6 Emotional & Social Intelligence (ESI) core principles in daily work.
• 7. Understands and complies with ethical, legal and regulatory requirements applicable to our business.

KEY QUALIFICATIONS:

• 1. Currently enrolled in a graduate program in genetics, molecular biology, biochemistry, forensic science, or a similar life sciences discipline.
• 2. Ability to maintain a safe and clean laboratory environment.
• 3. Ability to work independently with moderate supervision and with other team members in a cooperative manner.
• 4. Ability to organize, analyze and present quantitative data accurately, with careful attention to detail in recordkeeping.
• 5. Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
• 6. Demonstrated proficiency in digital tools and technology, including Microsoft applications and mobile platforms, with the ability to adapt and leverage emerging technologies, such as artificial intelligence, to improve efficiency, automation, and collaboration.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS:

• 1. Experience with core molecular biology techniques including PCR, nucleic acid quantification and electrophoresis.
• 2. Coursework or hands‑on experience in genetics, population genetics or forensic DNA analysis.
• 3. Experience with capillary electrophoresis instrumentation and/or STR genotyping software.
• 4. Experience handling biological samples.
• 5. Experience with using AI.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS:

• 1. Ability to work with computer equipment frequently.
• 2. Ability to remain stationary for several hours at a time.
• 3. Ability to wear safety equipment (lab coat, safety glasses, gloves, etc.).
• 4. Ability to work at a laboratory bench and with a fume hood frequently.
• 5. Ability to operate laboratory instrumentation, including pipettes and capillary electrophoresis instruments.
• 6. Ability to work routinely with biological samples.

At Promega, we value diversity and strive to create an inclusive workplace. We are proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer, making employment decisions without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, veteran status, disability, or any other protected class.