Poultry Diagnostic Services Intern

Poultry Diagnostic Services Intern

Internship Summary:

As a Poultry Diagnostic Services Intern, you will assist diagnostic laboratory specialists with various assays supporting biologics and biodevice projects. This role involves routine laboratory work, including sample receipt and organization, sample processing, nucleic acid extraction, 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.

The following hourly pay rates reflect the anticipated base pay for this position: 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

The following hourly pay rates reflect the anticipated base pay for this position if a selected candidate were to be located in 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