HudsonAlpha - Plant Genomics and Biotechnology Internship

Job Description

Job Description

JOB DESCRIPTION

Position Title: Plant Genomics and Biotechnology Internship

Department: Swaminathan Lab

Reports to: Dr. Kankshita Swaminathan

INSTITUTE OVERVIEW

The HudsonAlpha Institute for Biotechnology ( is a non-profit organization with the mission to use biotechnology and basic biological research to make important discoveries, improve human health, stimulate economic development, inspire young people to seek careers in science and teach members of the public the importance of science in their everyday lives. Located in Cummings Research Park in Huntsville, Alabama, one of the world's leading science and technology parks, HudsonAlpha's campus contains state-of-the-art laboratories for biological research and development, as well as education, in the areas of genomics, genetics and personalized medicine.

LABORATORY OVERVIEW

The Swaminathan laboratory uses functional genomics and plant biotechnology to study to understand the molecular basis of traits like perennially, carbon partitioning habit, and nutrient recycling in grasses.

The laboratory is currently looking for a talented plant biotechnologist interested in applying cutting-edge tools in crop biotechnology to develop and improve plant transformation and tissue culture pipelines for miscanthus. The individual will be an important contributor to projects in the lab, working alongside other researchers and trainees. It is therefore extremely important that the individual works well with others and has excellent organizational and communication skills.

POSITION SUMMARY

The Swaminathan Lab focuses on genomics and plant biotechnology to investigate traits relevant to sustainable energy. As an intern, you will gain hands-on experience in molecular biology, genotyping, phenotyping, plant tissue culture, transformation, and gene editing. Working closely with Dr. Swaminathan's team, you will learn essential lab skills such as nucleic acid extraction, DNA amplification, cloning, and the use of standard laboratory equipment. Responsibilities include conducting basic molecular biology tasks under supervision, with opportunities to analyze and present findings. This role is ideal for students interested in careers in plant biology and agrisciences.

JOB SPECIFIC TASKS

• Assist with nucleic acid extraction and purification from plant samples
• Perform DNA amplification (PCR) and participate in cloning experiments
• Support plant tissue culture procedures, including preparation and propagation of cultures
• Participate in genotyping and phenotyping of plant lines
• Learn and apply plant transformation and gene editing techniques
• Operate and maintain standard laboratory equipment following established protocols
• Record experimental procedures, results, and observations accurately in lab notebooks
• Analyze experimental data and contribute to presentations or reports under supervision
• Collaborate with research team members to achieve project goals
• Attend lab meetings and training sessions as required

EDUCATION, EXPERIENCE, AND REQUIRED SKILLS

• Applicant should have a high school diploma and be enrolled in a two- or four-year institution.
• Applicants should have completed a college-level biology course and be interested in plant biology.
• Applicant will develop laboratory skills, maintain records of his/her experiments, develop good teamwork skills, and practice informal and formal science communication skills.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Word and Excel is required.

Physical Demands/Environmental Factors/Mental Functions

ADA Requirements – The physical demands, work environment factors, and mental functions described below are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential function of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Disclaimer - All job requirements are subject to possible revision to reflect changes in the position requirements or to reasonably accommodate individuals with disabilities. Some requirements may exclude individuals who pose a threat or risk to the health and safety of themselves or other employees. This job description in no way states or implies that these are the only duties which will be required in this position. Employees will be required to follow other job-related duties as requested by their supervisor/manager (within guidelines and compliance with Federal and State Laws). Continued employment remains on an "at-will" basis.

Physical Demands

• Must be able to remain in a stationary position (sit or stand) for prolonged periods (50% of the time).
• Constant moving during hosted events.
• Frequently position self (e.g. stoop, crouch, crawl, bend) and pull and push to maintain computers and audio/visual equipment in the classroom/laboratory.
• Must be able to transport materials required for various experiences. This includes lifting and moving up to 25 pounds of materials (e.g. small stacks of textbooks, media equipment, desks, and other classroom equipment) between classrooms/laboratories and to and from parking lots and buildings.
• Frequent operation of common office equipment (e.g. computers, mobile devices, calculators, copiers, scanners).
• Occasional air/car travel for meetings, conferences, or other activities which may require overnight stay(s).
• Frequent communication with guests of HudsonAlpha in an auditorium, atrium, or classroom/laboratory.
• Vision abilities - close vision, distance vision, and ability to adjust/focus.

Environmental Factors

• Moderate noise level (i.e. business office with computers, phone, and printers, light traffic).
• Workspace is generally an indoor office setting and in other common and education spaces throughout HudsonAlpha with controlled temperature conditions.
• Occasional exposure to outdoor environment during portions of the workday including extreme cold or hot temperatures, or inclement weather conditions.
• Prolonged and irregular working hours, which include early morning and/or evening hours, as business dictates.

Mental Functions

• Ability to understand complex problems and to collaborate and explore alternative solutions.
• Communicate effectively, both orally and in writing, in the English language.
• Convey genomic science information in a clear, concise, and easily understandable manner.
• Use interpersonal skills to foster a stimulating, accepting learning environment.