Position Type: Paid internship / part-time research role

Eligibility: Bachelor of Science degree, current Master’s or PhD students in microbiology,

molecular biology, bioengineering, or related fields

About the Role

We are seeking a motivated and detail-oriented student to join our small, fast-moving team developing novel microbial detection technologies. This role is ideal for someone who enjoys hands-on bench work, learning new techniques, and contributing directly to experimental design and troubleshooting.

You will work closely with our microbiologist and collaborate with company founders who support brainstorming, data interpretation, and technology development.

Key Responsibilities

 Culture and maintain several microbial strains, including BSL-1 organisms such as Escherichiacoli K-12 and BSL-2 organisms such as uropathogenic E. coli, Staphylococcus saprophyticus, Streptococcus pneumoniae, and others.

 Perform and optimize experiments involving pre-processing of bacteria from patient-derived samples, including urine, genital swabs, and sputum.

 Test streamlined sample-processing workflows using the company’s proprietary microbe detection platform.

 Maintain accurate, organized, and reproducible experimental records.

 Assist in troubleshooting protocols, improving workflows, and proposing new experimental ideas.

 Contribute to a collaborative, supportive lab environment within a small team.

Required Qualifications

 Hands-on experience culturing bacteria, fungi, or yeast in a research or teaching laboratory.

 Prior work in a BSL-2 laboratory, ideally with infectious organisms.

 Strong attention to detail and commitment to reproducibility.

 Demonstrated ability to follow protocols, maintain clean lab practices, and generate high-quality data.

 Curiosity, problem-solving mindset, and willingness to iterate on experimental designs.

 Ability to work both independently and as part of a small, collaborative team.

Preferred Qualifications

 Currently enrolled in, or recently completed, a Master’s or PhD program in microbiology, molecular biology, bioengineering, or a related field

 Experience handling or processing clinical-type samples (urine, swabs, sputum, etc.).

 Familiarity with microbial quantification, staining, flow cytometry, or microscopy.

 Comfort working in a fast-paced research environment with evolving priorities.

What We Offer

 Direct mentorship from an experienced microbiologist.

 Opportunities to contribute to a novel microbial detection technology.

 A collaborative, idea-driven environment where your input matters.

 Flexible scheduling to accommodate academic commitments.