Ready to shape the future of science and global health?  ATCC, a private nonprofit global biological resource center and standards organization, is excited to announce our 2025 Summer Internship Program. We are seeking local university students with a degree in biology or a related scientific field to join our incredible team in a paid full time 10-week summer internship program. 

Join us as we celebrate 100 years of supporting the global scientific community with reliable biomaterials, including cell lines, bacteria, viruses, and microorganisms from our extensive and diverse ATCC catalogue.

Associate Biologist Intern – AFS Malaria Research and Reference Reagent Resource Center & Protistology

Project Involvement: Develop CRISPR-based tools for creating fluorescent parasite lines and harness the capabilities of the Wave Bioreactor System to grow previously unculturable parasites.

Laboratory Work:  The intern will be involved in the following aspects of two ongoing IRAD projects: (i) plasmid engineering and bacterial cloning; (ii) parasite transfection; (iii) PCR and sequencing of plasmid and donor DNA; (iv) sequence data analysis; (v) malaria and babesia parasite culture; (vi) operation of the Wave Bioreactor System;  (vii) critical reading and analysis of research papers and presentation of scientific work; (viii) creation of SOPs.

Safety and Collaboration: Complete bloodborne pathogens training. Follow laboratory safety protocols and work collaboratively in a multidisciplinary team.

Ideal Candidate Qualifications: The ideal candidate should be in the latter stage of an Undergraduate Degree Program in Biomedical Science or a related field. The candidate should be passionate about biomedical research and show eagerness to expand his or her knowledge and skills base to pursue graduate work later in their career.

The Malaria Research and Reference Reagent Resource Center (MR4) was established to provide a central source of quality controlled malaria-related reagents and information to the international malaria research community. Materials available to qualified, registered users include parasites, mosquito vectors, antibodies, antigens, gene libraries, molecular probes and constructs.

• Manufacturing Operations: Manufacturing of biological products by following standard operating procedures (SOPs), work instructions, and other controlled documents. Maintain laboratory safety, operations, equipment, and supplies.
• Documentation: Maintain production batch records in compliance with good laboratory practices. Collect, analyze, and report data, ensuring meticulous documentation.
• Continuous Learning and Problem-Solving: Master aseptic technique, gain experience with various cell lines and organisms, and tackle routine challenges in alignment with organizational policies.

Program Qualifications:

• Must currently be enrolled as rising 3rd or 4th year undergraduate, or within 12 months of graduating from a BS or MS academic degree program at an accredited college or university, majoring in biology, cell biology, microbiology, molecular biology, biochemistry, bioengineering, biotechnology, bioinformatics, or a related science.
• Must be able to complete a 10-week consecutive full-time internship in Manassas, VA.

• Deemed Export Control Notice: To comply with U.S. export control laws, candidates must be a U.S. citizen, lawful permanent resident, or have specific authorization under U.S. export control laws. 

Required Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:

• Prior experience in an undergraduate biological science lab, following safety procedures and properly handling biologicals and/or chemicals.   
• Hands on laboratory experience and aseptic technique.

• Excellent interpersonal skills and ability to work effectively as part of a team.

• Ability to follow laboratory safety protocols and maintain a safe working environment.

• Excellent attention to detail, organization, and ability to follow strict protocols and corporate policies and procedures.

• Strong written and oral communication skills, computer skills, and the ability to critically analyze data sets.

The expected compensation for this role is $28.00 per hour.  

Join ATCC, where we fuel your success, well-being, and development. We're a mission-focused non-profit Equal Opportunity Employer, celebrating a century of supporting global public health.  All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to sex, race, color, religion, national origin, disability, protected Veteran status, age, or any other characteristic protected by law.  Shape the future of science with us.