Research Assistant - Summer Internship

Research Assistant – Summer 2026 Internship
 

Elemental Enzymes is looking for a Research Assistant to join a multidisciplinary team that is focused on using analytical and general chemistry techniques to support method development and analysis of biological and chemical products.  Applicants should be pursuing a Bachelor of Science degree in general chemistry, analytical chemistry, biochemistry, or a closely related major. Students in all years of their program will be considered.
 

Position Duration: Summer 2026 (May-August) working 20-35 hours/ week.  

Job Responsibilities

• Support senior staff with experiments using common biochemical assays and techniques (e.g., PCR, gel electrophoresis, enzyme assays, HPLC).
• Assist in the preparation of buffers, reagents, and biological samples.
• Follow standard operating procedures and laboratory protocols.
• Adhere to laboratory safety guidelines and maintain a safe working environment.
• Record experimental procedures and results using an electronic lab notebook (ELN) system.
• Perform basic data analysis, prepare figures, and present findings to the research team.
• Interact effectively within a multidisciplinary team.
• Additional responsibilities may be added at the discretion of management.

Required Experience: 

• Enrollment in a general chemistry, analytical chemistry, biochemistry, or related degree program.
• Understanding of general chemistry concepts and methods.
• Exposure to analytical instrumentation (e.g. HPLC, GC, ICP).
• Excellent communication and organizational skills.
• Proven ability to budget time and manage day-to-day research project work, laboratory duties, and other assigned tasks.
• Experience in a laboratory setting and knowledge of common wet lab equipment (e.g. autoclave, pipettes, centrifuge, spectrophotometer) is preferred, but not required.
• Eagerness to develop, learn, and adopt new methods.

Physical Demands:

• Extending: Extend self in a direction to complete a task.
• Stationary Position: Remaining in one position for sustained periods of time.
• Moving: Moving to accomplish tasks, particularly for long distances or moving from one work site to another.
• Fine Motor Skills: Using fingers for tasks such as typing, picking, or pinching, rather than full hand movements.
• Transporting: Moving objects from a lower to a higher position or moving objects horizontally from position-to-position. Objects can be up to 45 pounds in weight.
• Manual Handling: Gripping, grasping, or applying pressure to objects using fingers and palms.
• Operating: Using tools and equipment including a work computer and other office devices such as printers, calculators, etc.
• Repetitive motion: Engaging in recurring movements of the wrists, hands, or fingers, such as typing, assembling components, or pipetting.
• Medium Work: Exerting up to 50 pounds of force occasionally, up to 30 pounds of force frequently, and/or up to 10 pounds of force constantly to move objects.

Physical Requirements:

• Sensory Touch: Assessing the size, shape, texture, or temperature of objects by touch, particularly with fingertips.
• Communicating: Expressing or exchanging ideas by spoken word, including providing detailed or critical instructions clearly, quickly, and accurately. Perceiving sound details at normal speaking levels. Alternative methods of communication can be utilized as necessary.
• Personal Protective Equipment (PPE): The worker is required to wear appropriate PPE as necessary for their role, including but not limited to gloves, safety eyewear, lab coats, hearing protections, and/or respiratory protection depending on the work environment and exposure risks.
• Environmental Exposure: Those with this position must be able to work in Biosafety Level 2 Laboratory where there may be exposure to biological Individuals with immuno-compromised systems may be at increased risk in these environments.

Job Location: St. Louis, MO, United States

Position Type: Intern/Temporary/Hourly/Non-Exempt

Salary: $16/hour

Hours: This position will require approximately 20-35 hours per week.

About Elemental Enzymes

Elemental Enzymes was founded upon the simple belief that we must do everything we can to improve agricultural performance in a way that not only enables plants to flourish but enriches and renews the planet with eco-friendly and sustainable agricultural solutions. From products that enable effective enzyme, peptide and protein inputs to foliar treatments that hold the promise to renew entire industries, our focus to make a positive difference in the world through people – like you and me. Success is a byproduct of responsible production. That’s why Elemental Enzymes works to bring cross-disciplinary scientists and processes together to create novel solutions to practical problems with a shared goal of helping both the plant and the planet.

Apply

Please fill out the application and attach a cover letter and CV/Résumé. References required upon request.