Intern, Bioactive Lipids (BS)
Position description:
Calico is seeking an intern to join the Metabolomics group. To succeed, you will need to be an enthusiastic team player, detail-oriented, extremely organized and comfortable working on complex problems. In this position, you will work to develop an automation-friendly sample preparation of eicosanoids and other bioactive lipids from cell culture supernatant, cells, and/or tissues. The successful candidate will work closely with members of the metabolomics group to determine a method for extraction of bioactive lipids from a variety of sample types that allows accurate quantification via liquid-chromatography mass spectrometry. Once optimized, you will apply the method to the analysis of biological samples via liquid-chromatography-mass spectrometry to address questions of inflammation, aging, and disease.
Responsibilities:
- Help design experiments to compare various approaches to isolating bioactive lipids
- Work in the laboratory to determine optimal parameters for specific extraction of the desired lipids via liquid-liquid extraction or solid-phase extraction
- Apply the optimized methodology to prepare biological samples
- Help in analyzing LC-MS data on bioactive lipid levels
Position requirements:
- Currently pursuing a BS degree in Chemistry, Biochemistry, Chemical Engineering or a related field
- Hands-on experience working in a biology or chemistry lab, and experience with standard laboratory equipment (pipettes, scales, centrifuges, etc)
- Detail-oriented and organized
- Strong teamwork and communication skills
- Self-motivated with a “can-do” attitude
- Flexible, able to respond quickly to shifting priorities and able to multitask
Nice to have:
- Knowledge of bioactive lipid structures, and the biological function of bioactive lipids
- Experience working with solid phase extraction, liquid-chromatography, and/or mass spectrometers
- Some knowledge of R or python for data analysis, or substantial experience with Microsoft Excel
About our Program:
Calico’s internship program is a paid 12-week program over the summer for students interested in understanding the fundamental science of aging and finding treatments for the associated and intractable diseases. Working in a collaborative environment and fully embedded in one of our labs/teams, Calico interns tackle a unique project under the mentorship of at least one of our scientists or engineers. Students from all schools, and students who identify with a demographic that is underrepresented within the technology, data science, and healthcare industries are encouraged to apply. This includes but is not limited to Black, Latinx, Native American, students with disabilities, veterans, and non-binary people.
Program Features:
- 3-month summer timeline
- In-person experience at our offices in South San Francisco
- Matching with at least one Calico mentor
- Group supplemental activities weekly featuring guest speakers, Senior Leadership spotlights, and discussion groups on aging science, our drug development approach, and more
- End-of-summer company-wide project showcase and poster session
- Competitive compensation ($40 - $65/hour) and monthly living expenses stipend