Summer Intern - Bacteriophage Applications (Fouts Lab) at J. Craig Venter Institute (JCVI) in Rockville, Maryland

Job Description:

The J. Craig Venter Institute (JCVI) is a dynamic non-profit research organization using science to impact the world. Our research groups focus on human genomic medicine, infectious disease, plant, microbial and environmental genomics, synthetic biology and biological energy, bioinformatics, and software engineering. We are looking for self-motivated, inquisitive minds to learn with us in asking and finding the answers to questions that progress the field of genomics

Briefly, the Fouts Lab investigates the use of naturally occurring and engineered bacteriophages (viruses that infect bacteria) as a means of combatting bacteria that are pathogenic to humans, specifically those bacteria that are resistant to antibiotics. We are looking for an intern to assist us on one or more of our current projects involving bacteriophages.

The candidate will interact with members of the Fouts Lab team in Rockville, MD and will assist in laboratory work involving the propagation, purification, and characterization of novel bacteriophages for use as potential therapeutics against various bacteria as well as in preparing bacterial and viral nucleic acids for genome sequencing.

The candidate will learn:

Sterile technique for Microbiology lab work, bacteriophage propagation and quantification methods such as plaque plating and titering, viral and bacterial DNA extraction, data collection and analysis, and scientific presentation skills.

Skills the intern will acquire:

• Bacteria and virus culture and plating


• DNA extraction techniques


• Operation of various laboratory equipment


• Oral presentation skills

• Current undergraduate student


• Some Biology-related coursework, or relevant experience


• Ability to work independently, while respecting the needs of a larger team


• A commitment to scientific discovery


• Strong written and verbal communication skills


• Full-time attendance (40 hours per week)

Please use the link to review the Application Process and Eligibility Requirements.https://www.jcvi.org/careers#internships

Work Environment
The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those a teammate encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

• Moderate noise (i.e. business office with computers, phone, and printers, light traffic)


• Ability to work in a confined area.


• Ability to sit at a computer terminal for an extended period.


• Ability to stand and/or sit for an extended period, if working in the lab.

Physical Demands
The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

• While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to, stand, sit; talk, hear, and use hands and fingers to operate a computer and telephone keyboard reach, stoop kneel to install computer equipment


• Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision requirements due to computer and lab work


• Light to moderate lifting is required

J. Craig Venter Institute is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants are encouraged to apply and will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, protected veteran status, or any other legally protected characteristic or status.