Analytical Development Flow Cytometry Intern

Zoetis•Kalamazoo, MI

3d•$40•Onsite

About The Position

The Analytical Development Flow Cytometry Intern will work closely with project teams to improve analytical methods, address unmet needs, and streamline existing assays. The intern will gain experience working with vaccine products, applying flow cytometry to project and regulatory needs, and collaborating with partner groups to improve assay design and transfer protocols. The role involves operating and troubleshooting flow cytometers; establishing voltages and acquisition settings; performing compensation; developing gating strategies; assessing instrument performance and data quality; and analyzing data in FlowJo. The intern will also design and optimize fit-for-purpose assays, grow and manage vaccine-relevant strains and antigens, document and transfer methods, train partner groups, and present findings to technical and non-expert audiences. This is a full-time internship in Kalamazoo, Michigan. The position is intended for a student enrolled in a BS or MS program in a life-science-related field. Anticipated hourly pay varies by the candidate’s degree level: $16.00 for Associate-level students, $22.00 for Undergraduate-level students, $32.50 for Graduate-level students, and $36.00 for Doctorate-level students. Separate higher rates are listed for candidates located in certain specified states and areas.

Requirements

Be a self-motivated student interested in applying experience to a real-world vaccine analysis problem.
Be proficient in flow cytometry and analysis of resulting data.
Have familiarity with tissue culture and sterile technique.
Be currently enrolled in a BS or MS program.
Have an education in a field related to life science.

Responsibilities

Operate and troubleshoot flow cytometers.
Empirically determine voltages and acquisition settings.
Perform compensation and develop appropriate gating strategies.
Assess instrument performance and the quality of resulting data.
Analyze data in FlowJo.
Design and optimize fit-for-purpose assays.
Work with partner groups to define assay needs and performance goals.
Use literature and existing assays to establish a baseline workflow.
Evaluate assay performance and identify critical variables.
Use data-driven, iterative optimization to improve assay performance and robustness.
Grow and manage vaccine strains using aseptic technique and strain-specific conditions.
Perform tissue-culture activities and follow strain-specific growth requirements.
Enumerate cultures and assess antigen abundance or presentation using multiple methods.
Evaluate how culture conditions affect antigen quality and assay results.
Write clear, concise protocols covering procedures, controls, critical parameters, and troubleshooting.
Document assay development, optimization, limitations, and recommended conditions.
Transfer methods to partner groups and train non-experts to perform them correctly.
Present results, conclusions, limitations, and recommendations clearly to partner groups.
Explain the scientific rationale and workflow to technical and non-expert audiences.
Use data to support recommendations and gain alignment on next steps.