IVF Research Intern

Trans Ova Genetics•Hull, IA

5d•Onsite

About The Position

The IVF Research Intern supports a defined component of an active research project within the R&D pipeline. The internship is designed to produce a meaningful project deliverable while providing practical experience in experimental design, laboratory execution, data analysis, documentation, and communication within a private-sector research environment. Based in Sioux Center, Iowa, the intern will work with R&D scientists and laboratory staff on basic and/or applied research related to reproductive biology, cell biology, embryology, or vitro fertilization.

Requirements

Currently enrolled in a bachelor's or master's degree program in reproductive biology, animal science, cell biology, embryology, biotechnology, biology, or a closely related field; master's-level candidates are preferred.
Foundational understanding of cell biology, reproductive physiology, embryology, or laboratory-based biological research.
Prior hands-on laboratory experience through coursework, undergraduate research, employment, or graduate study.
Ability to follow detailed protocols, perform careful measurements, and work consistently with biological materials.
Basic knowledge of experimental design and ability to organize, summarize, and interpret scientific data.
Strong attention to detail and commitment to accurate, timely, and traceable laboratory documentation.
Ability to work independently on assigned tasks while seeking guidance when procedures, results, or priorities are unclear.
Effective written and verbal communication skills and ability to collaborate with scientists, laboratory technicians, and cross-functional partners.
Ability to work on-site in Sioux Center, Iowa, and meet the physical and scheduling requirements of a laboratory-based internship.
Must comply with site safety, laboratory, confidentiality, data-integrity, and animal-care requirements applicable to assigned activities.

Nice To Haves

Experience with one or more relevant methods such as aseptic technique, microscopy, cell culture, gamete or embryo handling, molecular assays, biochemical assays, or image analysis is preferred.
Experience using spreadsheet, statistical, or scientific software for data entry, visualization, or analysis is preferred.

Responsibilities

Contribute to a defined component of an active IVF research project aligned with R&D pipeline priorities.
Assist with planning and executing controlled laboratory experiments under approved protocols and appropriate supervision.
Support troubleshooting and comparison of experimental treatments, protocols, reagents, or process conditions as appropriate for the assigned study.
Participate in routine project meetings, communicate progress and risks, and incorporate feedback from scientists and laboratory personnel.
Perform project-specific laboratory activities that may include media preparation, sample handling, aseptic technique, microscopy, cell or embryo observations, and biological assays.
Follow established safety, quality, biosecurity, animal welfare, confidentiality, and data integrity requirements applicable to assigned work.
Collect, organize, quality-control, and maintain complete experimental data and laboratory records.
Apply basic statistical and graphical methods to summarize results and identify patterns, variability, or potential technical issues.
Document methods, materials, deviations, observations, analytical decisions, limitations, and results to ensure experiments can be reproduced and continued by the R&D team.
Review relevant scientific literature and summarize information needed to support project hypotheses, experimental methods, and interpretation of results.
Prepare and deliver a final technical report and presentation summarizing project objectives, methods, results, limitations, conclusions, and recommended next steps.