Plant Health Diagnostic Lab Intern

Bayer • Chesterfield, MO

104d • $46

About The Position

The Plant Health Diagnostic Lab Intern will assist with various tasks related to plant health diagnostics. The primary responsibilities include sample preparation for diagnostic evaluation, conducting morphological observations and microscopic evaluations, executing diagnostic tests such as culturing fungi and bacteria, and carrying out serological assays including immunostrip and ELISA procedures. The intern will also perform molecular tests and analysis, prepare and maintain long-term storage of samples, and ensure proper data management and organization of laboratory records. A significant component of the internship is a mini project focused on corn stunt disease, where the intern will observe and document symptoms, correlate these with molecular analysis, and analyze relationships between symptoms and pathogen quantification using qPCR. This project aims to deepen understanding of the disease and improve diagnostic accuracy.

Requirements

• Current PhD student enrolled in a relevant degree program (e.g., Plant Pathology, Microbiology, Plant Sciences, Agriculture, etc.)
• Strong experience of disease diagnostic laboratory procedures and safety protocols.

Nice To Haves

• Strong attention to detail and organizational skills
• Ability to work collaboratively in a team environment.

Responsibilities

• Assist with sample preparation for diagnostic evaluation
• Conduct morphological observations and microscopic evaluations
• Execute diagnostic tests including culturing of fungi and bacteria
• Carry out serological assays such as immunostrip and ELISA procedures
• Perform molecular tests and analysis
• Prepare and keep long-term storage of samples
• Ensure proper data management and organization of laboratory records
• Undertake a mini project focused on corn stunt disease, observing and documenting symptomatology and correlating with molecular analysis

Benefits

• Health care
• Vision
• Dental
• Retirement
• PTO
• Sick leave

What This Job Offers

• Career Level: Intern
• Education Level: Ph.D. or professional degree
• Number of Employees: 5,001-10,000 employees