HudsonAlpha Investigator Positions for BioTrain 2013

The following positions are available for BioTrain 2013. All positions begin June 3 and end on July 31. Most BioTrain positions are paid internship positions and include weekly professional development sessions. Applications are welcome from high school, undergraduate and graduate students across Alabama. All applicants must apply online for BioTrain and will be able to choose up to three (3) positions for which to be considered. Applications will be accepted January 15 - February 15, 2013. Incomplete or late applications will not be considered.

Computational Research Intern in Genomic Sciences

Dr. Greg Cooper Lab

Education Level: 
Undergraduate
Education Level: 
Graduate
Hours per Week: 
30
Number of Positions Anticipated: 
1
Description: 

This computational internship position requires an upper-level undergraduate or Master’s level student. The opportunity will involve programming to support a clinical genetics research project. Particular focus will be given to the development of computational tools to track and manage analyses. Additionally, the intern will help with the construction of project-specific relational databases. As this position requires both biological and computer science concept mastery, applicants should have a strong interest in both.

Specific Requirements: 
  1. Fluency in multiple computational environments, especially OS X and command line interfaces with UNIX-like operating systems.
  2. Experience with database construction and SQL.
  3. Experience with one or more scripting languages like Perl, Python, or others.
  4. Comfort manipulating large text files and datasets from diverse information sources.
  5. An ability to write clear, stable, and documented code
  6. Strong communication skills and a readiness to work with others.
  7. Web programming experience is also desired.
Submitted by ahott on January 15, 2013 - 5:11pm

Genotyping Research Assistant

Dr. Devin Absher Lab

Education Level: 
Undergraduate
Hours per Week: 
20-30
Number of Positions Anticipated: 
1
Description: 

The intern will be involved in a study of the epigenetics of lipid metabolism in human subjects. We are currently using genome-wide approaches to study DNA methylation and it’s effects on complex traits, including dietary responses and risk factors for cardiovascular disease, such as triglyceride levels. The intern will participate in the isolation of CD4+ T-cells from human blood samples and extraction of DNA. The intern will also prepare these samples for analysis of DNA methylation using microarrays.

Specific Requirements: 
  1. Interested individuals should have some experience with basic molecular biology techniques and basic computer skills.
Submitted by ahott on January 8, 2010 - 3:28pm

Internship in Animal Evolutionary Genomics

Dr. Greg Barsh Lab

Education Level: 
Undergraduate
Hours per Week: 
30
Number of Positions Anticipated: 
1
Description: 

The intern will work on the annnotation and analysis of mammalian genome sequence and transcriptome data from unconventional (non-model) organisms.

See http://genome.cshlp.org/content/21/11/1905.full for an example.

Research/discovery-based position that requires initiative, independence, and critical thinking, focused on the application of genetics and genomics to domestic animals.

Specific Requirements: 
  1. Open to advanced undergraduate students
  2. Familiarity with basic biological and genetic principles.
  3. Strong background in, and experience with computing.
  4. Interest in evolution, biology and natural variation.
Submitted by ahott on January 8, 2010 - 5:26pm

Metabolomics Intern

Dr. Sara Cooper Lab

Education Level: 
Undergraduate
Hours per Week: 
24-30
Number of Positions Anticipated: 
1
Description: 

The Cooper Lab at the HudsonAlpha Institute for Biotechnology is interested in the development of technology for metabolomics. Metabolomics, the measurement of small molecule metabolites such as sugars and amino acids in biological samples, uses a technique called mass spectrometry. Our lab uses mass spectrometry to measure metabolic variation in wild and industrial yeast strains. We also use DNA sequencing to measure genetic changes among these strains as well as changes in gene expression. Our current work is focused on trying to understand how the genetic changes we observe between strains are responsible for the changes in gene expression and metabolism. Understanding these metabolic pathways leads to better understanding of altered metabolic states in human disease such as cancer, diabetes and obesity. The intern chosen for our lab will have the opportunity to generate his/her own metabolomics data set and use it to help understand the effects of gene function on metabolism. S/he will be expected to work with other members of the laboratory while under the supervision of Dr. Cooper.

Specific Requirements: 
  1. Must have completed coursework in organic chemistry, general biology including a biology lab, and Calculus I.
  2. Must have experience with computer science and/or basic statistics.
  3. Must have experience withMicrosoft Excel.
  4. Experience with mass spectrometry is helpful but not required.
  5. Interns will be expected to work in the lab 4-6 hours per day 5 days per week, but exact hours may vary.
Submitted by ahott on January 12, 2012 - 9:21am

Genome Sequencing Center Intern - Bioinformatics

HudsonAlpha Genome Sequencing Center

Education Level: 
Undergraduate
Education Level: 
Graduate
Hours per Week: 
30
Number of Positions Anticipated: 
1
Description: 

An internship position supporting the bioinformatics and data analysis efforts in the Genome Sequencing Center is available. In this position, you will support a team of scientists in the manipulation, assembly, and exploration of the genomic sequence of organisms relevant to the DOE. Possible projects include genome assembly, genetic map generation/integration, and next generation sequence analysis. Main responsibilities will include programming and software design to create tools for use by the team.

Specific Requirements: 
  1. A strong interest in bioinformatics and computer science is required.
  2. Programming experience (Python, Perl, C++) and strong math skills are needed.
  3. Complete comfort working with Mac/Linux/Unix-based systems is preferred.
Submitted by ahott on January 10, 2012 - 3:40pm

Research and Development - Engineering

Dr. Jian Han Lab

Education Level: 
Undergraduate
Hours per Week: 
20-30
Number of Positions Anticipated: 
1
Description: 

The Han lab is seeking an enthusiastic individual to assist with the research and development of our novel, integrated platform for molecular diagnostics. Our position is ideally suited for students with a keen interest in robotics. We are looking for an intern with a solid background in mechanical or electrical engineering to help perform a variety of tasks that can involve testing, basic assembly, programming, to documentation.

Specific Requirements: 
  1. Ability to work independently and participate in a small team environment.
  2. Familiarity with CAD/CAM is desired, but not required.
  3. Familiarity with programming languages such as C and C++ is desired, but not required.
  4. Familiarity with basic molecular and microbiology techniques is desired but not required.
Submitted by ahott on January 8, 2010 - 3:46pm

Genomic Services Laboratory - Bioinformatics or Laboratory Research

Dr. Shawn Levy Lab

Education Level: 
Undergraduate
Education Level: 
Graduate
Hours per Week: 
20-30
Number of Positions Anticipated: 
1
Description: 

The Genomics Services Lab will offer either a laboratory internship or a bioinformatics internship, depending on the interests of the qualified applicant. The laboratory internship will be an opportunity to learn the technical details of whole-genome sequencing, from DNA to data analysis. The bioinformatics internship will support the analysis of genomic data in collaboration with the informatics staff and involve programming and software design.

Specific Requirements: 

Both positions require interest in the biomedical sciences, attention to detail, and the ability to learn quickly. Proficiency in Excel and Windows is required. No formal lab experience is required, but is helpful. The bioinformatics position requires some programming experience, familiarity with Linux, and web programming experience highly desired.

Submitted by ahott on January 12, 2010 - 10:25am

Genomics Laboratory Assistant

Dr. Richard Myers Lab

Education Level: 
High School Sophomore or above
Education Level: 
Undergraduate
Education Level: 
Graduate
Hours per Week: 
20-30
Number of Positions Anticipated: 
1
Description: 

Interns will be immersed a leading genomics laboratories working on a variety of laboratory projects relating to human disease. The Myers lab uses a genomics approach to better understand and classify human disease focusing on Parkinson disease, bipolar disease, cancer, and differential responses to environmental assaults. Interns can expect to learn a variety of techniques related to using genomics and genetics to study human biology and disease.

Specific Requirements: 
  1. The most important requirement is a motivated student who will take advantage of the opportunity, as there are so few positions available for the number of applicants.
  2. While the student does not have to be certain that he/she wants to go to graduate school to become a scientist, we are definitely interested in those undergrads and masters students who are considering sch a career (we'll consider beginners, as well as those who already have some lab experience).
  3. Interest and experience in using computers is helpful, though not necessary.
Submitted by ahott on February 5, 2010 - 10:56am