HudsonAlpha Investigator Positions for BioTrain 2012

The following positions are available for BioTrain 2012. All positions begin June 6 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, 2012. Incomplete or late applications will not be considered.

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 Evolutionary and Population Genomics

Dr. Greg Barsh Lab

Education Level: 
Undergraduate
Hours per Week: 
40
Number of Positions Anticipated: 
1
Description: 
The intern will work on the annotation and analysis of mammalian genome sequence and trascriptome data from unconventional (non-model) organisms. This position falls within the field of bioinformatics and is focused on questions in evolutionary biology. Applicants should be comfortable with discovery-based research and show initiative, independence and critical thinking abilities. An example of the type of research can be viewed at http://genome.cshlp.org/content/21/11/1905.full.
Specific Requirements: 
  1. Familiarity with basic biological and genetic principles.
  2. Working knowledge of the computer languages Perl and R.
  3. 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: 
40
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: 
20-40
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

Dr. Shawn Levy Lab

Education Level: 
Undergraduate
Education Level: 
Graduate
Hours per Week: 
30-40
Number of Positions Anticipated: 
1
Description: 
A laboratory internship position supporting the data analysis efforts in the Levy lab is available. This position will support the bioinformatics staff and will involve software testing, graphics design and possibly programming and software design depending on the experience and interests of the applicant. The possibility to develop mobile genomics applications for the iPhone and similar devices as well as developing content for sites like FaceBook and Twitter are all possible projects.
Specific Requirements: 
  1. A strong interest in computer science and bioinformatics is required.
  2. Complete comfort working with Windows-based software and strong math skills are also needed.
  3. Programming experience and experience with Linux and web programming is required.
Submitted by ahott on January 12, 2010 - 10:25am

Genomic Services Laboratory - Laboratory Research

Dr. Shawn Levy Lab

Education Level: 
Undergraduate
Hours per Week: 
30-40
Number of Positions Anticipated: 
1
Description: 
A laboratory internship position supporting genomics research examining the genetic causes of bipolar disorder and other complex diseases is available. This position is a support position assisting the technical staff in the lab with experimental procedures and preparing laboratory materials. The internship will be an opportunity to learn the technical details of whole-genome sequencing and the techniques that are used to discover the DNA changes that may lead to disease.
Specific Requirements: 
  1. A strong interest in medical research or the biomedical sciences is required.
  2. Ability to work well in a fast paced production laboratory environment.
  3. A strong attention to detail and the ability to learn quickly.
  4. Ability to comfortably use computer software and basic programs like Word, Excel, Windows, and Powerpoint will be extremely beneficial.
Submitted by ahott on January 12, 2010 - 10:22am

Genomics Laboratory Assistant

Dr. Richard Myers Lab

Education Level: 
High School Sophomore or above
Education Level: 
Undergraduate
Education Level: 
Graduate
Hours per Week: 
20-40
Number of Positions Anticipated: 
2
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