The Josh Clevenger Lab focuses its efforts on crop improvement for sustainable agriculture, with the specific aim of helping small and underserved breeding programs and farmers worldwide introduce genomics into their breeding practices. In this agriculturally-focused position, the intern will learn key genome sequencing and assembly skills in both the wet lab and computationally. Under their mentor's guidance, they will use computational tools to analyze the genome of a plant or animal species. They will also work in the wet lab, assisting in various projects, including DNA extraction and library preparation. The intern will learn about the various methods for extracting and preparing DNA for skim-sequencing and HiFi sequencing.

Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) is a severe anxiety disorder resulting from exposure to a traumatic event or experience. Previous studies have suggested that many soldiers returning from war zones, survivors of natural disasters, and crime have significant behavioral and medical distress or illness due to PTSD. iXpress Genetics is conducting research to identify unique biomarkers that may be associated with PTSD. Interns in this position will assist with the research project using computational tools and data analysis. The intern’s activities will include performing bioinformatics analyses on RNA samples from an immunoprofile analysis. Total message RNA that has been previously sequenced will be examined. Using open-source computational software, the gene expression associated with PTSD individuals compared to that of control groups will be identified and quantified. Dr. Joseph Ng will serve as the primary mentor to the student, and current technicians and research associates (postdoctoral fellows) in the Ng lab will assist the intern in his/her technical training. The intern in this position will work at the iXpress labs at the University of Alabama in Huntsville and at the HudsonAlpha campus.

This internship position will support the Genome Sequencing Center's bioinformatics and data analysis efforts. In this position, you will support a team of scientists in manipulating, assembling, and exploring the genomic sequence of organisms relevant to the Department of Energy (DOE). Possible projects include genome assembly, genetic map generation/integration, and next-generation sequence analysis. Main responsibilities will include working closely with informaticists & scientists as they design/implement computational tools for use at the GSC.

The internship opportunity will involve programming to support a clinical genetics research project. Particular focus will be given to the implementation of tools to analyze sequence, variant, and assembly data to identify genetic changes that may be relevant to disease. Applicants should have a strong interest in both computation and biology.

The Nick Cochran lab is focused on genomic contributors to dementias, with a focus on Alzheimer’s and related dementias. We want to understand how neurodegeneration-associated genes are regulated and how genetic variation may affect that regulation and/or risk for disease. We employ both computational and wet lab approaches. This position will focus on dry lab (computational) research.

The Nick Cochran lab is focused on genomic contributors to dementias, with a focus on Alzheimer’s and related dementias. We want to understand how neurodegeneration-associated genes are regulated and how genetic variation may affect that regulation and/or risk for disease. We employ both computational and wet lab approaches. This position will focus on wet lab research.

Alimetrix is a diagnostic development company dedicated to creating innovative assays that deliver actionable clinical insights. As a CAP-accredited clinical laboratory, we operate a range of laboratory-developed tests (LDTs) and commercial assays. We are seeking an intern to assist in the development of our next LDT, designed to exceed current testing capabilities and provide physicians and patients with more accurate, informative, and high-quality data.

As an Alimetrix intern, you will play an active role in the experimental design process and gain hands-on experience with a variety of laboratory instruments and analytical software. You will be mentored by Jennifer Serrett and supported by our team of experienced technicians and research associates, who will guide your technical training and professional development.

The Economic Development Department is seeking two (2) BioTrain interns interested in biosciences and a career path in entrepreneurship and business. This intern will assist the Economic Development team with recruiting life science companies to the campus, supporting business retention efforts, and growing investment, innovation, commercialization, workforce development, and entrepreneurship programs. The intern will interact with several of the HudsonAlpha Associate Companies and with HudsonAlpha’s other mission areas. The intern will function as part of the Economic Development team, contributing ideas and executing plans for furthering the Institute’s mission.

Examples of projects and tasks could include:

1) Market research for the life sciences, biotech, and ag tech industries.

2) Developing proposals for workforce development strategies and funding opportunities for incubators, accelerators, and technology parks for the Economic Development team or the resident associate companies.

3) Assist with marketing for the economic development team's strategic goals. This may include generating content for print, web, and social media.

4) Research and development of proposals to support startup and spinout ideas from HudsonAlpha scientists. These proposals will support initiatives tied to investment and commercialization.

5) Other projects and opportunities that arise in economic development or commercialization for the Institute.

This position will work closely with the genetic counseling team at HudsonAlpha. Activities will include observing and supporting the provision of genetic counseling at HudsonAlpha and the Smith Family Clinic for Genomic Medicine, LLC. The position will also help develop and implement educational resources and programs for healthcare audiences. The selected student will gain hands-on experience communicating complex genomic information in person, over the phone, and in writing.

The Myers Lab uses genomic approaches to better understand and classify human disease, focusing on neurodegenerative diseases, including Alzheimer's, Huntington's, Parkinson's diseases, and neurodevelopmental disorders such as epilepsy, developmental delay, and intellectual disabilities. Interns will be immersed in a leading genomics laboratory, leading a project relating to transcriptional regulation and human disease. Interns can expect to learn a variety of topics, including genome sequencing, clinical variant interpretation, and population genetics. It is essential to note that, although this program offers broad exposure to field and “wet lab” research, it is a 100% computational position.

SavantZ is developing a state-of-the-art Humanoid Robot for applications in bio-science, medicine, agriculture, logistics, manufacturing, social services, and security tasks. The intern will work with and learn systems engineering, electromechanical design/implementation, electronics, software design, and AI skills as they relate to robotics. They will work in our robotics lab, helping to fine-tune electromechanical systems and develop software in areas such as real-time sensor processing and fusion, image recognition and perception, artificial intelligence, and AI-based learning processes. The intern will work with a completed prototype of our sophisticated Humanoid. The intern will be supervised by a PhD in Mechanical Engineering and Robotics, a professor in Huntsville, and the co-founder of SavantZ.

The Information Technology and Cybersecurity organization is seeking an IT/Cyber intern to assist in developing a cybersecurity profile and security initiatives that will help define the best approach to securing genomic data, systems, and laboratories. The IT/Cyber intern will assist in evaluating and documenting core compliance frameworks (i.e., Access Control, Configuration Management, and System Integrity) against innovative technologies and pipelines used across genomic laboratories.

Since its inception in 1987, CFD Research has worked with government agencies, businesses, and academia to provide innovative solutions within the Aerospace & Defense, Biomedical & Life Sciences, and Energy & Materials industries. The CFDRC Bioscience & Bioengineering group is currently seeking highly motivated individuals to support the testing and characterization of lab-on-a-chip systems for biomedical applications. Specific responsibilities include working with a group of scientists and engineers, providing research and laboratory support on the development of various cellular and biomolecular microfluidic systems, implementing previously developed test protocols, investigating improvements and modifications, and validating and documenting new processes.

Join HudsonAlpha’s Educational Outreach team and help tell the story of science in action! As the Outreach and Media Intern, you’ll use your creativity and communication skills to capture the excitement of our summer STEM programs — photographing and filming hands-on learning, interviewing participants and staff, and shaping that content into engaging social media posts and digital stories.

You’ll also assist with summer education programs, gaining experience in event coordination, youth engagement, and supporting instructors, as well as gaining behind-the-scenes experience in science education. Your summer research project will focus on measuring the impact of social media and other communication strategies on Educational Outreach engagement, giving you the chance to explore analytics and data-driven storytelling while making a real contribution to our communications strategy. This internship is perfect for students interested in media, marketing, journalism, public communication, science education, or STEM outreach.

The extended dates for this position will be May 26 – July 31, 2026.

The Swaminathan Lab uses genomics and biotechnology to understand traits important for sustainable bioenergy feedstock production. Interns in this position will gain experience with promoter and gene discovery, plant transformation, and transgenic characterization methods. The intern will be part of the CABBI RISE program and the BioTrain Internship program. RISE (Research Internship in Sustainable Bioenergy) is a summer internship program offering bioenergy research opportunities for undergraduates interested in plant science. They will interact with both the BioTrain Internships cohort at HudsonAlpha Institute for Biotechnology, as well as other CABBI-RISE students and faculty. The student will be expected to attend the CABBI retreat at the University of Illinois in June 29 -July 1, 2026, and other select CABBI-RISE events. Funding will be provided for travel and expenses. This position is funded through a DOE BER Bioenergy Research Center Grant, CABBI. Applicants must be a U.S. citizen or permanent resident.

The Swaminathan lab uses functional genomics, molecular biology, and bioinformatics to understand traits/phenotypes important for sustainable energy production. The intern will be exposed to molecular biology, genotyping, phenotyping, plant tissue culture, and biotechnology techniques. We expect the student to be diligent, highly motivated, and interested in careers in plant biology and crop functional genomics.

The Harkess Lab employs comparative genomics to investigate the evolution and diversification of flowering plants on our planet. We are seeking an enthusiastic intern interested broadly in plant biology and genomics, particularly in how plants have evolved unique ways to undergo sexual and asexual reproduction. The intern will have the opportunity to work on a variety of projects related to plant evolutionary biology, developing skills ranging from molecular genetics to genome sequencing and computational genomics.

Skyang Biotech is a next-generation biotechnology company dedicated to advancing science and empowering innovation through cutting-edge gene modulation solutions. Skyang Bio builds on years of expertise in molecular biology, functional genomics, and vector engineering to provide researchers worldwide with the tools they need to unravel complex biological systems and accelerate therapeutic discoveries.

The BioTrain intern will join our research team for ~9 weeks in summer 2026, working closely with scientists on ongoing gene modulation projects. The internship blends hands-on training, collaborative learning, and exposure to the biotech industry. The intern will learn and practice core molecular biology techniques (e.g., DNA prep, PCR, cloning support); assist with experiments, data collection, and analysis; participate in team discussions and lab meetings; and prepare and present a final poster at the end of the internship, showcasing their summer research project.

The Environmental, Health, and Safety (EHS) department is seeking a safety intern to assist with internal safety and related tasks. These include training, SDS inventory, corrective actions, internal audits, gap analysis, and records maintenance, among others. The position will work closely with both the EHS department and other internal departments within HudsonAlpha, as well as potentially with Associate Companies on-site.

HudsonAlpha Educational Outreach is seeking an undergraduate or Master’s level student preparing for a career in Biology education to support the staff in educational programs throughout the summer. The intern will prepare laboratory spaces and materials for programs, explore and prepare activities, and lead educational experiences for a variety of audiences (including middle school campers and community outreach participants). Part of the work of the intern will include working alongside veteran in-service educators while engaging in multi-day professional learning workshops. Networking between current educators and the intern during these sessions will enhance the experience. Additionally, the intern will keep thorough records of educational outreach events and attend a diverse set of experiences as both a participant and facilitator of learning. An integral component of the internship will involve active observations of teaching in various informal education settings that include a variety of instructors and audiences. The intern will have multiple opportunities to facilitate instruction and receive timely and relevant feedback from veteran educators. The intern’s research focus will be diving into current educational research to make data-driven recommendations for educator professional learning.

Sentinel Ag, a HudsonAlpha Wiregrass Associate Company, develops digital agronomic solutions that empower confident nitrogen management and sustainable production using tools that equip agronomists and farmers with actionable recommendations that optimize nitrogen use, boost profitability, and promote environmental stewardship. As an Agricultural Marketing & Field Insights Intern, you’ll bridge the worlds of marketing and agronomy. You will support Sentinel in developing and curating marketing and social media content, maintaining customer data integrity and contact lists, and improving customer engagement. You will visit fields and research sites to gather field-based photos, videos, and insights that enhance our storytelling and engagement. Your contributions will help Sentinel share the real-world impact of its technologies with growers and partners across the Southeast. The intern will visit grower fields to capture photos and videos, document crop performance, and collect customer stories and feedback. As a member of the team, you will creatively contribute to our business development and customer outreach.

This team focuses on applying cutting-edge genomics, molecular biology, and bioinformatics tools to improve crop performance and sustainability across the Southeast, with an emphasis on row-crop research such as peanuts, blueberries, and timber.

Intern responsibilities will include assisting with field and greenhouse experiments, collecting and processing plant tissue samples, conducting laboratory analyses (e.g., DNA extraction and preparation for sequencing), and contributing to data organization and interpretation. The intern will also engage with researchers, industry partners, and local producers to gain insight into how genomic technologies are used to enhance agricultural productivity in the Wiregrass region.

This position offers hands-on experience in agricultural biotechnology, exposure to modern research instrumentation, and participation in real-world projects that link science, technology, and regional industry impact.

The TRIALS Project is a two-year pilot led by HudsonAlpha Wiregrass in partnership with Chonex and SouthGen Solutions to accelerate agricultural innovation through real-world, on-farm testing of new Agtech products. Focusing on Alabama’s peanut industry, the project will evaluate biofertilizers and precision agriculture tools to improve soil health, crop yield, and sustainability.

The intern will assist with research coordination and data collection for on-farm trials, develop summaries for growers and stakeholders, and support outreach activities related to agriculture, ag technology, and forestry. Additionally, this position will collaborate with the Director of HudsonAlpha Wiregrass on various projects, including administrative tasks, research on Alabama agriculture, and assisting with communications with local stakeholders. This hands-on role offers the opportunity to contribute to a pioneering model for Agtech adoption in Alabama while gaining experience in applied agricultural research, technology evaluation, general office procedures, and community engagement.

The HudsonAlpha Wiregrass Economic Development Department in Dothan, AL, is seeking an Entrepreneur Development Assistant intern to support efforts in innovative technologies within agriculture, food systems, and startup ecosystems. The intern will assist the Economic Development Department in drafting strategic plans, conducting market research, and creating professional materials such as pitch decks and outreach emails. The role includes supporting B2B startup deployments, coordinating project management tasks, and engaging with industry stakeholders. This position offers hands-on experience in business strategy, entrepreneurship, and regional development.

Psigryph is an agrifood biotech company harnessing the power of food to deliver biologically active molecules to improve the health of plants, animals, and humans. We are seeking a diligent and meticulous intern to extract nanoparticles from cherries. The intern must follow a multi-step extraction process and possess high technical and analytical skills, typically obtained through the study of biology or biochemistry-related field. The extraction method requires close adherence to each step and must be carried out with precision, effectiveness, and accuracy. Other duties include assisting in laboratory experiments and collecting and analyzing data. A background in phytochemistry, green chemistry, nanoscience, material science, or biochemical engineering is preferred.

SouthGen offers land and crop management solutions to farmers and/or/landowners, with a primary focus of "helping steward resources well". SouthGen harnesses the power of aerial data and combines it with precision technologies to capture, define, and redirect from variables in crop and land management. We believe we can do more with what we already have versus spending more on unknown returns. As an intern for SouthGen you will work boots-on-the-ground with in-field technology and/or side by side with our team leads on our aerial methods of capturing data. A typical day in this position would start with computer work, plotting and planning a day's activities, to riding on ATVs/tractors to capture field data, or even riding in an airplane or helicopter to capture an aerial perspective of holistic management. Attentiveness to detail, analytical thinking, strategic planning, punctuality, and high levels of organization and communication are imperative to the success of this position.

Responsibilities may include:

• Computer work using various software to capture and deliver strategic solutions to end users
• Field work to include nutrient analysis, riding ATVs in rough conditions, and working with computer equipment on tractors
• Communicating with fellow team members and end-users about findings and plans
• Work with collaborators for unified approaches for simplified and streamlined management
• Data entry and tracking

Notes:

• Future consideration for long-term, full-time employment depending on work spirit and ethic
• Must be able to work in outside heat for many hours at a time
• Must be physically agile and not have mobility limitations
• Must be able to lift up to 40 lbs
• Must be fluent and able to read, write, and clearly speak the English language
• Should not be highly prone to outdoor or dust allergies
• Will be required to work on a farm around livestock and varieties of crops.

The Educational Outreach Intern will play a vital role in supporting educational programming and community engagement activities. This hands-on position offers practical experience in informal science education, program coordination, and educational research. The intern will work closely with staff to deliver high-quality educational experiences while developing professional skills in event management, communication, and data analysis.

As the Wiregrass Educational Outreach Intern, you will develop skills and gain experience in many areas of informal science education. You will provide direct support to students and instructors during our science summer camps. You will learn about educational program delivery, youth engagement, event coordination, and logistics management by assisting our instructors with high school and educator training programs, as well as community events.

Another role for the Educational Outreach Intern in the Wiregrass will be to assist with marketing and communications efforts for educational programs. You will take photos of events and upload them to online platforms. The intern in this position will conduct interviews with participants to gather quotes and stories and assist with creating content for outreach efforts.

The intern will complete a summer research project focused on effective communication methods for Wiregrass education audiences. This project will involve conducting surveys of program participants and community members, collecting and analyzing data, and presenting their findings and recommendations at the BioTrain Internship Poster Session.

This internship provides opportunities to develop skills in:

• Educational program delivery and youth engagement
• Event coordination and logistics management
• Community engagement and educational outreach
• Research methodology and data analysis
• Professional communication

This team focuses on applying cutting-edge genomics, molecular biology, and bioinformatics tools to improve crop performance and sustainability across the Southeast, with an emphasis on row-crop research such as peanuts, blueberries, and timber.

Intern responsibilities will include assisting with field and greenhouse experiments, collecting and processing plant tissue samples, conducting laboratory analyses (e.g., DNA extraction and preparation for sequencing), and contributing to data organization and interpretation. The intern will also engage with researchers, industry partners, and local producers to gain insight into how genomic technologies are used to enhance agricultural productivity in the Wiregrass region.

This position offers hands-on experience in agricultural biotechnology, exposure to modern research instrumentation, and participation in real-world projects that link science, technology, and regional industry impact.

The intern will work with the HudsonAlpha Wiregrass Economic Development and Entrepreneurship Team in Dothan, Alabama. This team supports the growth of innovative companies in the Wiregrass region and works closely with startup businesses across agricultural technology, biotechnology, and related industries.

The intern will assist in developing and implementing marketing strategies, creating digital and print content, and supporting the outreach efforts of emerging startup companies within the HudsonAlpha Wiregrass innovation and startup programs. In addition to marketing support, the intern will collaborate on business development and entrepreneurship initiatives, contributing to tasks such as market research, social media management, event coordination, and business strategy development.

This position offers a hands-on opportunity to gain real‑world experience in marketing, communications, business development, and organizational strategy within a collaborative innovation hub that blends science, technology, and economic growth. The intern will also assist the team with administrative and research support related to regional economic development activities.