Life Sciences Intern

Donaldson is committed to solving the world's most complex filtration challenges. Together, we make cool things. As an established technology and innovation leader, we are continuously evolving to meet the filtration needs of our changing world. Join a culture of collaboration and innovation that matters and a chance to learn, effect change, and make meaningful contributions at work and in communities.

The Donaldson internship program provides innovative students with meaningful, hands-on experience in a collaborative industry environment. Through real-world projects, mentorship, and development opportunities, we aim to support career growth and build a talent pipeline aligned with our values and goals. This internship takes place in Durham, NC, during an 11-12-week period.

The Life Sciences team of Material and Chemistry group located at Durham, NC is searching for a life sciences Intern to drive development of new purification processes for various therapeutics. The intern will have a specific life sciences project designed for the summer as an opportunity to expand their skills, learn about Donaldson, and broaden their work experience.

Role Responsibilities:

• Collaborate with scientists and engineers to design experiments that solve challenges related to purification of various therapeutics modalities.
• Perform bacterial and mammalian cell culture including transformation and/or transfection to express recombinant proteins, amplification of plasmid DNA and Isolation
• Perform molecular biology experiments to create recombinant DNA molecules, agarose gel electrophoresis, gel extraction etc.
• Perform protein purification of various recombinant protein using chromatography and filtration using AKTA systems. Perform protein bioanalytical methods like SDS-PAGE, Western blotting, ELISA, UV-Vis spectrophotometry etc.
• Participate in problem solving and provide data-driven recommendations to the project team.
• Perform additional assignments (e.g., standardized testing, EHS initiatives, lab maintenance, instrument upkeep) as needed.

Minimum Qualifications:

• Current junior/3rd year undergraduate enrolled in an accredited program pursing a bachelor's degree in biotechnology, biology, life sciences, microbiology, biochemistry, or closely related fields.
• Experience working in biology laboratory setting including hands-on experience and laboratory safety practices.
• Understanding of principles and background of molecular biology, cell culture, protein biochemistry, bioanalytical techniques like electrophoresis, western blotting, ELISA, Spectrophotometry etc.
• Familiarity with chromatography and filtration techniques.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team.
• While performing the duties of this position, the intern is frequently required to walk, stand, bend, kneel, twist, and stoop in research labs. The position requires mobility including the ability to move materials weighing up to 20 pounds unassisted on a regular basis such as storing, setting up and cleaning up equipment and supplies.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Experience working with AKTA chromatography systems is a plus.
• Experience working in academic R&D labs.
• Strong problem-solving and critical-thinking skills.
• Excellent organizational skills and communication skills.
• Must have a current cumulative GPA of 2.8 or higher.

Relocation: This position is not eligible for relocation assistance.

Hourly Pay Rate: Depending on projected undergraduate graduation date, educational degree in progress and major of study upon time of hire.

This position is overtime eligible as per state and federal regulations.

Employee benefits are part of the total rewards package that Donaldson Company, Inc. provides to you. Our benefits program includes retirement plan (401k), paid time away - sick and safe time (MN only), and the employee assistance program.

Immigration Sponsorship Not Available:

• Applicants for this position must be currently and legally authorized to work in the United States without the need for current or future sponsorship (e.g., H-1B, J-1, F-1, CPT, OPT, etc.).
• Donaldson will not offer immigration sponsorship or assume sponsorship of an employment visa for this position.
• International relocation or remote work arrangements outside of the U.S. will not be considered.

Keywords: intern, internship, biology, biochemistry, chromatography, cell culture, bioanalytical techniques

Equal Opportunity Employer, including Disability and Veterans

Employment opportunities for positions in the United States may require use of information which is subject to the export control regulations of the United States. Hiring decisions for such positions are required by law to be made in compliance with these regulations. Applicants for employment opportunities in other countries must be able to meet the comparable export control requirements of that country and of the United States.

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Our policy is to provide equal employment opportunities to all qualified persons without regard to race, gender, color, disability, national origin, age, religion, union affiliation, sexual orientation, veteran status, citizenship, gender identity and/or expression, or other status protected by law.