Intern, Systems Biology of MSC Differentiation (BS)

Position description:

Calico is seeking an intern to join the Cellular Models and Assay Technologies, Cellular Phenotyping, and Metabolomics labs on a joint collaborative summer project. To succeed, you will need to be an enthusiastic team player, detail-oriented, extremely organized and comfortable working on complex problems.  In this position you will study mesenchymal stem cell (MSC) differentiation in order to identify pathways that generally regulate differentiation, versus those that participate in cell fate decisions. The successful candidate will work closely with members of a multidisciplinary team to test genetically modified cell lines with a suite of readouts, including metabolomics, fluorescence microscopy, and RNAseq.

Responsibilities: 

• Utilize existing automation-supported workflows to culture genetically perturbed MSC lines 
• Carry out cell differentiation experiments into osteogenic and adipogenic lineages and characterize the effects of genetic perturbations using fluorescence microscopy, metabolomics and RNA-seq profiling
• Work with mentors to analyze the data and present results
• EXTRA: evaluate the feasibility of 384-well format for adipogenic differentiation

Position requirements:

• Currently pursuing a Bachelor’s (BS) degree in Cell Biology, Systems Biology, Biochemistry or related field 
• Experience working with mammalian cells in culture 
• Knowledge of immunofluorescence and fluorescence microscopy techniques
• Detail-oriented and organized
• Strong teamwork and communication skills
• Self-motivated with a “can-do” attitude
• Flexible, able to respond quickly to shifting priorities and able to multitask
• Available to work for the summer months in person at our location in South San Francisco, CA

Nice to have:

• Experience preparing samples for metabolomics and/or bulk RNAseq
• Proficiency with R or python and FIJI/ImageJ
• Experience with mass spectrometry techniques
• Background studying cellular differentiation

About our Program:

Calico’s internship program is a paid 12-week program over the summer for students interested in understanding the fundamental science of aging and finding treatments for the associated and intractable diseases. Working in a collaborative environment and fully embedded in one of our labs/teams, Calico interns tackle a unique project under the mentorship of at least one of our scientists or engineers. Students from all schools, and students who identify with a demographic that is underrepresented within the technology, data science, and healthcare industries are encouraged to apply. This includes but is not limited to Black, Latinx, Native American, students with disabilities, veterans, and non-binary people.

Program Features:

• 3-month summer timeline
• In-person experience at our offices in South San Francisco
• Matching with at least one Calico mentor
• Group supplemental activities weekly featuring guest speakers, Senior Leadership spotlights, and discussion groups on aging science, our drug development approach, and more
• End-of-summer company-wide project showcase and poster session
• Competitive compensation ($40 - $65/hour) and monthly living expenses stipend
  

Program Eligibility:

• Able to work in-person at our offices in South San Francisco
• Free for a consecutive period of 11-12 weeks in June, July, and August
• Not graduating before December 2025
  • Exception for students enrolling into a graduate degree program in Fall 2025
• Must be enrolled in a US university