Intern, Lab Automation (BS)

Position description:

Calico is seeking an intern to join the Automation Applications group. 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 support our ongoing development of automated assays and biological processes. You will optimize or develop a new automated method by designing, programming, testing, and validating a process using liquid handlers such as Hamilton Vantages, Agilent Bravos, Biotek plate washers, and peripheral equipment. The successful candidate will work closely with members of the Automation team and scientific groups on automating various aspects of cell culture and/or molecular assays.

Responsibilities: 

• Program automated scripts on liquid handlers
• Develop and execute test plans that incorporate verification and validation principles 
• Collaborate with scientists and lab members
• Document results, analyze data, and present conclusions to collaborators
• Troubleshoot and support equipment

Position requirements:

• Currently pursuing a Bachelor’s (BS) degree in Biomedical Engineering, Chemical Engineering, or related field
• Experience working in a wet lab environment or engineering workshop
• Knowledge of basic cell biology or molecular biology
• General programming concepts 
• 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:

• Hands-on experience with cell culture (aseptic technique, cell handling, etc)
• Hands-on experience with microplate based assays (ELISA, etc)
• Experience with CAD or CFD software (SolidWorks, AutoCAD, COMSOL, etc)
• Experience programming in Python or Visual Basic

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