R&D De Novo Protein Design Intern

JOB OBJECTIVE: This is a split wet-lab/dry-lab role supporting a de novo/scaffold protein engineering campaign to improve the functional attributes of an engineered enzyme. The intern will combine hands-on wet-lab work with AI-driven computational protein design. This role offers an opportunity to work collaboratively with a multidisciplinary team of experimental biologists, chemists, and computational scientists to develop innovative protein design platforms leveraging AI, and to contribute to impactful research and development projects in biotechnology.

CORE DUTIES:

1. Wet lab: supports experimental characterization of candidate designs.

1. Expresses and purifies candidate protein designs.

2. Runs functional assays to evaluate candidate designs.

3. Applies rational protein design methods (e.g., alanine scanning, site-saturation mutagenesis).

2. Dry lab: executes the AI-driven de novo design workflow.

1. Submits and monitors design jobs.

2. Analyzes predicted structures and sequences.

3. Collaborates with experimental and computational scientists to integrate computational predictions with laboratory experiments.

4. Prepares and presents research findings, including progress updates and results, to the project team and internal stakeholders.

5. Documents experiments and computational workflows (e.g., lab notebooks, version-controlled code) so results are reproducible and can be shared across the team.

6. Demonstrates inclusion through their own words and actions and is accountable for a safe workspace. Acts with kindness, curiosity, and respect for others.

7. Embraces and is open to incorporating Promega’s 6 Emotional & Social Intelligence (ESI) core principles in daily work.

8. Understands and complies with ethical, legal, and regulatory requirements applicable to our business.

KEY QUALIFICATIONS:

1. Currently pursuing a PhD in Biochemistry, Computational Biology, Molecular Biology, or a related field.

2. Hands-on wet-lab experience with recombinant protein expression and purification and with biochemical/biophysical assays.

3. Proficiency in Python for scientific computing, data analysis, and pipeline development.

4. Familiarity with viewing and analyzing protein structures and sequences.

5. Strong communication and teamwork skills, with the ability to collaborate effectively across wet-lab and computational disciplines.

6. Strong analytical and problem-solving skills, with the ability to interpret complex experimental and computational data.

7. Demonstrated proficiency in digital tools and technology, including Microsoft applications and mobile platforms, with the ability to adapt and leverage emerging technologies, such as artificial intelligence, to improve efficiency, automation, and collaboration.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS:

1. Experience with AI-driven protein design tools (e.g., ProteinMPNN, RFdiffusion) or structural bioinformatics.

2. Comfort working in a Linux/command-line environment.

3. Experience with version control (e.g., Git) for scripts and analysis workflows.

4. Exposure to chemistry, particularly substrate/analog design and structure-activity relationship (SAR) reasoning.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS:

1. Ability to remain stationary at a lab bench or computer workstation for extended periods.

2. Ability to move about the lab and between work areas.

3. Ability to operate and use laboratory equipment (e.g., pipettes, plate readers, and similar instrumentation).

4. Ability to use a computer and Microsoft Office applications.

At Promega, we value diversity and strive to create an inclusive workplace. We are proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer, making employment decisions without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, veteran status, disability, or any other protected class.